RIM users get tap-to-share with BlackBerry Tag

BlackBerry users will soon be able to exchange information with each other and pair up on BlackBerry Messenger by simply touching their handsets together, RIM has revealed.

The new functionality is coming in a future update to the BlackBerry 7 OS and will make use of the near-field communications (NFC) hardware built into newer BlackBerry smartphones such as the Bold 9900.

Named BlackBerry Tag, the new feature allows users to share contact information, documents, web links, photos and other multimedia content, RIM said.

Users will also be able to add others as a contact on the BlackBerry Messenger service by touching their devices together.

"BlackBerry Tag is an exciting and innovative feature that makes sharing contact information and multimedia content effortless and seamless," said RIM chief executive Jim Balsillie.

NFC is a relatively low-bandwidth wireless interface that only operates at close proximity, typically just a few centimetres. The technology is a recent addition to BlackBerry devices and is also expected to let users pay for goods electronically, with the relevant software support.

RIM said it will enable developers to access BlackBerry Tag via APIs to allow applications to take advantage of "tap to share" functionality.

The BlackBerry-maker is hoping its support for NFC will help its smartphones better compete with those from arch rivals Apple and Android.

At Mobile World Congress in February, RIM chief executive Jim Balsillie said "many if not most" BlackBerry devices would have NFC built in.