Last week we had an early preview of the upcoming BlackBerry Tags feature that’s going to debut with BlackBerry OS 7.1. It allows two NFC-enabled devices to touch, back to back, in order to transfer context-specific content over Bluetooth. The secure connection is made using the NFC chip built into such devices as the Bold 9900, Curve 9360 and upcoming Curve 9380 and Bold 9790. If you are in the browser you can transfer URLs; if in the Contacts app, a person’s contact info, etc. Any application present in the Media directory will work with BlackBerry Tags, so music, photos, video and recorded voice notes. In addition, documents created in Docs To Go can be wirelessly transferred.
The app has built-in security features that will prevent someone from inadvertently sending or stealing personal information. Both devices have to have their screens on, and the receiver must confirm the content. There is a satisfying sound when two devices connect, and the transfers are pretty quick.
BlackBerry Tag goes up against Android’s Beam implementation in Ice Cream Sandwich, and should be a boost to productivity for those wanting to network or share files or documents quickly and easily.
