BlackBerry Tag feature unveiled by RIM

RIM has announced that BlackBerry users will soon be able to share information by touching their handsets together.

The forthcoming 7 OS update will introduce the BlackBerry Tag feature, which utilises the near-field communications (NFC) built into newer models to exchange content.

Contact information, documents, weblinks, photos and other media content can be shared via the technology, RIM has confirmed. Users will also be able to add one another on BlackBerry Messenger by bringing their phones into contact.

"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 new addition to BlackBerry devices that enables two handsets to join at close proximity, forming a low bandwidth connection. The function is expected to be adapted to allow users to pay for goods in the future.

Balsillie added: "BlackBerry Tag opens a new dimension to the BlackBerry platform that is powerful, simple and intuitive, and we think it will be welcomed by both users and developers."

Earlier today, millions of BlackBerry users across Europe, the Middle East and Africa were locked out of certain services following a server crash.

> Read our latest technology news