Tikitag Connects Real-World Objects to the Online World

A DEMOfall debut, Tikitag connects real-world objects to the online world. Unveiled by Alcatel-Lucent Ventures, Tikitag is the first consumer service that enables consumers and third-party application developers to increase the value of everyday items by connecting them to online content (any URL) and PC or mobile applications, using RFID's Near Field Communications (NFC) technology.

For example, Tikitag allows gallery visitors to wave an NFC-enabled mobile phone at a painting and see the painter’s Wikipedia profile appear on the phone’s screen. A father can use Tikitag’s USB reader to link his toddler’s teddy bear to an online story about that same bear; or a cleaning company can use it to automatically register a fulfilled service via a simple touch of an NFC enabled mobile phone to an Tikitag-linked NFC tag in the cleaned room. There are a ton of possibilities for such a service.

Until NFC is widely available in on U.S. mobile phones, the company is offering a "starter package" beginning October 1st, 2008 (available at Amazon.com and other ecommerce sites). The package includes a USB reader, electronic tags, and access to a community website where users can create, share, and use new and off-the-shelf Tikitag applications.

If the service takes off and enough developers get involved with apps, another option for business owners would be to attach the tags to posters or advertisements that could interact with cellphones or other portable devices.