Nokia has matched its NFC writing capabilities over on its Symbian platform with a way of writing NFC tags on Windows Phone. The obviously named 'Nokia NFC Writer' is available now and is, of course, free. Below, I look into detail at the full range of content this utility can write to NFC tags, which can now be bought inexpensively. See also my NFC primer, looking at how the technology works.

As an example, specifying a particular Twitter account to follow and then writing this to a suitable NFC tag. Note the recipient/tapper will have to be sign into Twitter online in their web browser, etc. in order to complete the 'follow'. Most online NFC transactions are URL-based.

The things you've written are logged and can be brought up for re-writing to new tags very easily; (right) ideas from the community are also included, which is very helpful

The possible things to write (at this version of Nokia NFC Writer at least) is:

• call a number (e.g. in an emergency situation)
• send an email (ditto)
• send a text message (ditto) 
• share a contact
• post a tweet (e.g. when arriving somewhere)
• follow a user on Twitter (e.g. for customers or visitors to quickly follow you)
• like on Facebook (ditto)
• find something on Google+ (ditto)
• foursquare check-in
• share a YouTube video (e.g. for promotional use)
• share a YouTube channel (ditto)
• share a song (ditto)
• toggle music playback (i.e. play/pause, e.g. for use around the home, office or car)
• location on a map (e.g. to give a potential customer your location)
• share an address (e.g. to hand out postal details)
• open a web page (the oldest and most well known type of tag - tap to be given a URL etc.)
• search the Store (e.g. to find an app and then write its Store link for someone else to tap and then download later)
• top apps (ditto, but some suggestions are given)
• system apps (i.e. you'd then tap the tag to start these particular applications)
• create nearspeak record (the tag will link to a voice speaking the text you specify)
• share a note (just plain text, but generically useful!)
• toggle a setting (various are available, including Wi-fi, flight mode and battery saver)

So fairly flexible then, the above functions should get most peoples' imaginations fired up. And tags can now be sourced without costing the earth.

You can download Nokia NFC Writer here in the Nokia Collection. If outside the USA, you may find it easier to search for 'Nokia NFC' in the on-device Store directly.