Near Field Communication
The Next Experience in Mobile
So, what exactly is NFC?
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology makes life easier and more convenient for consumers around the world by making it simpler to make transactions, exchange digital content, and connect electronic devices with a touch.
NFC is the critical technology that is needed to realize the promise of connecting the physical and virtual environments. NFC provides a secure wireless two-way communication between a mobile phone and reception devices such as other mobile phones, payment terminals or identification readers.
The Smartphone market will soon adopt NFC as a new connectivity option, similar to the way GPS, Bluetooth and WiFi were added to Smartphones in the past. However, unlike the prior limited applications, NFC is so much richer and not simply yet another new connectivity solution.
What does it mean for me?
Visualize the freedom of replacing a multitude of physical cards you typically carry with an NFC enabled phone that allows the device to instantly communicate in real-time with existing contactless systems, at your convenience. Major uses such as Card Emulation, Information Readers and Peer-to-Peer Communications will be possible with wave or tap of your phone.
Key Benefits
NFC provides a range of benefits to consumers and businesses, such as:
- Intuitive: NFC interactions require no more than a simple touch
- Versatile: NFC is ideally suited to the broadest range of industries, environments and uses
- Open and standards-based: The underlying layers of NFC technology follow universally implemented ISO, ECMA, and ETSI standards
- Technology-enabling: NFC facilitates fast and simple setup of wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Inherently secure: NFC transmissions are short range (from a touch to a few centimeters)
- Interoperable: NFC works with existing contactless card technologies
- Security-ready: NFC has built-in capabilities to support secure applications
Card Emulation
Applications such as Payments, Personal Identification and Access, and Transportation that were previously handled through multiple credit cards, badges and tickets, will be replaced with information available through your Smartphone. As the technology is widely adopted, an electronic wallet will be realized through NFC that will allow your Smartphone to deliver the convenience, personal interactivity and security that is essential to manage and use the "cards in the wallet".
Information Readers
Whether or not the application requires security, NFC will permit reading a variety of physical objects through the use of smart tags. Imagine being able to instantly pull down a new recipe from a grocery store ad, get detailed information from a movie poster, select college classes, learn how to best serve your favorite wine, and so much more, all with a wave of your phone. With NFC and smart tags, it is all possible. The applications are only limited by the imagination and creativity of the individual.
Peer-to-Peer Communications
When you want to get a colleagues business information quickly, why hand out a business card? With NFC, your card information will be instantaneously downloaded to your phone by simply tapping your Smartphone to that of your colleague. Or be part of the new genre as the ability to quickly battle your gaming partner become effortless, and where Social Networking takes on a whole new meaning.
