Everyone is Talking about (NFC) Near Field Communication at the 6th Mobile World Congess in Barcelona, but what is NFC?
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless technology that communicates wirelessly in both directions over a short range between two devices. Radio Frequency Identification technology can be implemented across a wide variety of commercial areas. The potential of services such as NFC are attracting business and consumer attention.
While data transfers are slower than Bluetooth, NFC has the advantages of increased usability and better security. Near Field Communications is a wireless technology that operates over short distances; devices can implement this technology to permit a user to, for example, store credits to be used to securely and instantly pay for public transport, eliminating inconvenient additional steps. In addition, NFC uses less power than Bluetooth and can work when one of the devices is off.
To create nearly any kind of connected device, NFC has the ability to be integrated by this flexibility and wider application of the technology. INSIDE Contactless, a NFC semi-conductor provider, is one of the companies at the heart of using NFC in reliable, fast, and secure transactions for access control, payment and transport and electronic identification. PC peripherals, Point of Sale POS, Mobile phones, Handheld devices, Key fobs and Smart cards have Inside Solutions in them. NFC is hoping to enter the mainstream of its users activities via cell phones.
With more than 4 billion mobile devices on the market, (NFC) Near-Field Communication has not even approached its full potential. While barriers still remain, the mobile industry is working to implement NFC for a full roll-out. By the year 2014, one sixth of mobile phone users will have NFC-enabled units that will enable them to conduct small-scale transactions, according to the estimations of industry analysts at Juniper Research.
Cooperation amongst key developers in various aspects of the mobile ecosystem will determine the long-range success of Near Field Communications. There must be partnerships between mobile operators, manufacturers, service providers and third parties. NFC has partnerships with Banka Koper, Mastercard Europe and Mobitel in Slovenia. There subscribers can pay for things by a simple tap.
Many businesses. like Sagem Wireless, are dedicated to leading the field in developing new devices that use Near Field Communications. Take for example, the new CosyPhone by Sagem Wireless uses NFC to provide a simple product to those over 50 that will conform to their specific needs. As an example, NFC is used by the phone to enable simple calling as well as to allow access to data services by permitting users to wave their Cosyphone past shortcut cards that are pre-configured and customized in order to call friends and family, or services like doctors and grocery shopping.
Users will have the ability to make their own cards for use in their personal diary. A simple wave of the instrument past the cards send pre-configured text messages, like greeting happy birthday to relatives.
Manufacturers alone can not drive NFC usage by themselves. NFC needs mobile network operators since technology is creating new connected services, therefore enabling new revenue streams to be accessed though the mobile network.
The growth of NFC services is based upon adoption by mobile operators.
It is important that banks and credit card companies offer the mandatory levels of security for simple and effective payment transactions using NFC.
While all this implies that there are pretty good challenges for the mass adoption of NFC in connected devices, 2010 is set to be a very crucial year in deciding which mobile network operators, device manufacturers and service providers become the leaders in the field.
With the emergence of Near Field Communication, there are new things pertaining to mobile devices that need to be learned. Rapid development of the Smartphone has left the consumers craving further advancements for their phones. By charging for mobile usage of new devices and services, mobile operators and lifestyle brands perceive the revenue potential of creating such devices that are behind the m-commerce driving force. They want to get away from smartphones and generic app stores, and have a more personal experience with their connected devices.
NFC is a technological revolution that makes brands and operators to have a connection with their target communities through these new services.
Near Field Communications enabled mobile devices have the potential to transform the way we pay for goods and services and are an integral part of our connected lifestyles.
Ticketing: At first, some popular NFC applications in mobile devices focused on contactless tickets worldwide. Consumers yearn for the ability to pay for a bus or train fare with a cell phone.
Pilots initiatives in France, Germany and the Netherlands had shown how (NFC) Near Field Communication enabled mobile devices are a more better alternative to the existing “smart” card solution which is already in operation.
Checking in and checking out at the start and end of a journey is easily achieved using the NFC system. It also allows access to additional options such as checking and refiling account balances and receiving the latest travel information.
NFC device users may perform tasks other than topping up a card. There are options to add multiple credit and debit cards to the NFC device that helps the user to utilize their phone to pay for goods or services at virtually any outlet. Obviously, the concept associated with a “electronic wallet” must require merchants including stores, dining establishments as well as pubs, to support Near Field Communication during the implementation regarding innovative transaction equipment, that will be implemented gradually.
But, global events like the London Olympics in 2012 are set to kick-start this m-payment with possible plans including having smart tickets for the Games that can double-up as contactless payment and travel cards to create a cashless Olympic Village.
Juniper Research say that while the Asian market is already established in making contactless payments, by 2014 these services will take off in North America and Europe as well, totaling $110 million. Trials at Disneyland Paris (France) and Australia’s Telstra have been a success.
Mobile devices have a avriety of features which enable you to share media. A simple process is used in NFC technology that helps the users to touch devices to share content such as music, videos and photographs.
All levels of society will find this useful: from kids sharing videos to video-conferencing in the boardroom.
You can make use of (NFC) Near Field Communication to change the advertising and marketing industries by creating Smart Posters and other promotional materials NFC compatible.
When end users see posters that have products peaking their interests advertised on them, they will be able to whip out their phone and download information for their use and to send to their friends. A marketer can offer its users incentives in return form information about products and services.
One instance of this interactivity is an exciting collaboration with Centre Pompidou, an art museum in Paris. Smart Muse uses NFC technology which allows viewers to wave NFC-enabled phones near compatible exhibits. This brings viewers more information about the exhibit and artist. It also provides videos and interviews for the viewer to watch and listen.
By using the site, you will have the ability to share your thoughts across the social network platform, like Facebook. The system launch is being synchronized with the opening of the new Teen Gallery later on in 2011. In the beautiful city of Nice in the South of France, NFC will be rolling out an electronic guided tour of the old city centre. The Smart Muse project, funded by a grant from France’s Ministry of Economy, provides tags and contextualized-location and time-based-content management systems.
NFS technology has itinerant opportunities. The more robust the infrastructure becomes, the more that apps will be built in support of it. Further applications are produced, as more and more people are using NFC and it has become omnipresent.
Near Field Communication supports multiple transactions on handsets with the first applications being implemented in the transportation sector. Worldwide testing has been successful and its compelling service exploits its connectivity. With more and more NFC compatible devices being launched by device manufacturers at the MWC today, mobile operators and service providers need to work closely to put in place the infrastructure that will facilitate and drive rollout of the technology
For more info on Smart Posters and (NFC) Near Field Communication
David Chen UK 14 Feb-2011