NFC is a wireless technology which allows two-way communication between two nearby devices. NFC can be applied in paying for goods and services, ticketing, or information sharing between devices, based on Radio Frequency Identification RFID technology. The embryonic services offered by NFC make it an enticing technology to both commercial and private users.
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 an 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.
Due to its flexibility and applied technology, NFC can be integrated to create almost any kind of connected device. 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. It is in the mobile phone, but, where NFC will probably enter the mainstream of consumer activities.
Problems the General Adoption of NFC May Encounter
NFC has not achieved its complete mass market roll-out, regardless of the fact that there are a billion smart cards and 4 billion mobile phones being used all over the world. 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.
For us to enjoy NFC, there must be cooperation between many different partners from different parts of the mobile world. Parties critical to your success are: mobile operators, financing companies, device manufacturers, service providers as well as other reliable entities. NFC has partnerships with Banka Koper, Mastercard Europe and Mobitel in Slovenia. There subscribers can pay for things by a simple tap.
Sagem Wireless is one example of a company dedicated to leading the way with inventive products that incorporate NFC technology for great uses. 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.
The manufacturers of mobile communication equipment have to agree to adopt NFC and incorporate it in their devices before the technology is adopted. Mobile network operators help expand the Near Field Communication technology because it will allow new networked servers which will in turn create new revenue streams. 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.
The latest development in mobile communication equipment is the introduction of NFC. 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.
Brands and operators are able to connect with their target markets with innovations in NFC technology. 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. In practice, it is incredibly convenient to pay train or bus fare from your mobile device.
In France, Germany and the Netherlands, pilots have shown the NFC enabled mobile devices are superior to the current "smart" card options available today. 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. You may add multiple credit or debit cards to your Near Field Communications device, which allows you to pay for items and services, basically anywhere, using only your phone. Obviously, for the "virtual wallet" to be fully accepted, stores, restaurants, bars and other merchants must gradually adopt new payment devices that support NFC. 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 have already been successful across the globe, from France to Australia.
Sharing: Pictures, videos, and games are some aspects we want to share with our friends via cell phones. The NFC enables devices to share music, photos and even video, just by being in the proximity of other enabled devices. The following has the ability to be conducted through most dimensions of society-from the younger generation comparing various media to corporation type data processing which involves business cards and spreadsheet applications.
You can make use of NFC to change the advertising and marketing industries by creating 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. By sharing data with each other, marketers can reward their customers for answering about their personal preferences.
Centre Pompidou, an art museum in Paris, is a collaborative partner in the development of this interactivity. 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. The first deployment of NFC technology will be in the Southern French city of Nice. 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.
There are endless possibilities for NFC technology. With the growing and developing intrastructure environment, technology continues to roll out, unvealing more and more applications available for end users. Further applications are produced, as more and more people are using NFC and it has become omnipresent.
A summary of the Near Field Communications application.
Though Near Field Communications provides support and may enable apps on handsets, the initial phase of its employment is seeing Near Field Communications being used for payment and ticketing in the transportation field. Pilot programs across the world have all yielded positive results. With more and more NFC compatible devices being launched by device manufacturers, mobile operators and service providers need to work closely to put in place the infrastructure that will facilitate and drive rollout of the technology.
Source: ezinearticles.com