Near Field Communication: A Simple Exchange of Information

What Is NFC?

NFC is a short range wireless technology that allows enabled devices to share information in close proximity. It’s similar to Bluetooth, but instead of programming devices to work together, all you need to establish a connection is to hold the devices close to each other or touch them together. Once within range (usually 4 cm or less) NFC allows the transfer of data or power in just seconds.

How Does NFC Help?

NFC takes a step towards digitally enhancing your world and making it rich with information and interactivity. Equipped with an NFC smart tag, simple things like posters, stickers and glass become digital data interfaces.

Imagine you pass a poster for a movie you’ve wanted to see. If the poster has an NFC smart tag, you could hold your phone next to the poster and instantly get trailers, clips, show times and links to buy movie tickets online. Or maybe you’re shopping and notice a sticker advertising a 30% discount at your favorite store. Just hold your phone to the sticker and the coupon will be sent directly to your phone. It’s also a great way to quickly copy contact information from a business or friend, and you can transfer data between NFC-enabled phones too.

Want to know more? Watch this NFC explanation from an Android engineer:

More to Come

As the market and NFC devices continue to grow, the number of things you can do will only increase. The NFC Forum, a group of companies looking for ways to expand the technology, comes up with hundreds of new applications every year. Some of the ways they’re looking to use NFC include:

• Contactless Payment: Instead of using cash or swiping a credit card, just touch your phone to an NFC payment reader and have your purchase deducted automatically.
• Transportation: No need for paper tickets on the bus or subway anymore. Wave your phone by an NFC tag when you board and the fare is deducted from your monthly balance.
• Accessibility: Simplify communications for people with disabilities. Touch an NFC phone to a person’s picture to automatically call that person, or hold an NFC phone near a block of text to have that text read out loud.

We'd love to hear from you.Write a comment

• Super Good Video :) Very informative, Great Comparison. I know which one I'm getting now. Thank You :)

  tammera111 May 8, 2012

• Very disappointed that my ATT Galaxy SII doesn't have an NFC chip in it so that I can take advantage of everything that NFC has to offer. I just don't understand it, why give us batteries with the NFC antenna in it if you're not going to give us the chip that will enable us to use it?

  angrysam May 8, 2012

• thats a great idea liked how the video explained how the app works to tranfer data

  SOCIOPAPI April 25, 2012

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