If you have a smartphone, you undoubtedly know about barcode scanning apps that can link the real world with the virtual world. While these barcode scanning apps are great, companies are always looking for the next best thing.
I recently came across an article that states Apple is investing in Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. A subset of RFID, NFC limits communication range to approximately four inches. Apparently, Apple has already tested NFC technology on its prototypes.
But what does this mean for you? If smartphones like the iPhone begin to incorporate NFC technology, the possibilities are endless. NFC could be used for monetary transactions and downloading data at high-speeds from kiosks, stores, events and more.
Although it seems like the iPhone 4G just came out, NFC iPhones will probably come out with the next big iPhone makeover. Best of all, since most iPhone users already have iTunes, which has their credit card number, the NFC technology will be easy to adopt for payments. Imagine only having to carry your phone, sans wallet.
Currently, there are companies such as Bling Nation that implement NFC solution to retailers. In fact, just over a year ago I wrote on how the entire town of La Junta, CO has began to use NFC as a form of contactless payment. But, what if this was the case all over the world… I can only imagine the possibilities!
In addition to payment, imagine how retailers could take advantage of NFC. For example, if you walked into a store, a coupon could just automatically appear on your screen!
There are countless possibilities for NFC technology, and if the iPhone plans on implementing it, I’m sure other manufacturers will follow suite. Would you want NFC technology on your phone, and if so, what do you see it being used for? Let us know by commenting here, or on our Facebook or Twitter pages.
Tags:
near field communications, nfc, nfc bling nation, nfc enabled phone, nfc la junta colorado, nfc on iphone, nfc phones, RFID
There are so many beneficial applications to RFID technology but the more innovation that occurs the more chance there exists for people to take advantage of the system. Currently to steal someone’s money on a subway a pickpocket must reach into an individual’s pocket to steal a wallet. However, I fear that with RFIDs being used, without proper security, a person can just bump a victim’s back pocket with a wallet and steal the RFID data on a credit card without the victim knowing.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for posting. RFID is an incredibly innovative technology that can be used to accomplish so much good. However, to your point, bad things could happen if necessary precautions aren’t taken. I would hope there will be many security measures put into place before this technology is fully implemented to the public.
Hasn’t this already been implemented in Japan? I’ve heard you can tap your smartphone against a vending machine target and have it automatically debit your account that’s linked to the phone. Of course the Japanese are light years ahead of the U.S. on technology…
Hi Chris,
Thanks for the info. Has anyone recently visited Japan… or live there? If you do, let us know what it’s like!
Hi there, just stopped by doing some research for my Colorado 4g website. Lots of information out there. Not what I was looking for, but great site. Have a good day.