NFC Introduction
NFC is the abbreviation of Near Field Communication, which is short-range wireless communication technology.
NFC (Non-Contact Technology) technology is born out of "contactless radio frequency identification" (RFID) and interconnection technology between wireless devices. It can meet the information exchange, content access, and service exchange between any two wireless devices, and make it simpler. As long as any two devices are close together without cable plugging, they can communicate with each other. This greatly reduces the "communication distance" between any two wireless devices.
Developed by Philips and Sony, NFC is a contactless identification and interconnection technology that enables short-range wireless communication between mobile devices, consumer electronics, PCs, and smart control tools. NFC provides a simple, touch-enabled solution that allows consumers to exchange information and access content and services simply and intuitively.
NFC combines a contactless card reader, contactless card, and peer-to-peer functionality into a single chip, opening up countless new opportunities for consumers' lifestyles. It is an open interface platform for fast, proactive setup of wireless networks and a virtual connector for existing cellular, Bluetooth, and wireless 802.11 devices.
NFC is compatible with Sony's FeliCaTM cards and the widely established contactless smart card architecture, which is based on ISO 14443 A and uses Philips' MIFARE technology.
In order to promote the development and popularization of NFC, Philips, Sony and Nokia have created a non-profit industry association, the NFC Forum, to promote the implementation and standardization of NFC technology and ensure synergy between devices and services. Currently, the NFC Forum has more than 70 members worldwide, including: MasterCard International, Panasonic Electronics Industries, Ltd., Microsoft Corporation, Motorola Corporation, NEC Corporation, Renesas Technology Corporation, Samsung Corporation, Texas Instruments, and Visa International.
Currently, NFC trial sites around the world:
Philips Arena, USA Since December 2005, Visa and Philips have been collaborating on major NFC tests at the Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Fans can easily shop at franchises and clothing stores. Alternatively, by placing an NFC-enabled phone in front of a poster with an embedded NFC tag, they can download movie content such as ringtones, wallpapers, screensavers and clippings from favorite stars and artists. Additional partners include Nokia, Cingular, Visa, Atlanta Spirit, Chase, and ViVOTech.
Caen, France In October 2005, in Caen, Normandy, France, Philips conducted a major multi-application NFC test in cooperation with France Telecom, Orange, Samsung, LaSer Retail Group and Vinci Park. During a six-month test, 200 Caen residents will use a Samsung D500 mobile phone with a Philips NFC chip embedded in it to make payments at selected retail locations, park equipment, and download information on famous tourist attractions, movie trailers and bus schedule.
Taiwan, Taiwan Proximity Mobile Phone Service Since July 2005, Philips has partnered with the Proximity Mobile Transaction Service Alliance (PMTSA) in Taiwan to demonstrate a BenQ mobile phone that can utilize NFC for secure payments. This can be said to be a milestone in the process of pushing NFC mobile phones into Taiwan's bus network.
In 2007, NFC was the year of "application launch" in China. Starting from August, the Nokia 6131i with built-in NFC chip was put on sale in several cities including Beijing, Xiamen and Guangzhou. The phone comes pre-loaded with a transit card that can be used in the municipal transit system, allowing users to buy tickets and shop at certain malls simply by opening a prepaid account. The Chinese market has huge potential, and the commercialization of NFC in China is undoubtedly exciting news. Currently, millions of people in China use the contactless municipal transportation "All-in-One Card" in public transportation.
