The Emergence of Near Field (NFC), Bluetooth's Promiscuous Cousin
WRITTEN by: Bill Sterzenbach |
categories:
Interactive
While not a new technology, NFC is gaining popularity through adoption in more devices. In addition to the organic buzz that comes with any tech, NFC got a recent pub-push through Apple's apparent snub of the technology in the 4s. Apple will certainly be including NFC in upcoming devices, but the recent disappointment brought the technology back in the spotlight.
NFC is essentially Bluetooth without the pairing process. You could also say it's two-way RFID. Yes, these are over-generalizations, so if you want more info, you know where to find it.
What do You Need to Know About NFC?
It's going to enable more "wallet" technologies and enable quick and easy sharing of "light" data. It's a relatively slow technology, so only suitable for transactional exchanges such as contact info, purchases, notifications, etc - but it's real power will be in its "a stranger is just a friend I've never met" perspective on communications.
Cool Uses for NFC
Tagging deals at storefronts. You could have your deals setup as NFC tags and passers-by could wave their devices to see any deals you're offering. More sophisticated technology will emerge to allow you to see only deals that might interest you of course. No, I won't be making the Minority Report reference, so you can stop watching for it.
Why Pay Attention Now?
I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing Near Field in the iPhone5. With this will come new apps that exploit the technology in ways we haven't yet imagined. My suggestion - start imagining now.
