NFC - Wireless technology that makes sense
In today's increasingly connected world, NFC technology offers a fast, easy-to-use, and more secure way of interacting with the environment. What is NFC, how does it work, and why can we find this technology in almost every smart phone and tablet? Read on to learn all of this and more!
What Is NFC?
NFC is a technology for fast and secure data exchange from distances up to 4cm. A number of smart phones and tablets come with this technology, and because of the very short distance required to operate, it is quite safe and does not require authorisation. That's why the connection is automatic and extremely fast.
How Does NFC Work?
Touching or placing two NFC devices close to each other automatically starts their communication. NFC operates on short radio waves, has very low power consumption, and unlike Bluetooth, allows for the creation of passive points called "tags" (We have more info on this below), which you can stick where you need or carry them with you.
NFC Is Not Only For Making Payments
Just imagine... you are checking-out at a supermarket, and instead of getting out your wallet for your card or some cash, you simply tap your phone and pay instantly. It's not science fiction anymore. This is made possible using systems like Android Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay. NFC can also be used in many other situations:
- Microtransactions, i.e. wireless payments in stores
- Quick pairing of Bluetooth, such as two mobile phones
- Simple transfer of contacts between phones
- Unlocking a door - You can just put a cellphone up to a door with an NFC locking system to open it.
- Downloading the menu at a restaurant - An NFC tag that is located at the door of the restaurant will transfer the menu to your phone when it is placed within range
- Importing contacts - using a NFC chip in a business card
- Sharing your WiFi password to your friends
- Switch your phone to vibration or activate an alarm by placing your phone on the nightstand
- Starting your navigation by simply placing the phone in your car holder
Android Pay Is Working Because Of NFC
As you can see, the use of NFC is quite varied. One of the most common ways to use NFC is undoubtedly to pay by mobile with the long-awaited Android Pay payment system. Android Pay creates a virtual card on your device that is associated with your physical card, but it does not store its number or PIN anywhere. As a result, no one gets this information when you pay using your phone.
Payment is made using NFC technology, which is an essential building block for Android Pay. The phone just has to be placed close to the terminal like a normal contactless card. You can set a limit, so you do not have to unlock the device. For higher amounts, you must authorise with your fingerprint, an iris scan, or a password.
What Are NFC Tags?
NFC also works using the NFC label principle. The idea is that chips are hidden in stickers or labels that can be stuck or placed almost anywhere. This may be on the back of a mobile phone, a nightstand or a restaurant door.
NFC tags are programmable, and when you apply an NFC device, such as your mobile phone, the programmed action is completed. For example, when getting into bed, you put your mobile by the NFC label on the nightstand. It then switches to silent mode. NFC labels do not need any power, because an electromagnetic field is created when it comes in close contact with an active transmitter (i.e. your phone), and then the passive receiver (the NFC tag) is activated.
Best NFC Applications
NFC on your mobile can be used right away with several applications. There are NFC iPhone and NFC Android apps available. Apple Pay and Android Pay are the best for making payments. Most companies have or will have their own version, so sometimes the selection of an app might be dependent on the brand of your phone.
- NFC Reader (Android) is a simple, easy-to-use application. It offers the ability to read any tags and display their message.
- With NFC Tools (Android) and NFC Actions (iOS), you can program your own NFC labels. Just scan the NFC tag and choose the command. You can then use your own personal NFC tag.
The use of NFC technology is practically unlimited - downloading data, forwarding contact details, automating simple tasks, marketing and online payments. Perhaps we will soon find ourselves in times when NFC will be an indispensable part of our day-to-day activities.