What Can You Do With NFC? Samsung TecTiles and Sony Tags
Archive note. This story reflects what was known when it was first covered. Prices, availability and carrier offers are historical. For the current picture, start with the topic guides.
What NFC is
NFC is a set of standards for establishing radio communication by touching devices together or bringing them very close, usually no more than a few centimetres. The writer became interested after getting a Nexus phone, having seen NFC on the Nexus S earlier.
Beyond payments
Wireless payment is the most talked-about use, and the writer felt native wallet support was slow to arrive in Canada. NFC can do more. On Android, Beam could send web pages and Play Store app links to another NFC phone, and the Galaxy S III was expected to allow file sending as well.
Tags as triggers
Sony sold tags that worked like the old Locale app, where a location triggered actions. You needed the tags and Sony’s app. Samsung offered similar functionality through TecTiles. Tapping a tag runs a set of actions you have chosen.
A bike commute example
The writer imagined a tile on the handlebars of a bike. One tap could make sure GPS and Bluetooth are on, connect to a headset, start a playlist and begin logging in a fitness app. Another tap at the end would stop the app. The writer had not yet tried it.
Hopes for the future
The writer hoped tags would become cheap enough to replace QR codes on billboards, shop windows and product displays.
Frequently asked questions
How close do devices need to be?
Usually a few centimetres at most.
Do tags need an app?
Sony's tags needed the Sony app. TecTiles used Samsung's own software.
Can NFC only be used for payments?
No. It also sends links and triggers phone settings and apps.