NFC or near field communication is something you may not be aware of, despite probably having it in your pocket already. A lot of the latest credit cards and high end mobile phones are coming with the ability for NFC, you may have seen the adverts for “contactless payments” with Barclaycard?
There has been recent press speculation that both Apple & HTC are planning 2012 updates for their phones, that will allow NFC to function on their devices. This could be the kick start the technology needs, giving that this will put it in the pockets of a huge percentage of consumers.
For those that are not aware of it, NFC works like Bluetooth, transmitting data securely, but over a very short distance, allowing devices fitted with NFC, i.e. credit cards and mobile phones to be used to pay for items just by moving them close enough to a NFC reader, without the need for any PIN numbers to be entered. Currently for security purposes only, transactions up to £15 are allowed, this will probably increase in time with more sophisticated fraud prevention techniques.
Within retail the possibilities are endless, for example speeding up the payment process, having electronic discount coupons, using your smartphones as an “e-wallet” or using it as an interactive loyalty card – allowing for live up to date relevant discounts etc.
Just like any technology its success depends on its popularity and 2012 could be the year NFC becomes mainstream, meaning that retailers and brands should be planning for it now.
Author: Dale Perry
November 25, 2011
Consumer Electronics, P.O.P Technology