Many smartphones currently use NFC technology, but they work in the background, so you may not know what a smartphone is. do not worry. It is here to explain the potential use of NFC and to explain why it should be of interest. While services such as Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay are currently primarily used for wireless payments, NFC, which allows you to carry your wallet or purse at home, offers more features. Let's take a closer look.
What is NFC?
NFC stands for near field communication, which allows phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices to easily share data with other NFC-equipped devices. Advances in radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. RFID is behind a security scan card that bypasses tolls every day when you arrive at the office or in the morning commute.
NFC is very similar to RFID, but NFC is limited to communication within about 4 inches, so if you're using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, you should be too close to a contactless reader. Most people consider the small radius of NFC to be a major security benefit, which is one of the reasons NFC has become a secure alternative to credit cards. But this technique can be used for more than just buying coffee in Starbucks. NFC can also transfer data such as videos, contact information, and photos between two NFC-enabled devices.
How does NFC work?
Unlike Bluetooth, NFC does not require any kind of manual pairing or device discovery to transfer data. With NFC, the connection starts automatically when another NFC device enters the previously specified 4 inch range. When in range, the two devices communicate immediately and prompt the user. NFC has great potential. Below are three main ways to use NFC between devices.
NFC payment
mobile pay
If you put your smartphone within 4 inches of a contactless reader at the store, a pop-up will appear in your digital wallet or bankbook and a payment confirmation message will appear. With Apple Pay, you need to put your finger on the Home button with Touch ID or scan your face with Face ID. It also works with Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Share between Android devices
If two active NFC devices are in range, you will be prompted to "send" the content displayed on the screen (video, contact info or photo) to the other Android device. Android devices have been able to use Android Beam since the 4.0 version of Ice Cream Sandwich, but this is a little-known feature, which may be the reason Google stopped. Starting with Android 10, Android Beam no longer works and has not been replaced by anything yet.
NFC chip
This passive tag does not require power and can be programmed with an app like & # 39; worker & # 39; to perform certain tasks when scanning. For example, if you place a tag on your desk and quickly scan the tag, you can set your phone to disable vibration, GPS, or just work-related notifications.
What is the device with NFC?
The list of devices with NFC is growing every day. To track devices that utilize NFC technology, "NFC World" maintains a list of most modern NFC-enabled phones. Many Android devices have NFC, and every iPhone has features built into it.
All iPhones since iPhone 6
Apple has long restricted the purchase of devices with NFC. However, the latest iPhone deployments, including iPhone 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max, and 11, also support NFC tags through the Launch Center Pro app.
NFC has been added to the iPad family starting with the iPad Pro, iPad Air 2nd and 3rd generation iPad Minis, but these devices don't work with in-store contactless readers. Check out this Apple Support page for more information on all Apple devices that support NFC and the limitations associated with Apple Pay.
All devices running Android 4.0+
If your device is running Android 4.4 or higher, you can use Google Pay. If you have a Samsung device, you can also use Samsung Pay.
Android phones with Android 4.4 or later and Android 9.0 or later can use Android Beam to exchange almost any kind of information, including YouTube videos, web pages, or contact information. You can use Android Beam through your phone's settings. The exact location may vary, but for example the Samsung Galaxy S10 Settings> Connections> NFC & Billing. First turn on and find NFC, Android beam Also turn on. Place your phone next to other NFC-enabled devices for a few seconds to use the beam. You will automatically be asked if you want to transfer to another phone or device.
What else can NFC do?
Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, and other digital wallets are just part of the NFC feature. Many technical accessories, such as speakers, use NFC to quickly pair with mobile phones. In some places, people can use NFC-enabled smartphones to board trains or subways faster and track the number of trips left on their digital tickets. Can also be used for loyalty cards. Then you have the option of implanting an NFC chip in your body.
You can also use NFC tags for all kinds of things. For example, don't you just give a visitor access to Wi-Fi with an NFC coaster with a simple tap?
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