Tag: apple

Apple may be working on an alternative to NFC technology

| October 21, 2012

 

Apple NewsApple awarded patent for new technology

Apple may have caught a lot of flak for not including NFC technology in the iPhone 5, but the company’s decision to forgo the technology does not mean it is not interested in NFC. The next iteration of the iPhone may be equipped with NFC technology, or a nearly identical technology that is developed by Apple itself. This is according to a new patent that has been awarded to Apple by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Company receives harsh criticism for decision to avoid NFC technology

NFC technology is all the rage in the mobile world right now because of its capabilities in commerce and data exchange. Samsung has made headlines with its NFC-enabled Galaxy S III and Apple fans were hoping that the new iPhone would be able to compete on the same level as Samsung’s latest device. Apple fans were disappointed, however, when the company announced that the iPhone 5 would not be equipped with NFC technology. This led to harsh criticisms, but Apple is not abandoning the technology entirely like many have speculated.

Patent highlights technology very similar to NFC

According to the new patent, Apple is currently developing a device that makes use of a proximity technology, either NFC or one developed by the company itself. If the patent is not in reference to NFC technology, Apple will be developing something very similar that is capable of facilitating wireless data transfers between mobile devices. Speculation suggests that this technology would be included in the next version of the iPhone.

New technology may be suitable for Apple’s interests in mobile commerce

Apple chose to sidestep NFC technology due to concerns regarding security. The technology itself does not boast of any stellar security features, leading Apple to believe that its use in mobile commerce and data exchange is too ambitious. If Apple decides to develop its own technology, it will likely feature a variety of security measures that will make its use in mobile commerce more viable and appealing to consumers worries about the protection of their financial information.

Samsung announces new version of Galaxy S III

| October 17, 2012

 

New Galaxy S III confirmed by Samsung

Earlier this year, prestigious Japanese technology company Samsung released the Galaxy S III. The smart phone was heralded as the most significant challenger to the reign of Apple’s iPhone brand and, thus far, the device has lived up to this hype. One of the most attractive things about the smart phone has been its NFC capabilities. The phone is equipped with NFC technology, allowing for wireless data transmission and enabling consumers to participate in mobile commerce. Though Samsung has seen significant success with the smart phone, the company has plans to boost this success.

Mini version of the device to be released next year

Samsung intends to exploit the rampant popularity of the Galaxy S III by releasing a new version of the smart phone into the market. The company has announced the release of a “mini” version of the Galaxy S III, which will hit the commercial market near the beginning of next year. Though the new version of the smart phone is designated as a “mini,” it will not be much smaller than the current iteration of the Galaxy S III.

Mini version very similar to full-sized counterpartGalaxy S III

The Galaxy S III mini will feature a 4-inch touchscreen, which is only .8 of an inch smaller than the larger version. The device will be equipped with the latest Android operating system, and will also include NFC technology. Pricing details for the new Galaxy S III has not yet been released by Samsung. Industry analysts suggest that the move from Samsung represents the company’s belief that it has a product capable of competing against the multiple incarnations of the iPhone.

Legal battle between Samsung and Apple continues

Samsung is currently embroiled in a legal dispute with Apple over patent infringement. Samsung is accusing Apple of copying patented technology for the creation of the iPhone. Samsung filed a motion last week to have the recently released iPhone 5 added to the legal dispute. Despite the legal battle, both companies have been able to find significant success with their mobile devices.