Flomio takes feedback from Kickstarter to develop new NFC device for the iPhone
Flomio, a technology and mobile commerce startup based in Florida, attracted attention last month when it announced it was working to bring NFC technology to the iOS platform. Earlier this year, rumors suggested that Apple’s new iPhone 5 would be equipped with NFC technology that would allow consumers to participate in mobile commerce. This was not the case, and Apple has been harshly criticized for its decision to abandon NFC technology. This has, however, created an opportunity for companies like Flomio to bring the technology to the platf0orm.
FloCase inspired by feedback from supporters
Flomio has been working on a product called the FloJack, which can be plugged into an iPhone and provide it with NFC capabilities. The company turned to popular crowdfunding platform Kickstarter to get the financial backing it needed for the project. Once on Kickstarter, however, the project began to evolve thanks to the feedback Flomio received. Now, the company has introduced the FloCase, a new way to provide the iPhone with NFC capabilities.
FloCase gives the iPhone NFC capabilities
The FloCase is designed as a simple, yet sturdy case for the iPhone. The case itself is equipped with an NFC chip that will allow the iPhone to send and receive NFC transmissions. With this case, iPhone owners can participate in mobile commerce, as long as they have a mobile wallet application installed on their smart phone. They will also be able to participate in marketing, sales, and entertainment campaigns that make use of the technology.
Flomio not the first to build an NFC-enabled case for smart phones
Flomio is not the first company to develop an NFC-enabled case for smart phones. The iPhone device is not the only smart phone that does not include NFC technology, thus other companies have developed cases for the myriad devices that have no NFC capabilities. This has helped spread the prevalence of mobile commerce by making mobile transactions much more convenient to those that do not have access to NFC-enabled mobile devices.
FloJack campaign launched to bring NFC to iOS platform
Flomio, an ambitious NFC-based mobile commerce startup, is looking to bring NFC technology to the iOS platform. Apple caught a lot of flak for shunning NFC technology with the latest edition of the iPhone, and the company has been adamant in its position that NFC technology is not yet ready for its plans for mobile commerce. That means that, for the time being, iPhone users will largely be left out of any mobile commerce initiative or service that emerges within the next few years until Apple decides on a suitable alternative to the technology. Flomio is hoping to solve that problem with FloJack.
FloJack seeks to be funded through Kickstarter
The startup has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its FloJack device. Kickstarter is a crowd funding platform that has been remarkably successful for ambitious projects. The FloJack device is designed to connect to any iOS device and give that device NFC capabilities. The FloJack is equipped with an NFC chip that can enable an iOS device to conduct mobile transactions, engage in NFC-based marketing campaigns, or facilitate wireless data sharing.
FloJack not likely the ultimate NFC solution for iOS
The FloJack campaign was launched late last week through Kickstarter. Flomio is looking to raise $80,000 in funding for the project. The developers are well aware that the FloJack will not have an indefinite lifespan, especially as Apple works to find an alternative to NFC technology. Flomio co-founder Tim Ronan notes that the FloJack is meant to get iOS fans prepared for the day when NFC technology, or something very similar, makes its way to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
Similar devices aim to expand mobile commerce accessibility
FloJack is not the first of its kind. The UK’s Square has a similar device that is designed to allow consumers without NFC-enabled devices to conduct mobile transactions. These devices are addressing an issue that currently exists in the mobile commerce industry. That issue is the lack of NFC-enabled devices. Without these devices, consumers cannot participate in mobile commerce in an effective manner.
bile commerce startup based in Florida, attracted attention last month when it announced it was working to bring NFC technology to the iOS platform. Earlier this year, rumors suggested that Apple’s new iPhone 5 would be equipped with NFC technology that would allow consumers to participate in mobile commerce. This was not the case, and Apple has been harshly criticized for its decision to abandon NFC technology. This has, however, created an opportunity for companies like Flomio to bring the technology to the platf0orm.