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NFC Forum introduces new NFC specifications

 

New specifications from the NFC Forum aim to introduce more standardization

The NFC Forum, a non-profit assocNFC Forum Mobile Marketing Commerceiation that promotes standardization of NFC technology, has released its NFC Controller Interface specification. The report has been made available for use for free in the hopes of expanding awareness of NFC technology and promoting its proper usage. The NFC Forum notes that its latest publication accounts for a “major new specification, created from the ground up.” This new specification is meant to provide more standardization into the realm of NFC technology.

NFC still reliant on standards

NFC technology is still in its infancy, having emerged in 2004, thus thrives on standards that provide a framework for its usage. Standardization is important to ensure a uniform and pleasurable experience with consumers who will use the technology. Without standards, the experiences companies with an interest in NFC technology offer would vary wildly, leaving many consumers without a clear definition of what the technology is or how it should be used. Standardization aims to provide consumers with the best experience possible by encouraging companies to develop services that can be familiar to a wide range of people.

New specification further defines NFC interface

The new specification from the NFC Forum defines a standard interface between NFC devices and a controller, such as a payment terminal or an NFC-enabled appliance. The NFC Forum believes that the new specification is important because it will allow device makers to more easily integrate chipsets from a wide range of manufacturers. Essentially, NFC chip makers are expected to be compelled to make products that can be used on a wider range of platforms rather than on a limited number of mobile devices.

Specification may help companies adopt NFC-based services

The new specifications coming from the NFC Forum will likely have an impact of the mobile commerce industry. The specifications are expected to make mobile payments somewhat more inclusive for a wider range of consumers, but it will also help companies incorporate NFC-based services more easily. These companies will be able to provide consumers with services using a familiar interface, rather than risk introducing a new interface that may not be well received by consumers.

Infineon Technologies aims to improve NFC technology

 

Infineon Technologies Digital Contactless Bridge interface gaining momentum around the world

Infineon Technologies, a leadimobile commerce nfc technologyng developer of semiconductors and micro-technologies, has announced that its Digital Contactless Bridge interface is quickly becoming the de facto standard in regards to NFC technology. The high performance communication interface has been seeing wide adoption from various companies interested in making use of NFC technology in some way. Because the technology is capable of making NFC interactions more fluid and convenient, it may  be well on its way to becoming a staple in industries like mobile commerce and marketing.

Interface allows for fast and secure connections

The Digital Contactless Bridge interface provides fast and secure connection between NFC devices. This is invaluable for NFC-based applications that rely on a high degree of security and a quick connection, such as mobile payment platforms. According to Infineon Technologies, their new interface is capable of supporting peak data rates for these type of mobile applications beyond 848 kilobits per second. This is much higher than conventional interfaces that are still widely used for mobile commerce.

Technology free and universally available

One of the most attractive qualities of the new interface is that it is free. Infineon Technologies is a strong advocate for open solutions that will make services like mobile payments more convenient and secure for consumers. The interface is globally available, which has contributed to its widespread adoption. Companies that have incorporated the new interface include Texas Instruments, INSIDE Secure, and MicroPross.

Advances in NFC technology could attract new support

NFC technology is often criticized as being dated, despite the fact that the technology is only roughly 8 years old, having first emerged in 2004. Some companies, such as Apple and PayPal, have chosen to sidestep NFC technology because they believe it is not capable of meeting the needs of modern consumers. Infineon Technologies is one of the companies working to improve NFC technology and ensure that it is more capable in meeting these needs. With the new interface widely available, NFC may be slated to become much more popular and regain some of the support it has lost recently.