Movaluate turns to NFC and QR codes to cut down on waste
Movaluate, a company specializing i
n promoting the re-use of old smart phones and mobile devices, has launched an ambitious new initiative that aims to get people to sell their old smart phones rather than just throw them away. The company has begun giving away from NFC-QR tags that, when scanned, can instantly determine the market value of a smart phone. The information provided to the consumer through these tags is meant to give them an idea of what they can gain from selling their old mobile devices.
New campaign allows consumers to determine the value of their smart phones
The new campaign from Movaluate is meant to raise awareness of the rising value of smart phones. More mobile services are emerging that can only be accessed through smart phones and other advanced devices. The availability of these devices is high, but many consumers have yet to justify the purchase of such technology due to its high cost or the fact that they must commit to a usage contract to obtain a smart phone. The second-hand market can be a viable place to find a smart phone without having to pay a large amount of money upfront.
Old technology presents environmental risks
Old smart phones present a fairly significant environmental problem. Many consumers simply discard their old mobile devices when they purchase a replacement. These devices are not made out of biodegradable components, however, and can even release toxins into the environment, poisoning soil and wildlife. By recycling or selling old smart phones, the environmental implications of discarding these technologies can be mitigated significantly.
Campaign may help consumers get their hands on smart phones
Through its new NFC-QR tags, Movaluate aims to help consumers get a fair market price for their mobile devices. The tags can be easily accessed by devices with a barcode scanning application or an NFC reader. This campaign may help increase people’s access to new mobile devices, in the long run, while also helping protect the environment from dangerous technological waste.
New specifications from the NFC Forum aim to introduce more standardization
The NFC Forum, a non-profit association 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.
