Get the most out of your phone with NFC, the technology that will make your life easier
With the rise of apps and the constant innovation of the leading companies in the market, smartphones have become an almost indispensable tool nowadays. However, and thanks to their multiple capabilities, it is normal that users are unaware of the vast majority of functionalities. Such is the case of NFC (Near Field Communication).
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What is NFC?
It is a short-range wireless technology that operates at a high frequency and is designed to facilitate the transfer of data between two devices in close proximity.
This tool is considered an advanced form of the so-called contactless technology, and is mainly related to payment transactions, although its functionality also allows the exchange of various types of information.
Devices that include the NFC tool create an electromagnetic field through the spiral antennas present on both devices, as long as they maintain a distance of no more than 15 cm.
Ways to use NFC on your device
In order to make profitable use of the NFC tool, you should keep in mind that it can be used in active or passive mode.
In active mode, for example, the two linked devices create their own magnetic field that facilitates data exchange. This is the case, for example, in the interaction between two telephone devices, or a smartphone and a headset.
Passive mode, on the other hand, arises when only one device creates the electromagnetic field for the exchange. For example, in the case of a transaction with a bank.
Due to the functionalities of NFC, small businesses, such as start-ups, can now receive payments with debit or credit cards from their cell phones, a device that can become a dataphone just by using NFC technology.
When we talk about NFC, we are referring to a form of data transmission that reaches speeds of 106, 212, 424 or 848 Kbit/s. While the number might seem low when compared to the speed of other forms of data transmission, you should keep in mind that NFC allows the transfer of information in a reasonable period of time.
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Uses of NFC
While the tool is mainly related to bank payments, you should not assume that this is the only use you can make of this technology. Here we tell you about this and other ways to use NFC on your mobile device:
Making payments
The most popular NFC feature owes its success to the ease with which the user can complete payment transactions quickly and securely. To do so, the user will have to use applications such as Samsung Pay, Google Pay or Apple Pay.
In addition, the NFC tool allows users to carry their credit or debit card information on mobile devices. However, it is important that users take care of their data, since it can represent a risk to personal finances if the phone is stolen or lost.
Instant device synchronization
As the name suggests, this feature allows users to synchronize NFC-enabled devices when they are brought in close proximity to each other. This is the case, for example, when exchanging data when pairing a mobile device with a headset.
Identification
In addition, NFC facilitates the identification process for the user, who can replace electronic access cards or public transport cards with his or her telephone device, as NFC will enable him or her to identify him or herself without difficulty.
Data transmission
When talking about a tool that facilitates data transmission, the possibility of sending and receiving files of various types should also be highlighted. Through NFC, the user will be able to share multimedia files such as photos, videos and even web content from his mobile device.
Automation of actions
Although for many it is an unknown tool, today NFC tags allow tasks that a couple of decades ago seemed impossible. Thus, the user can configure his mobile device to carry out certain commands when he so indicates.
An example of this is that when the user arrives home, it will automatically activate the playback of a playlist that he has previously configured.
Key to your vehicle:
Although not a standard feature, this is a feature that already exists and its development and evolution account for the tool’s potential impact on users’ daily lives.
This feature allows NFC to be integrated into a vehicle, allowing the user to open the door from their phone.
Companies such as Apple, Audi, BMW, General Motors, Hyundai, LG Electronics, Panasonic, Samsung, Volkswagen, Alps Electric, Continental Automotive, DENSO and Qualcomm are currently working on the development of this particular function.
This is why, without a doubt, exploring all the uses of NFC could not only open vehicle doors, but would also represent the entrance to a new world just by using the phone.
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