NFC update expands on mobile sharing technology

By Mike Flacy October 1, 2011

nfc — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Announced by the NFC Forum this week, near field communication technology got an upgrade in the form of device to device communication. Before this upgrade, the existing form of NFC utilizes an active device and a passive device, ideal for transactions like checking out in line at the grocery store. For instance, credit card information is stored on a smartphone and offered up to a store’s checkout terminal when asked. The upgrade to the technology (Simple NDEF Exchange Protocol) allows devices to communicate back and forth actively. This would allow a wider range of actions to be built into applications beyond simply utilizing the technology when purchasing items.

For instance, a NFC-equipped high definition television or computer monitor could communicate with a NFC-equipped smartphone and allow the user to watch a recently recorded video on the larger screen. This technology can also be applied to other applications such as games. A user may have to communicate with another NFC-equipped phone to unlock the next level in Angry Birds. Business contacts could use NFC-equipped smartphones to trade contact info without having to bump the phones together. This technology would also create a happy communication medium between different types of smartphones. For example, Android and Apple phones could potentially communicate through NFC.

While this type of technology is already in place with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections, this upgrade simply offers another reason for smartphone manufacturers to include NFC technology in new versions. Motorola, HTC, Samsung, LG, RIM and Sony Ericsson have already agreed to install NFC-capable microSD cards in new smartphones starting next year. Mobile carriers Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile are also on board with NFC as well as payment providers Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover. However, mobile payment company Square has already got a jump on the market destined for NFC technology and company officials don’t believe that retailers are interested in implementing this new technology in stores.

Topics

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Mobile

Best Fitbit deals: Save on Versa 4, Charge 6, and Sense 2

The Fitbit Sense 2 in moss.

One of the best fitness trackers is a great way to up your workout, though they can get expensive. Even with the current Apple deals, Apple Watch deals, and Samsung Galaxy Watch deals things can get a little expensive. Fitbit is a good fitness tracker brand to turn to if you’re looking for affordability. It has a great lineup of options, and Fitbit watches are almost always seeing a deal. In fact, right now Fitbit deals make for some of the best smartwatch deals you can shop. Below you’ll find what we feel are the best Fitbit deals to shop right now. There are several models to choose from for some savings, as well as a great deal on the Fitbit Charge 4.
Today's best Fitbit deal
Fitbit Charge 4 -- $125, was $150

While there are newer Fitbit Charge models on the market that include both the Fitbit Charge 5 and the Fitbit Charge 6, the Fitbit Charge 4 still has a lot to offer. It has all sorts of fitness and activity tracking capabilities. It can measure your resting heart rate and calorie burn throughout the day, as well as your SpO2 nightly average. The Charge 4 also uses built-in GPS to see your pace and distance during outdoor runs, rides, hikes, and other activities. You can head out for a long hike with this smartwatch, as the Charge 5 can last up to seven days on a single battery charge, and up to five hours when GPS is being used.

Mobile

Best Samsung deals: The Galaxy S24 Ultra is up to $750 off

Best Android Phone 2022 Galaxy S22 Ultra in hand with S Pen feat image.

Whether you’re looking to shop TV deals, phone deals, smartwatch deals, and even tablet deals, Samsung almost always has something we could direct your attention toward. It’s regularly regarded as one of the top electronics brands, and almost always places among the best TV brands. There are a lot of Samsung deals worth shopping right now, and they cross the full spectrum of tech. We’ve done some of the heavy lifting for you and have rounded up what we feel are the best Samsung deals to shop right now. You’ll find a little bit of everything with these deals, so read onward for more details.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 — $150, was $200

On the surface, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 may look like a watch with a cool digital screen. And, of course, that'd be quite nice. But it turns out to be more of a wearable health monitor, giving you access to info on your overall fitness, running capabilities, and sleep cycles. Our Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 review compliments it for its seamless pairing with Samsung devices and its compatibility with small wrists. As you're sure to be adventuring, running, and exploring with this watch, be sure to grab one of the best Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 screen protectors to preserve its longevity.

Mobile

Galaxy AI is coming to more Samsung phones very soon

A person using the Generative AI wallpapers on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Samsung is bringing its Galaxy AI technology to more Galaxy smartphones and tablets. This comes just months after the software was revealed with the Galaxy S24 series.

Samsung has begun rolling out Galaxy AI features to anyone with a Galaxy S22 series phone, Galaxy Z Fold 4, or Galaxy Z Flip 4. You will soon be able to download One UI 6.1 to get all of the benefits of Galaxy AI. The update appears to be rolling out in Korea now, suggesting it should hit U.S. devices very soon.