Tuesday Morning Tech Talk

As a teaser in yesterday's article entitled "Monday Morning Mobile" we mentioned NFC chips coming to mobile devices, like the "new new iPhone" due later this year. Let me explain a bit more about what they are, what they can do, and why it matters to you...

NFC stands for "Near Field Communication". This technology allows devices to interact with each other in close proximity, usually within a few centimeters, up to 4 inches. What does this new technology mean for mobile users? Read on...

Let's take Starbucks for example. The company is already quite impressive with their handy mobile app for smartphones. A coffee addict (I might just be one) can very easily load a Starbuck's card on their mobile device and allow an employee to scan their "digital card" for payment. How cool is that you ask? Let me show you the future...

With NFC, the aforementioned Starbucks visitor would merely wave their device over a designated portion of the counter and pay for their most delicious flavor of coffee. What's more, this technology has future ability to allow for some really amazing things. What if, using NFC, Starbucks knew that their favorite guest (you) had just entered the coffee house? They could then prepare your usual, and you would pay for it just by picking up your beverage.

That's one example, but NFC allows for so much more. Next, let's take a look at in-building navigation.

So... Google maps are great and everything, but what if you're trying to navigate something like, I don't know, THE MALL! Good luck! Do you know how many people visit that place every day, how often they open and close stores, how useless the old school YOU ARE HERE signs are! I could go on and on... Well, with NFC the potential is there for you to navigate the INSIDE of buildings. Want to pick up something special from Things Remembered? Your smart device will take you there, possibly even directly to the item you were looking for. You see, by bouncing off other NFC "tags", coupled with already in place wireless networks, we'll be able to map the indoors, so to speak. :)

NFC will also make it much easier to transfer things like photos, documents and even music to friends and family. All you have to do is bump, shake, or tap your devices together and the transfer is complete. As discussed yesterday, the Samsung Galaxy S3 is one of many devices that currently support this type of transfer. Check it out here:  http://mobilesitelinkexchange.com/learn-how-to-use-nfc-on-samsung-galaxy-s3/

The newest offering using NFC technology comes in the ability to charge your devices. You heard that right! No more plugs could be just around the corner. Just by having an NFC enabled charger close to your device, the juice will flow.

There are soooo many more capabilities for NFC technology. Instant payments, file sharing, charging and indoor mapping is just the beginning. We'll be here with you, to learn and educate, as the technology grows and changes.

Here's a list of phones that currently support NFC:
http://www.nfcworld.com/nfc-phones-list/#available

What phones will likely support NFC in the future? We've got you covered:
http://www.nfcworld.com/nfc-phones-list/#soon 

Want to see what the Emma S. Clark Memorial Library has to offer? Call us at: 631-941-4080, email us at: reference@emmaclark.org or stop in at: 120 Main Street, Setauket, NY 11733. Have a smart device? Download our mobile app at: http://emmamobile.emmaclark.org or look for it in your app store or marketplace.