Have you ever noticed that contactless payments aren’t exactly contactless? Since near-field communication (NFC) technology works at such a short distance, you often end up having to touch your device with another device. But that status quo could change in the next few years
The NFC Forum — a group founded by Sony, NXP Semiconductors, and Nokia in 2004 to improve NFC — has revealed a roadmap for NFC technology that extends from now to 2028. This roadmap — created by representatives from Apple, Google, and more — outlines five key initiatives for the direction of the technology over the next two to five years. One of those initiatives is to increase the range of NFC connections.
Extending the Range
Currently, NFC connections have a limited range of just 5mm. However, the NFC Forum aims to expand this distance by four to six times. Imagine the convenience of making payments without physically touching or aligning your device with a payment terminal. This enhancement not only promises a more seamless experience but also opens doors to faster and more efficient transactions.
Another remarkable initiative outlined in the roadmap is the enablement of multiple-purpose taps. With this feature, a single tap on an NFC-enabled device will be able to support several actions simultaneously. From making payments to accessing loyalty cards, opening doors, or even sharing information, this innovation will streamline interactions and simplify everyday tasks.
Enhanced Wireless Charging
Wireless charging has become increasingly popular, and the NFC Forum recognizes its significance. As part of their roadmap, they aim to increase the wireless charging power over NFC from 1W to 3W. While it may not match the maximum capabilities of other charging standards, this enhancement will pave the way for wireless power and charging in smaller devices like earbuds, smartwatches, and more.
In addition to enhancing payment capabilities, the NFC Forum also envisions expanding the functionality of NFC-enabled smartphones. They plan to equip these devices with Point-of-Sale (POS) functionality, enabling them to act as payment terminals for businesses and individuals. Furthermore, NFC-enabled smartphones will also be capable of sharing information about product recycling, promoting sustainable practices and informed consumer choices.
While these advancements promise a future of truly contactless NFC payments, it's important to note that they will take time to implement. The NFC Forum's roadmap outlines a vision that spans the next few years, indicating that these innovations won't be available overnight. However, the potential impact they will have on our everyday lives and the convenience they will bring to payment experiences is worth the wait.
Extending the Range
Currently, NFC connections have a limited range of just 5mm. However, the NFC Forum aims to expand this distance by four to six times. Imagine the convenience of making payments without physically touching or aligning your device with a payment terminal. This enhancement not only promises a more seamless experience but also opens doors to faster and more efficient transactions.
Another remarkable initiative outlined in the roadmap is the enablement of multiple-purpose taps. With this feature, a single tap on an NFC-enabled device will be able to support several actions simultaneously. From making payments to accessing loyalty cards, opening doors, or even sharing information, this innovation will streamline interactions and simplify everyday tasks.
Enhanced Wireless Charging
Wireless charging has become increasingly popular, and the NFC Forum recognizes its significance. As part of their roadmap, they aim to increase the wireless charging power over NFC from 1W to 3W. While it may not match the maximum capabilities of other charging standards, this enhancement will pave the way for wireless power and charging in smaller devices like earbuds, smartwatches, and more.
In addition to enhancing payment capabilities, the NFC Forum also envisions expanding the functionality of NFC-enabled smartphones. They plan to equip these devices with Point-of-Sale (POS) functionality, enabling them to act as payment terminals for businesses and individuals. Furthermore, NFC-enabled smartphones will also be capable of sharing information about product recycling, promoting sustainable practices and informed consumer choices.
While these advancements promise a future of truly contactless NFC payments, it's important to note that they will take time to implement. The NFC Forum's roadmap outlines a vision that spans the next few years, indicating that these innovations won't be available overnight. However, the potential impact they will have on our everyday lives and the convenience they will bring to payment experiences is worth the wait.
NFC payments are on the cusp of a groundbreaking transformation. The NFC Forum's roadmap sets the stage for a future where payments will be truly contactless, extending the range of NFC connections, enabling multiple-purpose taps, and enhancing wireless charging capabilities. As we eagerly anticipate these advancements, we can look forward to a seamless, convenient, and frictionless payment experience. Brace yourself for a new era of NFC technology that will change the way we make transactions, opening doors to endless possibilities.
Author
-Anurag
RSS Feed