The NFC Forum has recently unveiled its roadmap for the development of NFC (Near Field Communication) technology until 2028. This roadmap introduces significant advancements that will revolutionize the way we interact with NFC-enabled devices, making them truly contactless, enabling wireless charging for smaller gadgets, facilitating payments anywhere, and more.
Traditionally, tap-to-pay services like Apple Pay required physical contact with payment terminals. However, NFC technology is evolving to eliminate the need for physical tapping. Over the next two to five years, NFC will undergo improvements such as increased communication range, more powerful wireless charging capabilities for devices like earbuds, and more, according to a report by Android Authority.
NFC, embedded in thousands of devices ranging from smartphones to video game figurines, is governed by the NFC Forum, a consortium consisting of industry leaders like Apple, Google, Huawei, Sony, NXP, and Qualcomm. This organization is now outlining key areas of development that will propel NFC technology forward until 2028. One limitation of NFC technology has been its short communication range, requiring devices to be within 5mm of each other. To address this, the NFC Forum aims to extend the range by "four to six times," potentially reaching approximately 30mm (or 1.18 inches). With this increased range, commuters in cities like New York could easily wave their handbags or devices over terminals, simplifying the payment process. Merchants will also benefit from reduced concerns about customers struggling to find the exact connection point. Moreover, the NFC Forum plans to enhance wireless charging power from the current 1W to a more practical 3W. Although this falls short of the Qi standard's maximum of 15W, it will still enable wireless power and charging for smaller devices, potentially paving the way for wireless charging of individual earbuds, among other innovations. This advancement is expected to disrupt industrial design and open up new markets. The NFC Forum's roadmap also includes improvements in point-of-sale transactions. Apple introduced a Tap to Pay API last year, allowing developers to turn iPhones into payment terminals. Future NFC standards seek to make this functionality native, empowering businesses and individuals to receive payments anywhere. Additionally, the NFC Forum aims to introduce a "multi-purpose tap" that can perform multiple actions with a single tap. For example, a single tap could grant entry to an entire group at a concert, eliminating the need for individual swipes. NFC technology is also exploring the potential for devices to share information about their composition, facilitating easier recycling instructions. To present these exciting developments, the NFC Forum will be hosting a public webinar on June 27th, where they will showcase their roadmap and share insights into the future of NFC technology. NFC technology is on the verge of significant advancements that will unlock new possibilities for contactless interactions, wireless charging, and streamlined payments. The NFC Forum's roadmap outlines a future where NFC-enabled devices will offer extended communication range, enabling users to seamlessly interact without close physical proximity. Additionally, the enhanced wireless charging capabilities will empower smaller devices to benefit from wireless power. With the ongoing developments, NFC technology is set to revolutionize the way we live, work, and engage with digital experiences. Get ready to embrace a world where NFC makes our lives even more connected and convenient.
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