Home Google Aims to Replace Credit Cards & More With the Addition of Near Field Communications to Android

Google Aims to Replace Credit Cards & More With the Addition of Near Field Communications to Android


Google CEO Eric Schmidt just announced on stage at the Web 2.0 Summit that the next version of Android, code-named Ginger Bread, will include native support for what’s called Near Field Communication, or NFC. NFC is a short-range, high-frequency wireless technology which lets devices, primarily mobile phones, communicate with other NFC devices in order to exchange data.

As ReadWriteWeb’s Sarah Perez explained in her coverage of Apple’s NFC moves this Summer, this allows for a number of applications including mobile ticketing, mobile payment, e-money, electronic keys, smart billboards and more. Apple has filed a number of NFC patents, but the technology is expected to drive growth throughout the mobile market. Native NFC support in Android now is a big deal.

Nokia and Symbian have both been reported to be set to launch NFC technology early next year as well.

Mobile commerce, “tap to pay,” was the primary use-case discussed by Schmidt, but Tim O’Reilly pointed out on stage that the technology is really capable of transmitting any kind of information. “Bump, for everything,” he called it. Schmidt concurred.

Hopefully Gingerbread will include a healthy API for access to the NFC technology and developers will see opportunities to build more than just commerce systems. Schmidt said on stage today that the Gingerbread release date will be within the next two weeks.

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech industry for major developments, new product launches, AI breakthroughs, video game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to staff writers or freelance contributors with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.