The combination of “NFC” (Near field communication) is increasingly found in the specifications of modern smartphones and tablets. In this article, we will try to consider this interface from the point of view of practical use, so that readers can independently conclude that it is necessary to have it on their phone.

In testing, we used two models of smartphones that have already been discussed in detail on our resource: Acer CloudMobile S500 and Sony Xperia acro S. We also want to note that most of the information, including the described programs and usage scenarios, will only apply to smartphones based on Android. It is this operating system that is the most “friendly” today when it comes to working with NFC.

Introduction

At first glance, it may seem that numerous wireless interfaces today already cover all possible popular tasks and scenarios, so another option is simply not needed. However, if you look at the development of modern technologies, you can see that more and more attention is paid to energy consumption, especially when it comes to mobile devices Oh. In particular, version 4.0 of the well-known family of Bluetooth protocols is just focused on reducing battery costs. The second point worth mentioning is that not every task requires a long range. It even happens the other way around - you want to explicitly limit the distance between interacting devices. In addition to the obvious reduction in consumption, this also affects safety. Yes, and about the volume of transmitted data, you can also make a similar remark. So the idea of ​​a slow wireless interface that operates over short distances and is characterized by low power consumption is quite right to exist.

The starting point in the history of the development of NFC can be taken in 2004, when Nokia, Philips and Sony announced the creation of a touch-based interface for the development and standardization of interaction between various devices. However, the first versions of the specifications were created a little earlier. Perhaps, by modern standards, the technology can be considered very young (if you do not take into account the history of RFID), but it is already quite common in real products and services. In particular, at the Mobile World Congress 2013 held at the end of February, many stands and demonstrations were devoted to this topic.

This sign can be found on devices with NFC technology.

The formal characteristics of the interface are as follows: work at a distance of several centimeters, the maximum information exchange rate is about 400 Kbps, full-duplex data exchange is supported, the operating frequency is 13.56 MHz, the connection establishment time does not exceed 0.1 s, the operation mode is point-to-point. It can be seen that these parameters fundamentally distinguish NFC from other popular wireless interfaces.

If we talk about devices, then in addition to active controllers in NFC, there are also passive options (they are usually called tags), which receive power wirelessly from the active controller. One example is modern maps for public transport. Labels are simply data storage, typically less than 4 KB in size. Most often, only read mode is provided for them, but there are options with write support.

One of the simplest options for a passive NFC tag

The compact size of the controller and its low power consumption make it possible to implement NFC even in small designs such as SIM cards or microSD memory cards. However, for full operation, the use of a special antenna is required. In phones, it is usually located on the back of the battery cover or built into the back panel if the device does not require a removable battery.

The NFC antenna is often placed on the back of a smartphone.

The short range can be detrimental when using tablets - finding the right place to "attach" may not be as easy as we would like. To solve this problem, some manufacturers mark the location of the antenna with a special sign. As for the range, in our case, the connection worked at a distance of no more than four centimeters - both between phones and with a passive tag.

From a security point of view, the developers did not implement elements of protection against interception and relay attacks. This of course makes it difficult to implement secure solutions, since it requires the applications themselves to protect themselves at a higher level. Note that in fact, such a well-known protocol as TCP / IP behaves similarly. So, from a practical point of view, it seems more dangerous to lose a phone without additional protection with customized payment systems programs than to intercept communications.

Perhaps the most important thing to know about NFC today is that the interface itself does not provide any real practical use cases or solutions. Unlike, for example, Bluetooth, whose profiles clearly describe how to transfer a file, how to connect a headset or provide network access, NFC is only a base, and direct work scenarios are provided by additional software that works through it. On the one hand, this opens up wide opportunities for developers, and on the other hand, it is a problem for them when ensuring the interaction of different applications and devices.

Interestingly, any programs installed on a smartphone or tablet can register in the operating system as NFC-related event handlers, and then when you externally “call”, you will see the standard menu “how do you want to perform this action?”. Since some scenarios for using NFC involve convenient automation of actions, it is advisable not to overload the device with such utilities.

The NFC forum tries to help with this uncertainty by offering to standardize protocols for certain scenarios (notably NDEF for storing short messages on tags and SNEP (Simple NDEF Exchange Protocol) for exchanging information between devices), but practical determination of the compatibility of specific devices is usually difficult due to the lack of detailed information from the manufacturer and diagnostic tools. Another assistant here is Google, which offered in latest versions Android own development of Android Beam. It allows certain types of information to be exchanged between compatible devices.

Android Beam

First you need to make sure that both devices have NFC enabled, Android Beam active, and their screens are unlocked. On the models we tested, NFC only works if the screen is on and the device is fully unlocked. But it is possible that another algorithm will be used in other devices. In any case, the active interface requires very little battery power to operate, and so far the approach described seems to be quite reasonable. One of the options to simplify the work is to turn off the lock screen. In this case, to recognize the tag, it will be enough just to turn on the smartphone. Another inconvenience is the need to confirm the operation by touching the screen after the devices find each other. This is not always easy to do without breaking the connection, especially when both devices are in the hands of two different people.

The next step is to select one of the applications on the device from which the transfer is planned. In particular, these may be:

  • Google Chrome - transfer of the current open link;
  • YouTube client - transfer of a video clip (as a link);
  • Google Maps - transfer of a place or route;
  • Contacts - send a contact card;
  • Google Play— application transfer;
  • Gallery - transfer photos.

Next, bring the devices closer to each other. When a partner is found, you will hear a tone on the sending device and the desktop image will shrink. At this point, you need to touch the screen image and hold your finger until you hear the second signal - about a successful transfer.

We have tried the options in the list, and almost all of them really work. Even the fact that our devices were produced by different manufacturers did not prevent them from finding a common language. But a few comments are still worth making. There are no problems with routes in Google Maps, and the location option is not very interesting, because only the current map display is transmitted. The point marked on the screen of the source phone does not reach the recipient. The situation is corrected by using the "Addresses" application, which transfers the data correctly. When sending contacts, a photo is lost because, from a technical point of view, the transfer format corresponds to text files vcf. If we talk about applications, then you can send not only those installed on your phone, but also just open cards on Google Play. Similarly, books and other content from the store are supported. Naturally, we are talking about the transfer of links, and not the downloaded or purchased elements themselves. There was a problem with sending photos: the Sony device was unable to work with this type of data. The official wording is "The recipient's device does not support large data transfers via Android Beam." Here you have the first sign of the youth of the interface or the lack of detail in the technical specifications of the devices. Formally, we have both NFC and Android Beam in two devices, but in practice their real capabilities differ significantly, and you can find out about this only as a result of verification. What can we say about less famous manufacturers - their implementation of this technology can be completely unpredictable.

Incidentally, as regards android work Beam. The description of the technology indicates that for data transfer, the establishment of a connection via Bluetooth is used after the initial negotiation of settings via NFC. Considering that all working formats assumed a really small amount of transmitted data, NFC speed was quite enough for them, but for photos it would be clearly not enough. So we can assume that Sony just did not implement switching to a faster interface. It is not possible to understand whether this problem is software (recall that Android 4.0.4 is installed on this device) or hardware.

We also tried to send our own music and videos in the same way from the respective apps, but nothing appeared on the receiver.

Reading and writing labels

The described Android Beam uses the ability to transmit and process short information messages. However, in reality, they can not only be transmitted from the phone, but also read from passive tags. In a sense, this technology is similar to the well-known QR codes that are read by the phone's camera. At the same time, useful information (for example, a link to a website page) takes just a few tens of bytes. Tags can be used by companies, for example, to promote their products or services. Given the compact size of the passive tag (more precisely, the thickness comparable to a sheet of paper - because of the antenna, the area will still be significant, no less than a five-ruble coin), it can be placed almost anywhere: on a box with a product, in a magazine, on an information rack and other places.

Passive NFC tags can be made into key fobs

If we talk about hand-made labels, then this is a completely feasible scenario. To do this, you need to purchase blank blanks and, using a special program for the phone, write down the required information on them. For example, we bought several different options: a sticker with a minimum thickness, a protected plastic circle and key chains. All of them had a very small amount of memory - only 144 bytes (there are options on the market for 4 KB). The number of rewrite cycles was not specified, but for most application scenarios this parameter is not critical. To work with tags, NXP Semiconductors programs - TagInfo and TagWriter - can be recommended.

The first will allow you to read the data from the tag and decrypt the information according to the NDEF standard, and the second will help you create your own tags. At the same time, several sub-variants of NDEF are supported: contact, link, text, SMS, mail message, phone number, Bluetooth connection, geographic location, local file link, application launch, URI. Please note that when creating a record, you need to take into account the amount of data stored. For example, a contact photo can take up several kilobytes, messages or text can also easily go beyond 144 bytes. By the way, the NFC TagInfo program from the NFC Research Lab with a special plug-in can read and show you a color photo from a biometric passport. With a data volume of one and a half dozen kilobytes, reading them via NFC takes about 20 seconds. An additional level of protection in this case is provided by the need to specify some details of the passport for reading data from the chip.

Note that the automatic processing of read tags depends on the content. In particular, sometimes additional confirmation is required to carry out the action itself. For example, in the case of SMS, a completed message form opens, but the actual sending must be confirmed by the user. But the recorded web link can immediately open in the browser. Any automation is associated with a loss of control, so the described features should be used with caution, because by simply replacing or reprogramming labels, attackers can redirect you to a fake site instead of the original one. We did not find regular OS settings to limit such autorun (unless you disable NFC itself).

Another important point when using labels in public places - protection against overwriting. When writing a label, you can set a protection flag that will block all attempts to change information, but it will be impossible to remove it. So the label will continue to be used in read-only mode. For home use, this is in most cases not very critical.

Let's mention a few more programs for writing labels:

Using predefined tags to manage a device

One of the active participants in the implementation of NFC is Sony. Her devices are pre-installed Smart program Connect that supports original Sony tags. If you wish, using the SmartTag Maker utility, you can create them yourself from blank blanks. The system uses the NDEF URI format with the tag number/color encoded in the text link. In total, the system provides up to eight labels, which are designated as “home”, “office”, “car”, “bedroom”, “listen”, “play”, “activity”, “watch”.

Variant of original Sony SmartTags

The Smart Connect program itself works not only with NFC tags, but also with other devices connected to the phone, including headsets, power supply, Bluetooth devices. Conveniently enough, the standard settings already correspond well to the above scenarios. In this case, the user can reprogram all circuits; each of them specifies a set of conditions and actions.

As a condition, you can use tag recognition or device connection, in addition, you can limit the operation time of the circuit. The set of actions is quite wide, it includes launching an application, opening a link in a browser, launching music, adjusting the volume and mode, connecting a Bluetooth audio device, sending SMS, making a call, managing wireless interfaces, adjusting brightness, and other actions. Moreover, they can also be assigned to exit this mode, which is carried out by re-identifying the tag, by a new event / tag, or by the expiration of the specified time interval.

But in fact, it is not necessary to use Sony branded tags - you can also find use for ready-made tags that do not allow information to be overwritten. For example, it can be used transport cards. The fact is that each of them has its own unique identifier, which can be tied to certain actions with special programs. As a possible reaction, such operations as changing the profile, enabling / disabling interfaces, and many others can act.

The Play Store has several utilities for this scenario, to mention a couple of them:

Recall that you should not install several such programs at once. Convenience from this mode will not be added, since when a label is detected on the phone screen, a dialog box will appear with the choice of a program for processing it.

While searching for programs to work with labels, we also came across another class of utilities that may be of interest in the case of writable labels. These programs use their own original recording format, which only they themselves can work with. In this case, the set of possible actions is almost the same as those described above:

Recall that at the moment the label is read only when the device is unlocked. So the scenario “came home, put the phone on the nightstand - automatically switched the profile, turned off the call and Bluetooth, set the alarm” will require some actions from the user. This behavior still limits the possibilities of programs a little.

Exchange of information between devices

With the exception of Android Beam, the scenarios described above assume the operation of one phone with a tag or specialized terminal. If we talk about the direct connection of the devices to each other, then the main issue here is compatibility. Of course, in the case of products from one manufacturer, especially a large one, it is possible to simply install the appropriate program into the firmware. But if the devices are produced by different manufacturers, everyone will have to use the same utilities. And it’s not at all a fact that your partner will have the same program installed as you.

Considering that the native speed of NFC is very slow, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is usually used for fast file transfer, and NFC only works during the connection negotiation and pairing phase. To test this scenario, we tried several file transfer programs that claim to support NFC on our devices.

send! File Transfer(NFC) in free version allows you to share files of photos, music and videos. You can use NFC or QR codes to establish a connection. The transmission is carried out via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi (in case both devices have Wi-Fi Direct support, which was not found in the Sony phone used). As a result, we managed to see a speed of 65 KB / s, which, of course, is too low even for photos.

Blue NFC, as the name suggests, also simplifies Bluetooth file sharing by replacing the power, search, and pairing steps with touch and NFC sharing. The speed of work is not very high - at the level of the program mentioned above.

File Expert HD also uses Bluetooth, but the speed is already 100-200 KB/s. True, in fairness it is worth noting that this program has many other file sharing modes.

Conclusion

As of the spring of 2013, we can say that NFC technology is already confidently taking its place in modern top-end and mid-range smartphones. Indirectly, interest in it can be estimated by the number of programs in the Play Store: there are already several hundred free projects alone. Given the dominance of the market (especially in terms of the number of models) of the Android platform, it is today the most popular for NFC devices. iOS does not provide native tools for NFC, but Windows phone 8 has significantly limited NFC capabilities for third-party applications.

By itself, NFC technology has several features that allow it to occupy a unique position:

  • contactless data transmission;
  • work only at short distances;
  • the ability to exchange information with other devices or passive tags;
  • low cost solution;
  • low power consumption;
  • low data rate.

At the moment, for smartphones and tablets, there are three most relevant options for using NFC: data exchange between devices (contacts, applications, links, photos and other files), reading tags with special information and changing device modes / settings / profiles, quick pairing with peripherals (such as headsets). In the first case, you can try to work with the standard Android program Beam or install alternatives. They can be useful when you need a high exchange rate (over Wi-Fi), but require the same program on each device.

Passive tags can be used almost anywhere, from posters to magazines and product tags. They can record information about the product, a link to the site, wifi settings, contact details, geographic coordinates, or other small amount of data. The spread of this method of information exchange directly depends on the number of compatible devices users have. This scenario can be compared to common QR codes, which today are perhaps easier to implement and more popular.

For change system settings even non-writable labels can be used with some programs, so many users will be able to try this scenario in practice. True, it should be noted that in this case the set of options will be written in specific device, and there can be difficulties with transferring it to another device. Most utilities of this purpose still require their own recorded tags, which allows them to store all the required information in an encoded form directly in the tag (or cloud), so that in order to use these settings on another device, it will be enough to have the same program on it.

We have not considered in this article such NFC use cases as payment systems, electronic wallets and micropayments, tickets and coupons, transport cards and passes. These topics, especially the first one, deserve separate consideration. We will try to return to them in the presence of reader interest and the dissemination of such solutions.

At the moment, there are various concepts in the mobile industry that many have never even heard of. Therefore, it is quite natural that there is a need to understand some of the nuances. So, if you came to the question of what NFC is, then you had to deal with the mention of this concept somewhere in some form. It is worth understanding it in as much detail as possible.

It is a high-quality wireless communication technology with a short range (no more than 10 centimeters), which allows contactless data exchange between a pair of devices located nearby: for example, between a plastic smart card or cell phone and reading terminal. NFC technology is based on this radio frequency identification, which is a method of identifying objects in automatic mode. This uses a radio signal to read and write data stored in transponders, often referred to as NFC tags. In the general case, we can say that we are talking about a technology for transmitting information via a radio channel that supports active and passive devices. For example, Sony NFC key fobs do not need any additional power to ensure their operation, they do it completely passively.

Technology Features

So, if we talk about what NFC is, then it is worth considering the three most popular options for using this technology in mobile phones:

Reading mode, in which the phone reads a passive tag, for example, for interactive advertising;

Emulation of cards, in which the gadget is able to "pretend" to be a card, for example, a payment card or a pass;

P2P mode, which pairs two phones for data exchange.

Most often, NFC technology assumes that the chip carrier is mobile phone, which is as much a mass device as it is individual, and at the same time completely inseparable from its owner. In this case, it can be used as a means of payment, which is acceptable if you have a virtual wallet, a key, a means for identifying the owner, a bonus card, and much more.

Scope of application

So, NFC in the phone - what is it? Answering this question, it is worth noting that at the moment such solutions have become more and more widely used in many areas. For example, this technology is used to book electronic tickets and sell them, pay for car parking and travel in public transport. NFC tags are very actively used in the fields of entertainment and services, in the field of security and access control.

Difference from Bluetooth

These two technologies are similar in principle of operation, but there is a very big difference between them. If we consider what NFC is, it is worth noting that the main advantage of this technology is a short connection time of one tenth of a second. The short range makes this method of data transmission much more secure. However, NFC supports a transfer rate of 424Kbps, which is much slower than Bluetooth.

Modern stage of development

Contactless payment technologies have now become very advanced, and this has led to the emergence of cards such as MasterCard PayPass and Visa PayWave, which have built-in antennas and NFC functionality. This market has become so developed that now companies such as MasterCard, Google, Sprint, Citibank and First Data have formed a service called Google Wallet installed on a number of Android smartphones. With this application, you can easily turn your gadget into a credit card that allows you to pay at any terminal that supports PayPass.

What is NFC and how are tags used?

Labels in this case are small programmable information zones built into billboards, posters or on shelves with products in retail stores. If you touch any of them, you can get some additional information in the form of web addresses, maps, or movie commercials.

The process of working with labels involves a certain sequence of actions to obtain the information embedded in them.

What you need to do to scan labels

First you need to make sure that the NFC function in your phone is turned on and its screen is active. Place your phone above the tag so that the NFC detection area touches it. Next, your device will scan the tag, and then display the content received from it. You should touch the content, and then you will open the label.

How to transfer a music file using NFC

To begin with, you should make sure that the required function is enabled on your phone and the recipient's device, and that the screens of both gadgets are active. Open music player You can by going to the main screen, where the "Multimedia" item will be selected, and after it the "Music" icon. If the latter is not displayed, then touch the "Apps screen" symbol, and after it - "Music". To open the media library, you need to visit the "My Music" tab. After selecting a music category, you can proceed to select a track that will be sent to a friendly device. You should touch it to play, and then click on the pause. Broadcasting occurs only when the track is playing or paused.

The transmitting and receiving phones must be turned back to each other so that their NFC recognition zones touch. When the connection is established, both devices will vibrate, and then the broadcast will begin. After vibration, the devices should be moved away from each other. This prevents attempts to reconnect, which could interfere with the transfer process. When the process is completed, the receiving phone will start playing the received file automatically. At the same time, the track will be saved in the corresponding application.

Important Points

So, if we talk about what NFC is, then it should be said about the presence of certain points that can be called the "dark side" of this technology. While NFC can make many everyday tasks easier, sometimes it makes life a lot more difficult when you look at it from a security point of view. This technology works exclusively at close range. If you do not use NFC, then for complete protection and to ensure your safety, you can turn it off. In this case, all its convenience simply disappears, but this allows you to use other methods. It all depends on the individual settings of the smartphone. If you use the device as a mobile wallet, but do not protect it with anything, then problems may well arise. Even PIN-code protection does not always work, unfortunately, when there is NFC in the phone. What it is becomes clear when an attacker takes advantage of your carelessness.

It is worth imagining such a scenario as the loss of a phone or its theft. Then the person who found or stole it will be able to use all payments and functions. However, it’s worth being realistic here, because you can lose the keys to your apartment or car or wallet, which is fraught with the same danger. That is, NFC is only as secure as the user decides.

First devices

NFC support first appeared in a phone released in 2006. However, such a function turned out to be completely useless and unclaimed, since at that time there was no infrastructure. The NFC module is currently equipped with a serial smartphone Sony Xperia S. This device is equipped with a dual-core processor and a 43-inch HD screen. It operates under the operating system from Google. Android-NFC is no different from a similar function in other platforms. This device comes with two NFC tags called XPERIA SmartTags, which allow you to program the launch of certain operations in the device within their range, for example, turning on the navigator or turning off Wi-Fi.

Intel has already addressed issues related to the integration of NFC chips in next-generation ultrabooks, and only this can guarantee that this technology has a great future.

The birth of the future

So, if we consider NFC technology (how to use it is already a little clear), then it is worth saying about who or what it owes its appearance to. In 2002, companies such as Sony and Phillips teamed up to develop an entirely new radio standard, which was given the name. Prior to this, attempts were repeatedly made to form technologies of this kind: Phillips created the MIFARE technology, and Sony had a similar development called FeliCa. Despite the fact that these technologies had a lot in common, they turned out to be incompatible with each other. The created standard was intended to absorb all the advantages of past developments, as well as open up opportunities for its application in practice.

Speaking about what NFC is, it is necessary to mention that since its inception and development this technology focused on interaction between different electronic devices between which there is no wired connection. As examples, it is appropriate to indicate personal computers, PDAs, mobile phones, video cameras, and other gadgets.

We can say about such a feature of the implementation of the interaction of devices working with the support of this technology as the rapid initiation of communication between devices after they are brought close to each other at a fairly close distance. After the connection is established, an attempt is made immediately between the devices.

For example, if you bring a working camera to the TV, provided that the NFC module works in both gadgets, the image transfer process will immediately begin. If a mobile phone or PDA is in close proximity to personal computer, this will allow you to immediately start synchronizing the address book or some other documents.

Method of implementation and development prospects

NFC technology is implemented in the form of a chip operating in passive or active mode. The first option involves using the device as a pass or subway card, and the second - receiving information from passive devices, as well as sending it. At the moment, one can observe not too intensive distribution of this technology, but everything is already ready to conquer the world. Companies like Google and Apple are betting on it. You can already hear about iPhone NFC, that is, these chips are being added to Apple products. There are even SIM cards with a built-in chip that can work exclusively in passive mode.

In modern society, there are very bright prospects for using this technology to use mobile devices for contactless payments. It is quite possible that in a few years one smartphone will replace the user with a whole range of devices and devices.

Despite the fact that almost everyone has access to information, not every mobile device user knows what NFC is in a smartphone, what this technology is for and how to use it.

how nfc works

NFC is a computer technology that has gained fame, allowing you to make purchases in stores and pay for services without money (cash) and a bank card. It's brand new and practically safe way contactless payment. The communication interface is used in a smartphone. To pay, it is enough to bring a smartphone with the installed module to the terminal.

The principle of operation of the NFC module in a smartphone is the same as that of plastic cards with wireless function.

There are several well-known ways to use the NFC interface in a mobile device. Most often, people use it to make contactless payments. A bank card is attached to the mobile device. It is difficult to intercept bank card data due to the small range of this module. More dangerous in this case are left unattended, lost or unlocked smartphones.

The payment transaction is carried out in several stages:

  • Purchasing and activating a card with PayPass technology.
  • Installing the application of your issuing bank.
  • Activate NFC technology on your mobile device.
  • Attaching the card to the smartphone, starting the data reading procedure.
  • Receiving from the bank in SMS a pin code for making transactions.
  • Payment for goods and services using a smartphone and a payment terminal.

There is another, less common way to exploit NFC technology. With the help of the module, you can exchange data. Files are transferred from one mobile device to another, and a special android application Beam. But it is inconvenient to exchange data in this way, since the transfer rate is low and the range is minimal. The method is suitable for sending text messages, but no more.

The third way to use the technology is to write and read labels. The label is assigned to certain actions, such as sending a message, calling a contact, or accessing the Internet. The function is suitable for people seeking to optimize their personal time and automate their everyday life.

How to set up nfc for contactless payment by phone

The NFC setup consists of the following steps:

  1. Module activation. The user enters the “wireless networks” settings section and puts a checkbox opposite the NFC name.
  2. Agent choice. The user has the opportunity to select and install the application of the issuing bank of his card for data transfer.
  3. Module binding. The user brings the device closer to the card with PayPass technology until the signal works.
  4. Confirmation. Receiving an SMS code for transactions.
  5. Usage. Payment for goods and services in terminals with NFC technology.

Is it possible to buy a separate nfc module for the phone

The purchase of a separate contactless communication module for a telephone is possible in the form of several solutions. Together with a mobile device, you can use a special SIM card or antenna. The SIM card works in the same way as its counterparts. She is issued mobile operators and is installed in a smartphone in a special connector. A SIM card opens up all the possibilities of contactless transactions using a mobile phone at the level of Apple Pay or Samsung Pay.

NFC antenna- a radio device that performs the functions of an NFC module, but the user will have to install it on his smartphone on his own. The antenna is glued to the SIM card and installed under the cover of the phone. On a model with a non-removable cover, modules are more difficult to install, but theoretically possible.

What are nfc tags

Recording and subsequent reading of labels is necessary to automate everyday tasks. Tags are similar to QR codes. Approaching the tag, the smartphone reads it using NFC module, and perform encrypted tasks. For example, opens a video on YouTube, email, text message, or call a contact from your phone's address book.

A smart ring or bracelet with NFC function is a new development from Chinese engineers, suitable for smartphones running on any operating systems. The bracelet can be chosen for any hand size (the same with the ring). The device weighs quite a bit and fully supports NFC technology. Processor functions, for example, in the band 3 nfc model are performed by special chipset. Thanks to the chipset, the smart bracelet helps the smartphone to exchange data via a contactless channel, while maintaining the necessary security. Data on a device can be overwritten hundreds of thousands of times.

The bracelet stores payment data, notes and other personal information. Viewing information is easy - just bring the bracelet to the smartphone screen. The bracelet will instantly establish a connection with the phone and unlock the screen, and will also be able to perform the function of a "hot" button. For example, when you bring the bracelet to your smartphone, the camera, the Internet or the social network application will instantly open.

How to find out if the phone has nfc

The NFC icon, if the smartphone has this module, can be found in the settings menu. On an Android device, you need to:

  1. Open the settings menu.
  2. Open the "wireless networks" section.
  3. Read the list of networks supported by the device. If there is no network in the list called NFC, then the smartphone cannot exchange data using this technology.

Is nfc technology safe? Will the money be stolen?

People who have been using contactless phones for a long time bank cards, no need to explain what NFC technology is. This payment method is safer than the standard method of activating a PIN card in the terminal, since no one sees the code. Even after the smartphone is stolen, an attacker will not be able to withdraw more than 1,000 rubles from the card due to universally applicable restrictions on the amount limit in contactless transactions.

Some media have reported that the attackers have developed terminals that are used in crowds, quietly debiting money. But this is only possible if the smartphone is not locked.

Tip: if the fraudster still managed to write off the money illegally, the account holder can always contact the bank and ask employees to track the movement of funds. The attacker's account will quickly be found and the money will be returned to the owner if he (the fraudster) has not yet spent it.

Programs for creating NFC tags

There are already many separate applications for creating NFC tags, but their number is constantly growing. The following specialized programs are in great demand:

  • ABA NFC. The program creates standard labels for various purposes.
  • WiFi Tap. The program quickly connects the device to wireless network without entering a password.

NFC technology(abbr. for Near Field Communication) allows you to exchange data between your smartphone and other NFC-enabled Android phones using android function Beam. The main feature of this technology is a short range (up to 10 cm), which allows contactless data exchange between devices located at short distances: for example, between a reading terminal and a cell phone or a plastic smart card. For example, you can transfer web addresses, map position, applications from Google Play market and contacts to other Android phones. Among other things, it is possible to share photos, music and videos between Sony phones Xperia. As a user of a smartphone of this line, I will tell using his example. Although other companies producing high-tech products are also actively involved in the development and implementation of NFC: Google, Intel, Samsung, Nokia, Visa, MasterCard, Citigroup, Barclaycard and others.

I use NFC in my smartphone to quickly sync with Sony MDR-1RBT bluetooth headphones or wireless acoustic system Sony SRSBTM8. If you have never used NFC, you can activate this feature on your smartphone and attach a subway pass to see information about it on the smartphone display. In order not to confuse you, it is worth noting that NFC has a significant advantage over Bluetooth - fast connection setup time. That is, instead of the process of “pairing” (pairing) 2 devices when using Bluetooth, the connection between two NFC devices is established immediately (in less than 1/10 of a second), but data (for example, an audio stream in Bluetooth headphones) will still be transmitted means of Bluetooth. To avoid a long "pairing" process, NFC is only used to establish connections in wireless technologies such as Bluetooth.

As you already understood, a mobile phone (smartphone) was chosen as a “carrier” of an NFC chip not by chance, since the device is massive and is always near its owner. The latest trend in the field of NFC has been the parallel development of services based on smart cards and mobile devices:

Both of the above options provide the opportunity to build a universal NFC ecosystem, where a smart card or smartphone with an integrated NFC chip turns into multi-purpose devices, acting as:

  • means of payment (virtual wallet)
  • means of identifying the owner
  • bonus card
  • ticket

The NFC chip can store large amounts of data, encrypting it if necessary. At present, NFC solutions are already being applied in many areas. For example, this technology is used to book and sell electronic tickets, pay for public transport and car parking, NFC technology is also actively used in the service and entertainment sector. Analyzing NFC capabilities, we can confidently predict its potential demand in the field of security and access control.

Contactless infrastructure and contactless payments are already quite well developed in the public transport system, and are appearing quite quickly in other industries. Telecom operators, mobile device manufacturers, the banking sector and other payment systems are increasingly moving towards the use of contactless payments.

The most common device in the world that can fully unlock the full potential of NFC technology is, of course, a mobile phone. In combination with NFC, it is able to combine all the functionality of options and services that the use of smart cards can provide.

Perhaps today the widespread use of NFC seems futuristic, but in the very near future this technology will firmly enter our lives - just like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB.

into existing functionality Sony smartphones c NFC technology also includes the ability to scan an NFC tag. NFC tags are small programmable information zones that can be used in shopping and advertising areas: embedded in posters, all kinds of billboards, as well as on shelves with products in retail stores. By touching the tag, you can get additional information: maps, web addresses and trailers.

NFC function activated when two devices supporting this technology come into contact. The maximum reading distance is about 1 cm, which avoids false triggering of the function.

How to transfer a file using NFC technology? (using Xperia P as an example)

Transfer a contact to another phone using NFC

  1. To view contacts on your phone, on home screen tap the App Screens icon, then tap the Contacts icon.
  2. Select the contact you want to send.
  3. Position the transmitting and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition areas touch. When the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. The contact thumbnail will appear.
  4. When the transfer is completed, the contact information will be stored on the receiving phone and displayed on its screen.

Transferring a music file to another phone using NFC

  1. Make sure both phones have NFC and Android Beam turned on and that both phones' screens are active.
  2. To open the Walkman™ player, go to main screen, tap the Apps Screen icon, and then select WALKMAN.
  3. Go to the tab MY MUSIC to open the media library.
  4. Select a music category and find the track you want to share.
  5. Touch a track to play it. You can then tap the Pause icon to pause the track. Transfer is possible when the track is playing or paused.
  6. Position your phone and the receiving phone with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition areas touch. When the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. The track thumbnail will appear.
  7. Touch the thumbnail to start the transfer.
  8. When the transfer is completed, the receiving phone will automatically start playing the music file. At the same time, the file will be saved on the receiving phone.

Note. Copying, sending, and transferring copyrighted items may not be possible.

Transfer a photo or video to another phone using NFC

  1. Make sure both phones have NFC and Android Beam turned on and that both phones' screens are active.
  2. To view photos and videos stored on your phone, go to main screen, tap the Apps screen icon, and then select Album.
  3. Touch the desired photo or video.
  4. Position the transmitting and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition areas touch. When the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. A thumbnail of the photo or video will appear.
  5. Touch the thumbnail to start the transfer.
  6. When the transfer is completed, the photo or video will be displayed on the screen of the receiving phone. At the same time, the item will be saved on the receiving phone.

Transferring a web address to another phone using NFC

  1. Make sure both phones have NFC and Android Beam turned on and that both phones' screens are active.
  2. Tap the Apps Screen icon on the home screen.
  3. To open a web browser, select Browser.
  4. Download the web page to be transferred.
  5. Position the transmitting and receiving phones with their backs facing each other so that their NFC recognition areas touch. When the connection is established, the phones will vibrate and a short beep will sound. A web page thumbnail will appear.
  6. Touch the thumbnail to start the transfer.
  7. When the transfer is completed, the web page will be displayed on the screen of the receiving phone.

NFC (Near Field Communication) is a short-range (up to 10 cm) high-frequency wireless communication technology that allows contactless data exchange between devices located at short distances: for example, between a reading terminal and a cell phone or a plastic smart card.

NFC technology is based on RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification, radio frequency identification - a method for automatically identifying objects in which data stored in so-called transponders or RFID tags are read or written using radio signals), that is, a technology for transmitting information over a radio channel that supports both active and passive devices.

For example, Sony NFC key fobs do not require additional power to work (read data), that is, they can work completely passively.

There are three most popular uses for NFC technology in mobile phones:
- emulation of cards - the phone pretends to be a card, such as a pass or a payment card;
- reading mode - the phone reads a passive tag (Tag), for example, for interactive advertising;
- P2P mode - two phones communicate and exchange information.

A mobile phone often acts as a "carrier" of an NFC chip - a device as massive as it is individual, and most importantly, inseparable from its owner, acting as:
- means of payment (virtual wallet),
- a means of identifying the owner,
- key,
- bonus card
- ticket.

At present, NFC solutions are already being applied in many areas.
For example, this technology is used to book and sell electronic tickets, pay for public transport and car parking, NFC technology is also actively used in the field of services and entertainment, in the field of security and access control.

The maximum radius of action is about 10 cm.
The module operates at a frequency of: 13.56 MHz.
Data transfer rate: 106 Kbps - 848 Kbps.

What is the fundamental difference between NFC and Bluetooth technology

The most important advantage of NFC is the shorter connection time, one tenth of a second.
In addition, NFC has a shorter range, which makes this method of transmitting information more secure.
NFC allows you to transfer data at a speed of 424 Kbps, which is much less than Bluetooth.

The development of contactless payment technology has led to the emergence of such cards as Visa PayWave and MasterCard PayPass, which have a built-in antenna and work according to the NFC standard.

The development of this market has led to the fact that Google, MasterCard, Citibank, Sprint and First Data created the Google Wallet service, which is installed on some Android phones.
The application allows you to turn your phone into a credit card that can be used to pay at any terminal that supports PayPass.