Buzz
Many users have become accustomed to the term NFC, especially with phone manufacturers like Xiaomi making a lot of noise about launching a series of devices and accessories supporting NFC. However, the truth is that users still have some ambiguity about the concept of NFC and how this short-range communication works. In this article, let's delve into the details of NFC technology together with Mytour!
Understanding NFC: The Wireless Connection
NFC, or Near-Field Communications, is a wireless connectivity technology with a close-range scope of about 4cm. It utilizes both magnetic field induction for connection and data transmission when in direct contact or proximity. This technology is based on the principle of identification through radio signals at the 13.56 MHz frequency band, achieving a maximum data transfer rate of 424 Kbps.
NFC Tags
NFC shares some similarities with Bluetooth in certain aspects, such as being a wireless communication with a limited range. However, NFC possesses distinct characteristics that set it apart from Bluetooth.
The communication mechanism of NFC relies on an NFC tag embedded within mobile devices and other electronic devices. The NFC tag is a very thin circuit, not requiring a power source.
How does NFC operate?
For NFC to function, you need both devices to have NFC capabilities: an initiating device and a target device. The initiating device generates radio waves to provide energy to the target device, which operates in passive mode.
How does NFC operate?
The initiating device operates without requiring external power; it draws energy from the initiating device. This is an interesting feature as it allows users to create compact NFC tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards without the need for batteries.
Examples of real-world applications of NFC include:
- You visit a cinema, and there's a poster with integrated NFC introducing a new movie. Simply touch your NFC-enabled Xiaomi 11 Lite 5G NE to the poster, and all information about the movie, including the trailer, reviews, showtimes, online ticket booking, and everything related to the film, will appear on your phone.
What is NFC used for?
What is NFC used for?
NFC helps transform human behavior in payment and data transmission with just a simple touch. Some examples of NFC applications include:
- In public transportation: Major cities' public transport desperately needs convenient payment methods like NFC. In reality, some cities like Nice in France allow customers to pay for buses, subways, or electric cars using NFC-enabled phones.
- NFC payments: You can purchase any type of ticket with a mobile phone equipped with NFC, such as movie tickets, concert tickets, sports events, or even replacing airport procedures.
- Product comparison while shopping: Whenever you make a purchase, just wave your phone, and you can instantly view information, reviews, or prices of the product from different stores.
- Check-in and review a particular location
- Detecting counterfeit goods.
- Using NFC for data transfer: Through NFC connection, you can also send specific files between devices using Android Beam. This allows you to share links to apps, music, a location on Google Maps, and contacts. NFC also enables connecting your smartphone to a smartwatch or a compatible speaker.
Drawbacks of NFC
Drawbacks of NFC
- Integration of NFC is relatively scarce in devices.
- NFC chips are not uniformly positioned across all devices, leading to the risk of scratches when searching between devices.
- Compatibility among devices using different versions is still not widespread, especially for certain specific file types.
