NFC update. NFC: what is it for and how to install

NFC Task Launcher- it is powerful and convenient program, which allows you to realize part of the potential inherent in the newfangled NFC technology. Using these tools, you can create settings profiles that will automatically activate on your device when you touch an NFC tag.

The program was developed by the Tagstand studio, which, along with the application, also began selling its own set of NFC tags. However, do not be alarmed, since the program supports any universal tags that can be ordered in online stores.

NFC Task Launcher Features

This program can switch any functions and settings of the smartphone, as well as launch various profiles, applications and generally anything else your heart desires. By default, several basic profiles will already be recorded in NFC Task Launcher: Car (activates Bluetooth, starts maps), Office (turns off sounds, turns on Wi-Fi), Bedside (turns off all sounds, starts an alarm) and much more.

You can create any configuration yourself, choosing from more than 200 settings items. Once you choose the configuration you like, you just need to bring the back of your smartphone to the NFC tag, and it will be recorded immediately. After this, to read the data, it will be enough to simply touch the smartphone to the tag.

Models that support NFC:

• Sony Xperia Sola
• HTC One X
• Samsung Galaxy S III
• Nexus 7
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• and almost all new smartphones from 2012.

Where to buy NFC tags?

Even if you want, it is almost impossible to find NFC tags in Russia, and if you find them, it will be very, very expensive (our resellers inflate the price tag on them by 5-10 times). Therefore, we will give you a hint where to find and order cheap tags.

The most convenient and proven way is to buy NFC tags on the Internet sites Ebay and Aliexpress. Go to these sites and type “NFC Tag” in the search, then look where it says “free shipping” and the sender country is China. Ordering tags from America is pointless and very expensive, since they are no different from each other.

When choosing a seller, focus on the price of ~$1 (30 rubles) for 1 tag. They are usually sold in packs of 10 pieces, so you will have to order a set at once, which will cost you only 300 rubles. For comparison, our sellers ask for 300-500 rubles per piece.

NFC tags themselves are universal, so don't worry about Sony smartphones They only read tags from Sony, etc. Any device that supports NFC technology can read any tag.

Flaws:

• Lack of Russian language;
• Inability to switch GPS (Root required).

Bottom line. NFC Task Launcher is one of the best programs for working with NFC tags on Android smartphones, which is much more functional than the tools that Samsung and Sony offer us. If your smartphone supports NFC and you haven’t used tags yet, be sure to try it - it’s very convenient!

Having started their work in Russia just a month ago, they have already managed to change our lives for the better. Thanks to them, we stopped digging through our wallets, holding up the queue, and flashing banknotes in front of everyone. So, in any case, say those who have already experienced all the benefits of contactless payment for themselves. But what about those who do not have this privilege?

Despite the relatively widespread mobile services to conduct transactions, many Russians (and not only them) do not have the opportunity to use them. The reason for this is quite simple and literally lies on the surface - the smartphone market is not limited only to Apple and Samsung devices. Some people prefer to use something, albeit less flashy, but certainly more accessible.

There are many ways to turn your smartphone, regardless of the manufacturer, into a real wallet. Let's start in order.

The first and, in my opinion, the most preferable is Yandex.Money.

Few people know that the Yandex.Money application for Android supports contactless payments, requiring only the NFC module integrated into the smartphone from the client. The user himself must take care of replenishing the wallet with title units (read – money).

The second method is NFC SIM card.

He produces these mobile operator MTS in cooperation with the bank of the same name. Install a functional card in your smartphone and pay for purchases with a light touch on the terminal. No one will guess that you cheated!

Of course, call it full replacement for Apple Pay is still not possible, since transactions are not encrypted and do not require fingerprint identification. In addition, you will still have to open a separate account with MTS PJSC or Russian Standard Bank.

However, if you are already a card holder of one of the two banks, the problem disappears by itself. All you have to do is visit the nearest salon cellular communication or a bank branch where you can get the above-described SIM card completely free of charge.

The third method is an NFC antenna.

The antenna looks less intimidating in real life

For all those whose smartphone does not have a “near-field” module in its arsenal, the path to “contactless” will be somewhat more difficult. They will have to either replace the device with a new one, which is irrational, or equip it with an NFC antenna themselves. Contrary to popular belief, doing this is much easier than imagining it.

To do this, you need to purchase an external NFC antenna, which is sold in cellular stores, and, gluing it to the surface of the SIM card, place it under the cover of your smartphone. A small note: owners of devices with non-removable memory will not be able to perform this operation. rear panel and a side slot for SIM cards.

NFC bracelets.

Some banks, including Alfa Bank, are producing bracelets that are simple-looking at first glance, containing an NFC chip associated with your personal account. It works on exactly the same principle as plastic cards with PayPass or PayWave technology.

Check with bank representatives about the availability of appropriate accessories in their range and, having received a copy, remove the chip from the purchased bracelet and simply put it in the case of your smartphone or tablet. This way, you not only don’t have to remember to have a wallet with you, but also worry about the autonomy of your main gadget.

The cost of an NFC bracelet, depending on the bank, ranges from 500 to 1000 rubles. A case with a small pocket on the back will cost you the same amount.

Near Field Communication (NFC) is gradually becoming a more popular technology, and its use is expanding as more mobile users adopt and support this feature.

NFC is a set of standards for smartphones and some other gadgets that define the rules for interacting with other devices via radio communication when in close proximity to each other. As a rule, the distance does not exceed a few centimeters, but can reach several meters. Current and future applications include contactless financial transactions, data exchange, customization and preparation for more complex data transfer mechanisms, such as .

Communication is also possible between an NFC-enabled smartphone and another device equipped with an NFC chip without a power connection, the so-called tag. If your phone supports NFC and you want to try this function, then without special program, which, for example, can read NFC tags is not enough. Below are examples of the five best NFC-enabled programs for Android.

1. NFC Tasks Launcher

NFC Tasks Launcher is one of the most popular programs designed for these purposes. It has a rich set of settings, which allows you to solve a wide range of problems. In it, you can configure and easily switch between the “Car”, “Home” and “Office” profiles. You can place an NFC tag in your car, office, home, bedroom or living room, and the smartphone profile will automatically change and programs that you set for specific locations will be launched. The program supports NFC Forum Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 tags, as well as third-party tags.

2.NFC Actions

NFC Actions is an Android application that helps you prepare Quick and Cloud Actions scripts for NFC tags. After the script has been prepared, it can be used to trigger a certain action when approaching a tag - sending Email, a specific website was opened, a Foursquare check was carried out, etc.

3. Blue NFC

Blue NFC is small free program, which sends files via Bluetooth using NFC features. The function of this program is launched from the context menu of the file that you are going to transfer. Next, you should select the device to which you want to send the file and start transferring. The application does everything automatically and does not require user intervention. turn on bluetooth when transferring files to other devices.

4.Alarm Clock NFC

Even if you set a loud alarm, you may wake up, turn it off, and go back to sleep. This way you risk oversleeping work or the start of classes. But with NFC Alarm Clock this will never happen. This program will first make sure that you are sufficiently awake, and only then will it allow you to turn off the alarm. You can only deactivate the alarm using an NFC tag or QR code.

5. AnyTAG NFC Launcher

AnyTAG NFC Launcher launches tasks the moment the smartphone “meets” an NFC tag. Using the program, you can create a set of tasks and associate them with NFC tag IDs. Now, when the user is near a certain tag, it is recognized by the system and the specified task is performed. By default, the program contains several common tasks that can be run on your device.

In the shop Google Play There are many similar programs that significantly expand the functionality of your device using FC and tags. But first, I recommend trying out these five apps.

Initially, Near Field Communication technology ( NFC) has gained maximum popularity as a technology for making contactless payments. You can use a smart card with a built-in NFC chip as a travel card in public transport, as a payment card in institutions retail, as a “smart” business card or as a contactless key card.

However, recently, this technology is increasingly being used in devices such as smartphones and tablets: almost all major manufacturers have begun to equip their mid-range and high level NFC adapters.

What is NFC?

If we translate the name of the Near Field Communication technology from English, we get the phrase “near field communication”, which can be deciphered in ordinary language as wireless connection over short distances. Thus, we see that two NFC-enabled devices can communicate with each other when they are nearby. And indeed, the “range” of NFC is only a few centimeters.

IN mobile devices NFC technology can be used for various purposes. You can, for example, turn your phone into a virtual one bank card, use it as a pass to the pool or to the enterprise. You can also quickly exchange files and links, and even, using special applications, read and write information to programmable NFC tags or NFC smart cards.

IN operating system Android, NFC support appeared in Android versions 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich - Its built-in Beam feature allows you to share files between devices.

Why do you need NFC if you already have Bluetooth?

As you remember, NFC is most often used when paying for various goods or services, and in this case Bluetooth is not entirely suitable. Firstly, due to its large range (there is a possibility of interception of your payment data). And secondly, the connection between two NFC devices, unlike Bluetooth, occurs almost instantly.

Does your device support NFC?

Not all phones and tablets have NFC adapters. Does your tablet support NFC? How to check its availability?

Some manufacturers, such as Samsung, place the Near Field Communication message directly on the battery of their smartphones, while others, such as Sony, place the NFC logo on the device.

However, the easiest way to check the presence of an NFC adapter in your phone or tablet is through its settings menu:

Go to the settings menu of your Android device

In chapter " Wireless network» click "More..."

Here you should see NFC settings items:

NFC activation

If your tablet or phone has an NFC adapter, you need to allow it to be used to exchange data between other NFC devices.

Go to Settings -> Wireless & networks -> More...

Check the box next to "Allow data exchange when combining the tablet with another device"

This will automatically turn on Android Beam.

If Android Beam doesn't turn on automatically, simply tap on it and select Yes to turn it on.

When Android Beam is disabled, it limits the ability to share NFC data between smartphones or tablets.

Sharing data using NFC

Once you have activated NFC, you can use it to transfer data. For successful data exchange between tablets and phones, pay attention to the following:

Both the sending and receiving devices must have NFC enabled and Android Beam enabled.

None of the devices should be in sleep mode or have a locked screen.

When you bring the two devices close enough to each other, a beep will sound indicating that the devices have detected each other.

Do not separate the devices until the data transfer is complete and you hear a success signal.

Data transfer via NFC

Place the backs of the devices facing each other.

Wait until confirmation appears that both devices have detected each other and the message “tap to transfer data” appears on the sender’s screen:

Click on the screen and data transfer will begin:

You will hear a sound confirmation both at the beginning and at the end of the data transfer.

Application sharing

With NFC you can't share APK files. Instead, the sending device sends the other device a link to that app on Google Play Store, and the recipient opens a page in the Market with an offer to install it.

Sharing web pages

Just as in the previous case, the web page is not transferred from one device to another, but only a link to it is exchanged, which the recipient tablet or phone opens in its web browser.

Exchange YouTube video

Again, when sharing a YouTube video, the file itself is not transferred - the second device will simply open the same video on the YouTube website.

Using NFC tags.

In addition to exchanging information between tablets and phones, you can use your device to read (and write) data from NFC tags and smart cards equipped with an NFC chip.

NFC chips are small enough that they can be embedded anywhere - in business cards, bracelets, product labels, stickers, price tags and other items. They can contain information about the person, a URL, product information, and even commands that your phone or tablet should execute when you touch these tags.

To read data from NFC tags (or to write information to them), you will, of course, need a special application.

For example, using the Yandex.Metro program you can find out how many trips are left on your disposable Moscow Metro card, and the NFC App Launcher program will allow you to program your phone or tablet to perform certain actions by placing the corresponding information in the NFC tag.

Conclusion

Most of the modern Android phones and tablets are already equipped with NFC adapters, but so far this function is in little demand and its use is still limited, mainly by the ability to quickly exchange content and contactless payment for services. However, in the future, NFC may penetrate into all areas of our lives, sometimes even completely unexpected ones.