Why Wait for NFC?
One of the use cases that NFC fans like to discuss is the smart poster - where a mobile handset can pickup information by simply being held in close proximity to an NFC "button". With not a lot of NFC-equipped handsets in the market yet, this isn't a use case that's very actively used. We wait for NFC.
Along comes an alternative technology. Today, Google announced it was beginning a local marketing effort called "Favorite Places on Google" that is based on 2D bar code technology which, as it turns out, can also be read by mobile handsets using their on-board cameras and an on-board application. Google calls this "a new effort to send window decals to over 100,000 local businesses in the U.S. that have been the most sought out and researched on Google.com and Google Maps."
Recently, Starbucks decided to use 2D bar code technology to bridge between mobile handsets and its POS systems for payment. Are we seeing a theme develop here?
What do you think? Add your comment here!
Before NFC is as cheap as 2-D barcode printing and 60% of cellphones can read NFC, people will choose what they can use RIGHT NOW.
Google search all possible SEARCH ways for business, and Google choose 2-D barcode in 2009.
Posted by: L | December 07, 2009 at 06:08 PM
Indeed. Why wait? The majority of potential applications for NFC (payments, service/product discovery via posters etc.) simply require retrieval of a unique identifier. Data transfer is essentially one way, so NFC may be overkill for many applications. Smartphones such as the iPhone and Android-based handsets are now capable of generating unique barcodes “on the fly”. Authentication is possible. What’s more, the technology is inexpensive and available today.
Our company, TapBase (forgive the plug!) has been carrying out trials of our TapWallet application (www.tapwallet.com) using both NFC and 2D codes. We have found that many users prefer barcodes over NFC! For one, they are perceived as more secure (negative publicity about RFID and “spychips” at work). Also, tags can be read at large distances (billboards etc.) and not constrained by the inch or so of NFC.
The recent Starbucks and Google announcements put NFC on notice. And there are rumblings of Google or Microsoft buying Neomedia (holders of several broad 2D barcode patents). 2010 may see the battle of NFC and the barcode. It will be interesting to see how it plays out.
Posted by: George John | December 07, 2009 at 09:19 PM
In the techcrunch news , Google suggest using Quickmark, BeeTagg and NeoReader decorders in your cellphones. From those company websites, seems some NFC applcations can be done by QR code now.
iTunes donwload: http://itunes.com/apps/quickmark
Posted by: L | December 07, 2009 at 10:04 PM
You need NFC in order to provide a good user experience. Bar code technology is a very clumsy user experience and difficult to get consumer adoption. For example, mobile ticket delivery with bar codes has been available for many year. Let this delivery option has had very low adoption rates because it is difficult for the user and more cumbersome than current options (i.e. paper). We must address the total user experience in order to drive adoption.
Posted by: todd mazurek | December 08, 2009 at 07:52 AM
Sorry I do not get it. Like the old arguments about smart cards, this one does not fly either. With communications close to zero and connectivity everywhere, there is no point in putting intelligence out at the endpoints. As SUN once said, "the network is the computer". The only close to valid reason is security and for that the math just does not add up. No security is perfect, either in the network or at the endpoints but you can do it a lot more cost effectively back at the network/account level than you can by requiring anything special at the endpoints which invariably will be out of date within 24 months. All I need is what I already have, a token which any existing mobile phone can be, of my existing account relationship. The speed argument for NFC went away with the No Signature under $25 rule.
Posted by: Steve Klebe | December 08, 2009 at 09:01 AM
We have developed several applications that read 2D bardcodes from ID cards quite well. The input devices can be cameras, smart phones, small image scanners etc... We have adapted our applications to the electronic payments industry. We are interested in exploring strategic relationships in almost any industry.
Contact:
Bruce Brenner, President
MiniCheck-COR, Inc
Bruce@MiniCheckOCR.com
Posted by: Bruce Brenner | December 08, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Why waiting for NFC mobile phone ??
you are looking for NFC device and infrastructure ?
Have a look to our new high secure NFC-Zigbee wallet: www.TazTag.com
you will find your solution !
See you at CES Las Vegas in January !!
TazTag South hall 4 booth 36426
Posted by: Eric | December 08, 2009 at 03:46 PM