NFC

Who needs NFC when you can pay wirelessly right now using Square?

NFC (near field communications) technology has been a rumored "upcoming" iPhone feature for quite some time now. It was supposed to turn up in last year's model (obviously it didn't). And of course it's expected in this year's release.

What's the big deal? Well NFC is the backbone of many mobile payment systems. And everyone is waiting for Apple to enter that space. But why wait for NFC, when you can pay wirelessly with your iPhone right now using Square?

Apple granted key patent for ‘iWallet’

Many Android device manufacturers have opted to include near field communication (NFC) technology inside of their devices. NFC allows customers to transmit data between two devices. The biggest use for NFC is for mobile payments – which Google has been actively pursuing with its Google Wallet technology.

Apple has been granted a new patent for the 'iWallet' from the United States Trademark & Patent Office, as outlined by Patently Apple. The new patent allows for Apple to include NFC technology into the iPhone for mobile payments...

Apple Working on Wireless Mobile Payment System

In the months leading up to Apple's Fall iPhone announcement last year, we heard dozens of rumors that never materialized. Obviously the big one was that the handset was going to feature a major hardware redesign, but there were others.

NFC (Near Field Communications) compatibility is another rumor that never panned out. The iPhone 4S launched without any sign of NFC chipsets. But that doesn't mean that the next iPhone won't feature the technology...

Patent Reveals That Apple Does Have Interest in NFC

In the months leading up to Apple's Fall iPhone announcement, there were several rumors that claimed Apple's next smartphone would feature NFC technology. Competing devices have had the wireless payment tech for years, but it's only recently started to gain traction.

Obviously, the gossip didn't materialize, as there isn't any kind of NFC chipset in the iPhone 4S. But that doesn't mean that Apple is ignoring the technology. The company was recently awarded a patent regarding Near Field Communications in mobile devices...

Apple Stores Looking to Enable Self-Checkouts Via iOS App

Apple Stores are already considered trendsetters in the retail space. From their awe-inspiring architecture to their product-focused environments, the Cupertino company's world-wide chain has other retailers turning green with envy.

Now it seems like the Mac-makers are looking to start another fad: self-checkout. No, we're not talking about those big machines at your local Walmart. We're talking about customers paying for items using their iPhones without the help of a sales clerk...

Google Introduces Mobile Payments for Smartphones with Google Wallet

Google has finally unveiled its public service for mobile payments called Google Wallet. The NFC-based technology will initially work with select Android devices and participating merchants to give customers the ability to pay with their smartphones.

Short of a South Korean carrier offering an NFC-equipped iPhone case to customers, mobile payment technology has yet to make its name known on the iOS platform. Apple is expected to unveil an iPhone with an embedded NFC chip next year...

Did a Samsung Executive Just Confirm NFC for the iPhone 5?

In the interesting Korea Times article we mentioned earlier today, a Samsung executive was quoted in saying that the company was looking to ban all iPhone 5 sales in Korea once the new device launched.

He claimed that Samsung was going to take Apple to court over its violation of the company's patents related to wireless technology. But thankfully, the senior level executive didn't stop there with the information...

Certified iPhone NFC Case and Service Launched by South Korean Carrier

With circulating rumors that Apple will eventually introduce an iPhone with NFC technology, South Korean carrier KT Telecom is taking matters into its own hands. KT has launched the iCarte 420K NFC case for the iPhone 4.

Developed by Canadian company Wireless Dynamics, the $63 iCarte gives the iPhone Near Field Communications capabilities with the carrier's online payment service/digital wallet and South Korean credit card companies.

Study Shows Apple Users More Likely to Use Mobile Payments

A new study suggests that iPhone owners are the most likely to be open to the idea of mobile payment systems, according to GigaOM.

The study, conducted by UK firm YouGov, reported that 46% of UK iPhone owners would be willing to pay bills using their handsets, while 62% would happily transfer funds. 69% would check their balances, with 45% keen on using their iPhone to pay other people...

Give Your iPhone 4 NFC Capabilities

NFC technology seems to be taking the mobile phone industry by storm. Not only do multiple Android and Nokia models sport the feature, Apple's upcoming iPhone 5 has even been rumored to contain the tech.

But if you're tired of waiting for Apple to make a next-gen iPhone announcement, and you don't plan on leaving iOS anytime soon, we've come across a way for you to enjoy NFC technology in your current device. All you need is an iPhone 4 and a bit of an adventerous side...

Bluetooth 4.0 to Replace NFC in Next iPhone?

NFC has been a popular topic of discussion in the tech world over the last several months. Near Field Communications technology has already been introduced in several Android devices, and has been rumored to appear in the next iPhone.

While imbedding an NFC chip in Apple's next smartphone would help standardize the technology, ItProPortal thinks Apple has a different plan in mind for the iPhone. Have you ever heard of Bluetooth 4.0?

Google Unveils Google Wallet, Apple Sits and Learns

Earlier today, Google unveiled yet another product: Google Wallet. Very simply said, Google Wallet is the result of a partnership that will allow Google to have NFC (Near Field Communication) built in most of upcoming Android devices.

For those of you who don't know, NFC is a wireless technology, which among other usages, will allow you to replace your credit card with your smartphone. Sounds awesome, doesn't it?