Near Field Communication is a technology standard based on Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) that does not require an internal power source to function and can transmit information wirelessly over small distances. As a result NFC opens up new possibilities for consumer goods.
Form Factors
NFC chips usually take the form of a sticker. While their appearance may seem unimpressive, their power comes from simplicity. This means they can be used in places other technologies can’t.
Each sticker is made up of two components that work together to form a functional device. Those are the antenna, and a small system on a chip (SoC).
Scanning & Interactivity
From a user standpoint NFC works like magic. To interact, a user simply brings their phone within range of an NFC chip, and is instantly presented with the corresponding content. It is also a ubiquitous technology, working across devices from iPhone to Android.
Popularity & Growth
Since 2006, when the first devices to support NFC were released, the number of new devices supporting the technology has grown rapidly. Mobile handsets equipped with NFC have increased 400% from 2013 to 2018 reaching a staggering 1.2 billion units. This represents a tipping point of 64% of all smartphone shipments. According to HIS Technology this number will increase to 2.2 billion units by 2020.
NFC holds the potential to unlock more value from products and deseminate information more quickly and readily. Through consumer education, and greater understanding around the tech, NFC can go very far.
