Last year we saw quite a few NFC (near field communication) enabled smartphones launch, and we can expect to see many more this year. According to a recent report, we get some information on how many NFC enabled handsets were shipped last year.
According to research firm Berg Insight, there were around 30 million NFC enabled mobile phones shipped in 2011, and these are expected to increase dramatically over the next few years.
Near Field Communication (NFC) increased ten-fold in 2011 to 30 million units. Growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 87.8 percent, shipments are forecasted to reach 700 million units in 2016. The global rise in smartphone adoption is also driving higher attach rates for other wireless connectivity technologies in handsets including GPS, Bluetooth and WLAN. These connectivity technologies are already a standard feature on high-end smartphones and most medium- and low-end models. Declining costs will also enable broader integration in the featurephone segment that is rapidly gaining smartphone-like functionality.
The Rise of NFC Technology
NFC technology has been around for a while, but it has only recently started to gain significant traction in the consumer market. The technology allows for short-range communication between compatible devices, making it ideal for applications like contactless payments, data exchange, and even pairing devices. One of the most popular uses of NFC is in mobile payment systems. Google launched its NFC-based payment service, Google Wallet, last year. This service allows users to make payments simply by tapping their phone on a compatible terminal. The convenience and security of NFC payments have made them increasingly popular among consumers.
Apple has also been rumored to be working on their own NFC payment service. If these rumors are true, we could see this year’s iPhone launch with NFC built-in. This would be a significant development, as Apple’s entry into the NFC market could drive even more widespread adoption of the technology. Other major players like Samsung, LG, and Huawei are also expected to continue integrating NFC into their devices, further driving the technology’s growth.
Broader Applications and Future Prospects
Beyond mobile payments, NFC technology has a wide range of applications. For instance, NFC can be used for secure access control, allowing users to unlock doors or access secure areas with a simple tap of their phone. It can also be used for public transportation, enabling users to pay for their rides with their smartphones. In retail, NFC can enhance the shopping experience by allowing customers to quickly access product information or special offers by tapping their phone on an NFC-enabled tag.
The healthcare industry is also exploring the potential of NFC technology. For example, NFC can be used to streamline patient check-ins, manage medical records, and even monitor patient health through NFC-enabled medical devices. The possibilities are virtually endless, and as the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications.
The rapid growth of NFC technology is not just limited to smartphones. Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers are also starting to incorporate NFC capabilities. This trend is expected to continue, further expanding the reach and utility of NFC technology.
The future looks bright for NFC technology. With shipments expected to reach 700 million units by 2016, NFC is poised to become a standard feature in a wide range of devices. As more companies adopt and innovate with NFC, we can look forward to a world where seamless, secure, and convenient communication between devices is the norm.
Source BGR
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