Softbank to Release NFC Mobile Payment Stickers for iPhone 4

   

“Okay sir just tap your iPhone here”

The minute we saw it we knew Near Field Communication (NFC) was an imminent reality for the iPhone. We just did not know how long till the reality hits the public. Thanks to Japanese Carrier Softbank the reality is no longer just in the imminent state. Softbank is set to release Sony’s FeliCa payment system for the iPhone 4. So how does it work? Basically you get a this super thin piece of plastic that snaps on to the back of your iPhone, it covers everything exempting the camera area.  Keeping the handicapped iPhone’s in mind it also supports Apple’s Official bumper case along side the Mobile Payment Sticker. The plastic cover is basically an NFC chip independent of the iPhone, so you dont need to buy any apps or install any software for the magic to happen. Three different variations of units will be available including those from WAON, Nanaco and Edy, a bitWallet solution. The product will hit the public (or atleast Japan) and will be available for ¥2,980 (US$36) starting February 2011. On a rather less interesting note we found that the chip is basically in no way interacting with the iPhone its just something you cling on to your phone so it is easier to pay instead of having to take out your wallet. My verdict remains that unless there’s any interaction with the iPhone this line of NFC technology remains rather uninteresting.

Source: http://ietc.tk/

Social Link: http://twitter.com/adithyasudarsan