21st century tagging
With the increasing adoption of NFC (Near Field Communication), NXP Semiconductors has built a new application that allows Android users to create their own NFC tags. These tags can be used to share details and launch applications with other NFC handsets.
"This is one of the first consumer-centric NFC applications to be launched onto Android Market. One of the best features of NFC is the technology's ability to read and share information with other NFC users," said Henri Ardevol, VP and GM of secure transactions at NXP semiconductors.
"Having this Android application in the market is a major step giving a powerful tool into consumer hands to make use of the wide feature set of NFC-enabled Android devices."
Steven Fera, strategic account manager at NXP, added that "simple to use applications, which add value and simplify the user's life, will be vital to the adoption of NFC. With this application, users can begin to put NFC at the heart of their world."
You can create tag content directly from contacts and bookmarks; write multiple tags, view and erase contents of a tag and also write-protect a tag. The TagWriter app also allows users to launch applications on a tap to initiate calls, open websites, and send SMS messages.
NXP said the TagWriter app integrates like a plug-in into Android and provides an extended feature set. The app also includes a tag reader for reading NFC tags. The NXP TagWriter also keeps a history of all written and backed up tag content.
The application is built mainly keeping in mind that most of future business cards will incorporate NFC, which will enable contact details to be shared and stored onto the handset immediately.
