Lately, I am experimenting with NFC (near field
communication) tags to see if they could prove useful in HP's classrooms. First
off, NFC tags have been compared to RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags that have seen use in
areas such as inventory control. An NFC
tag is a specializedtype
of RFID device that operates in the 13.56 Mhz
frequency range. Both types of tags hold electronic data, but near field
communication tags operate over much closer distances between the tag and the mobile
device that reads the tag’s payload. This closer
proximity requirement for NFC tags is why mobile device manufacturers
use this technology for payment processing - keeping the data transmission
distance short and less likely to be pilfered
by outside devices.
At any rate, for my first experiment, I programmed an NFC tag to open a special URL, and only if
the mobile device is connected to certain
WIFI networks (e.g. hpguest or hpinternet), and finally, only between certain hours
of the day.
NFC programmed tasks: 1) Post
a tweet, 2) Launch Brain Candy URL, and 3) send an email to me.
1)
2)
3)
I find that NFC tags are
quite interesting. This quick experiment showcases only a drop in a bucketful
of things that can be done with these tags. I see them as a powerful new tool
in my developer’s toolbelt. I’ll keep you posted on what I do with NFC tags
next.