Use of RFID in Apple's iPhone 5 expected to have a 'unique' twist
Apple is expected to include near-field communications technology like radio-frequency identification (RFID) in its next-generation iPhone, but with a different approach to the feature than has been seen in RFID-powered Android phones, according to a new report.
Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities issued a note to investors on Thursday from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. He noted that there has been a rising interest in near-field communications (NFC) at this year's show.
White said that his sources have indicated to him that the next iPhone will include NFC technology. However, Apple's approach will reportedly have "a twist that will make it unique versus his peers." White did not give any indication as to what the "twist" could be.
He did note that earlier this week, it was revealed that the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S II will feature NFC technology, while he said Google has pushed RFID as technology that "has the opportunity to revolutionize electronic commerce and payments." But the rumor would suggest that Apple is looking to offer more than an e-wallet for payment processing at retail stores.
Last November, one rumor claimed that Apple could use NFC technology in both its future iPhones and Macs to allow RFID-enabled "remote computing." It was said the rumored technology would allow users to securely turn a nearby Mac into their own personal computer, complete with custom settings, personal passwords, and even desktop backgrounds.
Apple has also filed patents related to NFC technology, including one discovered last July which would allow users to obtain information about a range of products wirelessly and instantly. Examples of potential uses for the service, called "Products+," included obtaining information about a product to receiving promotions and coupons.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based iPhone maker has also hired experts on near-field communications, and was even rumored to be testing iPhone models with RFID chips as recently as August.
Also in his note issued on Thursday, White noted that Softbank has issued all 20,000 of its employees both an iPhone and iPad from Apple. He said the news is "a sign of things to come across enterprises," predicting further corporate adoption of Apple's iOS devices.
Analyst Brian White with Ticonderoga Securities issued a note to investors on Thursday from the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. He noted that there has been a rising interest in near-field communications (NFC) at this year's show.
White said that his sources have indicated to him that the next iPhone will include NFC technology. However, Apple's approach will reportedly have "a twist that will make it unique versus his peers." White did not give any indication as to what the "twist" could be.
He did note that earlier this week, it was revealed that the forthcoming Samsung Galaxy S II will feature NFC technology, while he said Google has pushed RFID as technology that "has the opportunity to revolutionize electronic commerce and payments." But the rumor would suggest that Apple is looking to offer more than an e-wallet for payment processing at retail stores.
Last November, one rumor claimed that Apple could use NFC technology in both its future iPhones and Macs to allow RFID-enabled "remote computing." It was said the rumored technology would allow users to securely turn a nearby Mac into their own personal computer, complete with custom settings, personal passwords, and even desktop backgrounds.
Apple has also filed patents related to NFC technology, including one discovered last July which would allow users to obtain information about a range of products wirelessly and instantly. Examples of potential uses for the service, called "Products+," included obtaining information about a product to receiving promotions and coupons.
The Cupertino, Calif.-based iPhone maker has also hired experts on near-field communications, and was even rumored to be testing iPhone models with RFID chips as recently as August.
Also in his note issued on Thursday, White noted that Softbank has issued all 20,000 of its employees both an iPhone and iPad from Apple. He said the news is "a sign of things to come across enterprises," predicting further corporate adoption of Apple's iOS devices.
Comments
But seriously when I saw the rumors of an iPhone nano or mini I thought, what's the point? Then, as I was planning what to take on a trip abroad, my iPhone or iPad or both, it struck me. When traveling, the smaller iPhone would be the perfect companion to an iPad. Especially if they could be linked in some way. Otherwise you are carrying around functions in both devices that are largely duplicative. You don't really want a phone in your iPad, but a linked little buddy that makes calls but has a little screen would be a perfect companion. You have the iPad for your big screen-needing functions.
Last November, one rumor claimed that Apple could use NFC technology in both its future iPhones and Macs to allow RFID-enabled "remote computing." It was said the rumored technology would allow users to securely turn a nearby Mac into their own personal computer, complete with custom settings, personal passwords, and even desktop backgrounds.
This can be done and it is done in research environments! I hope Apple introduces this system to the mass market. Pinch of salt: look for distances less than 20-30cm.
"Order new copiers."
Another shocker: Apple innovating.
But seriously when I saw the rumors of an iPhone nano or mini I thought, what's the point? Then, as I was planning what to take on a trip abroad, my iPhone or iPad or both, it struck me. When traveling, the smaller iPhone would be the perfect companion to an iPad. Especially if they could be linked in some way. Otherwise you are carrying around functions in both devices that are largely duplicative. You don't really want a phone in your iPad, but a linked little buddy that makes calls but has a little screen would be a perfect companion. You have the iPad for your big screen-needing functions.
This was one of the things that interested me about HP's future offerings....
Not really the tap to transfer thing, although you can throw that in if you want, but being able to get texts/calls on your tablet from your phone without having to say, take it out of your pocket or go pick it up off the charger at home, etc.
I mean it would be up to someone else to see what all you can do with that interoperability, but I could easily envision people buying tablet/phone as a combo if the integration between the devices offered enough added value.
That seems like great motivation for companies to get that right and make it a selling point that enables you to sell 2 devices rather than one.
Right now I'd like to bet on Apple being the ones to get that right (HP just has a toe in the door IMO, because that Pre isn't up to snuff) But I can't be sure.
Makes all the sense in the world though. Hopefully iOS 5....
Probably not, but lets start the rumor here.
Another shocker: Apple innovating.
But seriously when I saw the rumors of an iPhone nano or mini I thought, what's the point? Then, as I was planning what to take on a trip abroad, my iPhone or iPad or both, it struck me. When traveling, the smaller iPhone would be the perfect companion to an iPad. Especially if they could be linked in some way. Otherwise you are carrying around functions in both devices that are largely duplicative. You don't really want a phone in your iPad, but a linked little buddy that makes calls but has a little screen would be a perfect companion. You have the iPad for your big screen-needing functions.
The iPhone isn't that big...how many people need two phones just for traveling?
Now if they sold an iPhone that was iPad nano size (previous gen), which was like $100 bucks w/o a contract and I could just throw my SIM card in it, that would be interesting.
On a more serious note: Would it be possible for NFC to handle high volume, near-instantaneous syncing between iOS devices?
The data rate for NFC is low. It creates a very small looped, secure connection.
In review, for your final exam:
RFID/NFC is nothing but a spychip -- having one in a phone isn't much different than being chipped like a dog, see:
http://spychips.com - how RFID will compromise privacy, security, freedom
and watch the free documentary movie that covers this topic:
http://freedomtofascism.com America: Freedom to Fascism
RFID/NFC is also inherently insecure, just watch:
http://www.disclose.tv/action/viewvi...easily_hacked/
Also in his note issued on Thursday, White noted that Softbank has issued all 20,000 of its employees both an iPhone and iPad from Apple. He said the news is "a sign of things to come across enterprises," predicting further corporate adoption of Apple's iOS devices.
Nice chunk of revenue from one entity.
1. App links - You go into a restaurant chain and on the way in there is a board advertising their App for the iPhone saying 'swipe your phone here for the free app' etc. So you wave your iphone over it and it pops up with the app store on the phone and loads up the app for you to download.
2. Buying tickets - You buy a ticket online then go for your flight/train etc and swipe the phone to check in
3. Facebook - Auto 'check in' at a location by just swiping your iPhone
You then have the run of the mill uses e.g parking meters etc
Of course for any 'secure' transactions RFID is purely an identifier and must be backed up with user authorisation as RFID information can easily be cloned. This is why, when grocery shopping, a combination of bar code and RFID is used for self checkouts to make sure your not retagging an RFID on a 12 pack of stella as a box of cornflakes
It would be good if the RFID on the iPhone was programmable or could hold/present different ID's for different apps. An example would be that you send a one time RFID key encrypted with a PIN along with a purchase and when you collect it it matches the RFID and your pin and releases the purchase. This RFID is then never used again. Not sure if this is something that can be achieved with current systems.
Apple is expected to include near-field communications technology like radio-frequency identification (RFID) in its next-generation iPhone...
...However, Apple's approach will reportedly have "a twist that will make it unique versus his peers."...
...one rumor claimed that Apple could use NFC technology in both its future iPhones and Macs to allow RFID-enabled "remote computing." It was said the rumored technology would allow users to securely turn a nearby Mac into their own personal computer, complete with custom settings, personal passwords, and even desktop backgrounds.
...which would allow users to obtain information about a range of products wirelessly and instantly. Examples of potential uses for the service, called "Products+..."
Twist and shout!
I am down for a twist from Apple - I think there is a potential for much more than just an eWalllet (although that is pretty cool too). I can see a lot of personalization capabilities in environments (remember the Gates house music/art), simple tracking in an office or home (this stuff has to be used in very close proximity so I don't see Big Bro in this). I can see tracking medical records for emergency access (do need to watch Big Bro closer here) and possibly ID (the way the new passports work - but with GOOD security) that could be incorporated with dynamic security systems. I am sure there are tons of ideas that I have not begun to think here.
We will have to watch carefully to make sure we don't get 'strip searched' at the airport in a whole different way.
I think with reasonable regulation (and an opt-in only system) those ethical and security issues can be dealt with.
And with the same capabilities in iPad, I trust these devices will flow into all sorts of warehouses, transport companies, logistics and ... Well ... I NEED DEVELOPERS FOR ALL MY IDEAS! And time. And money.
This is great news if they do this!
The data rate for NFC is low. It creates a very small looped, secure connection.
Good point, but it might be the digital key to open a higher-bandwidth connection the NC datacenter to complete a "machine sync". Aside from Verizon's slower data speeds of course... Zzzzzing!
(Before any one starts crying I was just joking about Verizon so calm down....)
Hell I hat that googlemail read a transaction receipt that was email to me and then stated placing ads base on the receipt. BTW, I made the transaction on another computer which was not mine and the only way google new i bought this product is because of this email since I never bought this product in the past or will in the future. I stopped using googlemail after that.
Apple coming up with some new "twist" that revolutionizes the conceptual space of some technology? Gee - who would have ever guessed???
No offense, but that just seems like the kind of prediction anyone could make without fear of contradiction. If Apple implements RFID at all, there is bound to be something about their implementation that'll qualify as a unique twist.