Identity and NFC rumors have staffers salivating for iPhone 5
11 April, 2011
category: Digital ID, Library, NFC
I cannot tell a lie, I am an Apple fanboy. Most of us at AVISIAN Publishing are big fans of Apple products. We use them to write, edit and produce the magazines and Web sites we publish. Most of us also have iPhones and an iPad may be in my future (hint, hint boss).
Even though the iPhone 4 has only been out for a few months, the Apple rumor sites have been filled with predictions for iPhone 5. If near field communication technology isn’t included in that version of the phone it will be shocking as most seem to think it’s a given, though the rumors keep going back and forth on this topic.
Adding NFC and wallet app to the iPhone shouldn’t be that difficult, but more intriguing rumors suggest that the iPhone 5 will use NFC to enable remote computing on select Apple computers.
The phone would carry or point to a users desktop data and preferences and enable them to load it on to other NFC-enabled Macs. When a user waves the iPhone at a Mac, the computer would load all applications, settings and data … as if the user was sitting at their own computer. When the iPhone is out of range the Mac would return to its original settings.
I’ve heard of many different NFC applications before but not one like this. I’m not sure how it would work, but it would easily be the coolest NFC application I’ve encountered.
Also rumored in November was that Apple was working with Gemalto to develop an integrated SIM for its iPhone. The new built-in SIM may enable Apple to bypass mobile operators in offering service to its customers. Some say this indicates Apple is finally ready to deliver an iPhone with a mobile wallet.
Apple has had other patent filings that show its interest in NFC. Concert Ticket + is a patent that could be used for any number of events, including sporting events, amusement parks and, of course, concerts.
The app’s NFC interface would enable a user’s iPhone to communicate with other iPhones or various NFC enabled devices and RFID tags, meaning that future tickets could be bought contactlessly at kiosks and turnstiles. It could also enable for peer-to-peer transfer of tickets, as well as allow companies to target the ticket purchaser with live recordings, exclusive content and vouchers for food and beverages.
Adding NFC to the iPhone will give the technology a huge bump in the U.S. where a decent number of contactless merchant terminals are already deployed. If they launch even one of the applications above it would add an entirely new dimension to the device and make it a must have upgrade around the AVISIAN offices.