While new high-tech vending machines are being released with options such as touch screens, nutritional information displays, wireless coin dispensers, stock monitors and biometric payments, some feel the idea of moving forward with biometric-based payments on the devices may not work yet, according to a Retail Solutions Online article.

The reason for this is based on the unsuccessful Pay By Touch efforts at retail locations in the past. The suggestion for similar technology utilizing NFC on mobile phones is brought out as a potential separate option. 

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reportedly testing a new NFC-enabled Nokia smart phone, according to phonescoop.com.

The unnamed phone, which Phone Scoop says could feature mobile payment capabilities, also supports Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) on radio bands used by AT&T and T-Mobile’s 3G networks. 

Bank of America will be testing NFC payments enabled through microSD cards, a spokesperson for the bank tells NFCNews.com. The program will begin in September and run through the end of the year in New York.

Since the test will use microSD cards, iPhone users will not be able to participate. Other smart phones, such as Blackberry and many of the devices running the Android operating system, do have microSD slots.  

Demand for contactless smart cards in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is expected to take off in 2012, according to a new report from Frost & Sullivan. The research firm says completion of several key government-led projects will trigger the growth, including NFC, e-passports and mass transit.

According to the report, shipment of contactless smart cards to the region is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.4% from 590 million in 2009 to 1.9 billion units by 2016, generating revenues of approximately $2 billion. 

Multicard, a business unit of Identive Group, announced that it has been selected by Rabobank to provide personalization and fulfillment services for the Dutch bank’s latest application of its MiniTix cashless e-payment solution.

Multicard will manage product delivery, encoding and customer support for MiniTix, a program that allows Rabobank’s employees to make cashless payments using e-payment labels on their mobile phones. 

American National Bank and Guaranty Bond Bank in Mt. Pleasant, Texas are now offering tap and go mobile payment to their customers and the community through Bling Nation.

Customers with a checking account at either bank can sign up for a BlingTag, a quarter-sized microchip sticker that adheres to the back of their mobile phone to enable debit transactions directly from their account. 

China Unicom has signed a $1.5 billion contract with the Chongqing Municipal Government to turn the city into the world center for NFC technology, according to The Register.

China Unicom, the country’s second largest network operator, will provide the $1.5 billion, while the Chongqing government will initiate a series of tax breaks and incentives to lure NFC developers over.