TagStar has expanded its TOM (TagOnMetal) product line to include several new tags that combine various shielding elements and tag surfaces for use with up-and-coming NFC applications.

TOM is TagStar’s patented magnetic shielding technology that allows a tag’s RFID to overcome the weakening effect of metal on RFID signals. Depending on the application, the shielding is available in various grades and in a wide array of form, size and tag configurations. 

Kyocera is launching an NFC update for its Android-based Echo handset, according to Ubergizmo.com.

Scheduled to launch today, the Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread update will deliver NFC support to the dual-touchscreen Echo. Ubergizmo says this will enable handset to perform contactless payments, store loyalty cards and read tags and posters. 

Dublin-based tech firm TicketFriend has launched a new NFC-based contactless ticketing app for Android phones, according to Siliconrepublic.com.

The first of its kind, this end-to-end system allows users to purchase, store and redeem event tickets all from their NFC-enabled smart phone. 

Identive Group has announced it will design and supply more than one million NFC tags over the next six months for a leading mobile handset manufacturer.

Designed to help familiarize customers with NFC technology, the tags will enable a variety of applications such as linking to a Web address or URL, dialing a specific phone number, or having a map pop up to show nearby points of interest, according to Identive. 

BNP Paribas and Orange have have announced a partnership to launch mobile banking services in France.

Starting this November, BNP Paribas will be able to offer mobile banking through all of its 2,250 branches, enabling customers to manage their accounts and make payments using their mobile phones. 

Several more test tools and laboratories have achieved GlobalPlatform qualification status. This certification allows for confirmation of product compliance to the GlobalPlatform 1.0.1 of the UICC Configuration for the mobile services sector.

Companies achieving this status include test toll providers Barnes International, Collis, and FIME, and test laboratories FIME and ICT Korea. They will be able to test products for managing applications on secure chip technology. 

It just got a bit easier for U.S. consumers to get their hands on an NFC-enabled phone.

According to Mobiledia.com, yesterday AT&T began selling Google’s flagship NFC handset, the Nexus S.

Originally available only through Sprint, the phone runs on Google’s Android 2.3 ‘Gingerbread’ OS, giving it access to all sorts of NFC-enabled applications, including the soon-to-launch Google Wallet service.

According to Mobiledia.com, AT&T is also selling the Nexus S for $100, slashing Sprint’s price in half. It should be mentioned though that Sprint, unlike AT&T, offers an unlimited data plan for the handset.