VeriFone has developed a new add-on device that transforms tablets into NFC readers, enabling retailers to accept mobile payments on the go, according to Mobiledia.com.

Compatible with the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and Motorola Xoom, Verifone’s new device accepts payments from traditional magnetic stripe cards as well as a NFC devices using software such as Google Wallet. 

Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) has been commissioned by Deutsche Telekom to develop a NFC-enabled SIM card solution for mobile phones.

According to G&D, Deutsche Telekom plans to use the SIM, which will run on G&D’s SkySIM CX operating system, to offer NFC services such as contactless payments in various countries in the near future. 

Stollmann and ARS Software have announced a partnership to develop a simple, secure method of pairing Bluetooth devices via NFC.

According to the partners, NFC can allow two Bluetooth devices to pair by simply touching them together, thus eliminating the need for user input and making the process quicker, easier and more bug-proof. 

INSIDE Secure has announced that Chinese telecom ZTE Corporation will integrate INSIDE’s NFC technology into its GSM and next-generation TD-SCDMA Android-based smart phone platform.

The solution is based on the INSIDE MicroRead NFC controller and the companion Open NFC protocol stack, which will enable consumers in China and elsewhere to use ZTE 3G smart phones for a range of secure NFC applications, including payments, transportation, loyalty, ticketing and access control. 

Finnish wireless operators Sonera and Elisa have partnered to offer a mobile authentication and signature service to its subscribers.

Mobile authentication company Valimo provided its Mobile ID product for this offering, that lets the wireless subscribers create legally binding electronic signatures for applications such as internet banking, e-commerce and e-government products. 

Solacia has announced it will provide its NFC-enabled USIM cards to SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile service provider.

The $16 million contract, which also calls for Solacia’s Combi USIM, is the first of its kind for USIM technology, setting a new precedent as global mobile companies prepare to integrate NFC into new mobile devices, according to Solacia. 

Mobile payments users are expected to grow by 40% to reach 2.5 billion globally by 2015, according to a new report from Juniper Research.

Juniper says the Far East & China region will be the largest market for mobile payments in 2015, accounting for nearly 30% of the total by 2015, while the Indian Sub-Continent is forecast to exceed 400 million users by 2015.