Updating nfc. How to add an NFC module to your phone

With the help of technologyNFC, you can not only transfer data from one cell to another, but also pay for purchases(for example, buying groceries at the supermarket).

Decryption is simple - NearFieldCommunication, which, when literally translated into Russian, means near-field communication or communication in the nearest space.

This technology was originally used for fast contactless payments. Now NFC replaces a plastic bank card and Bluetooth and combines them in one system, which is quite a practical invention to use. Want to make it easier to pay for purchases or transfer files? Let's figure out how to find out if there is NFC in a phone, tablet or laptop.

The history of the emergence of technology in the phone

It is considered to be a relatively young development. Its appearance dates back to 2004: it was during this period that three renowned companies Nokia, Philipps and Sony organized the "NFC Forum", and three years later they were integrating the first NFC tags into a Nokia phone.

NFC compatible smartphone models

It should be noted that not all phones support this data transfer technology. It is known that NFC support is available in such devices as:

• Apple iPhone (starting with 6S and 6S Plus);
• new items in the Galaxy line from Samsung and smartphones from other manufacturers on the Android platform (starting from Android0).

Checking the device for NFC

Would you like to try the technology in practice, but do not know if there is such an opportunity on your device? Let's check.

To do this, carefully open the back cover of the smartphone or tablet, in a situation where it can move away without damage, and inspect the battery of the gadget.

With the presence of NFC development, you will see this abbreviation right there. If the phone / tablet cover is not removable, then the corresponding icon or abbreviation will be located on the outside.

If for some reason you do not want or cannot remove the cover, you can make sure that this communication method is available in the device settings.

Find the "Wireless networks" tab, then "More ..." and if NFC is available on the device, then there will definitely be a corresponding item.

How it looks, look at the photo above or in video instructions on how how check correctlyNFC in the phone:

NFC activation

If you find it on your device, you must also activate access to the technologyNFC. This can be done as follows:

1. go to the "Settings" section and then "Wireless networks", "More ...", where earlier you could verify the presence of NFC;
2. confirm by clicking on the item "Allow data exchange when combining> device name> with another";
3. Android Beam is immediately activated on an Android smartphone. If this does not happen, click on it and select "Yes", so as not to disrupt the system;

NFC can also be activated in the quick menu, in the same place where Wi-fi is turned on. This is done by touching the NFC tag.

See the video for more details:

What if my device doesn't support NFC?

Don't worry if you haven't found the built-in feature, there is a way to connect NFC to your device. But this can be done only if the panel cover on the back and the hole for the SIM card on your smartphone / tablet are removable. . In this case, it will not be difficult to install NFC.

Installing the NFC module

The optimal solution is to install a special module - an external communication device. It is compatible with almost all smartphones, easy to use and gives you access to NFC without buying a new televon.

Types of modules and methods of their implementation

Main types: chips, SIM cards, external devices, stickers. The latter of them are of two types: passive - which do not allow the exchange of data, and active - use Bluetooth and Wi-fi communication channels for transmission, which significantly increases power consumption.

Such stickers are attached to the outer shell of the phone, which is also not very practical.

The most popular are the following:

• NFC sim card. Now available for purchase from most mobile operators. You can find out about the availability of such a SIM in the communication salon. You just need to install the finished card in your phone or tablet. This type of module is the most affordable and easiest to install.
• NFC antenna. The second method, for which you need to purchase an NFC antenna. This can be done in the communication salon. Next, the antenna is connected to the SIM card and inserted into the device.

As you have already seen, install the module simple and safe enough : you do not need to download additional applications or programs. However, these services do not completely replace the Android Pay app, just a few of its many features.

How to use an NFC tag

An NFC tag is a miniature chip-like device that can be attached almost anywhere: from a phone to insertion under the skin!

We will not use such radical methods, but it is worth noting that contacts, settings, URL and other data and commands can be placed in the chip. All gadgets are capable of supporting the tag.

Data exchange via NFC

The technology can also be used to transfer files.

To transfer data, you need to do the following steps:

1. make sure that you have passed the activation of NFC and Android Beаm;
2. unlock the device, exit "sleep mode";
3. check the discovery of devices with each other;
4. connect;
5. transfer data between devices;
6. at the end, a specific beep will sound.

However, not all file types can be transferred this way. For example, it is not possible to send attachments.

NFC advantages and disadvantages

The main advantages are:

• low price;
• small dimensions of the device;
• high transfer rate;
• support on almost all mobile devices.

It is worth highlighting the disadvantages:

• relatively small radius of action;
• not all devices are equipped with an NFC chip.

So, thanks to these notes, you learned quick and easy ways to check your device for the possibility of transmitting information and interacting with other technical means using Near Field Communication. By following the simple instructions in this article, you can also find out on your own whether your smartphone has this technology, you will be able to integrate NFC into your phone and transfer the necessary files at high speed.

NFC Task Launcher is a powerful and convenient program that allows you to realize some of the potential that lies in the newfangled NFC technology. With these tools, you can create settings profiles that will be automatically activated on your device when you touch an NFC tag.

The program was developed by the Tagstand studio, which, along with the application, also began selling its own set of NFC tags. In this case, do not be intimidated, since the program supports any universal tags that can be ordered in online stores.

NFC Task Launcher features

This program can switch any functions and settings of a smartphone, as well as launch various profiles, applications and in general everything that your heart desires. By default, several basic profiles will already be recorded in the NFC Task Launcher: Car (activates Bluetooth, launches maps), Office (turns off sounds, turns on Wi-Fi), Bedside (turns off all sounds, starts an alarm) and much more.

You can create any configuration yourself, choosing from more than 200 settings items. After you choose the configuration you like, it will be enough just to bring the smartphone with the back side to the NFC tag, and a recording will be made on it. After that, to read the data, it will be enough just to put a smartphone to the tag.

NFC compatible models:

• Sony Xperia Sola
• HTC One X
• Samsung Galaxy S III
• Nexus 7
• Samsung Galaxy Nexus
• and almost all new smartphones from 2012.

Where to buy NFC tags?

With all the desire, it is almost impossible to find NFC tags in Russia, and if you find it, it will be very, very expensive (our dealers inflate the price tag on them by 5-10 times). Therefore, we will give you a hint where to find and order cheap tags.

The most convenient and proven way is to buy NFC tags on the Internet sites Ebay and Aliexpress. Go to these sites and type in the search "NFC Tag", then look where it says "free shipping" and the country of the sender is China. Ordering tags from America is pointless and very expensive, since they are no different from each other.

When choosing a seller, focus on the price of ~ $ 1 (30 rubles) for 1 tag. They are usually sold in packs of 10 pieces, so you have to order a set right away, which will cost you only 300 rubles. For comparison, our sellers ask for 300-500 rubles for 1 piece.

NFC tags themselves are universal, so don't worry about Sony smartphones reading only Sony tags, etc. Any device that supports NFC technology can read any tag.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Russian;
• Inability to switch GPS (Root required).

Outcome... NFC Task Launcher is one of the best programs for working with NFC tags on Android smartphones, which is much more functional than the tools that Samsung and Sony offer us. If your smartphone supports NFC, and you don't use tags yet, then be sure to give it a try - it's very convenient!

Near field communication () is gradually becoming an increasingly popular technology, and its use is expanding as more mobile users switch to and support this feature.

NFC is a set of standards for smartphones and some other gadgets that determine the rules for interacting with other devices via radio communication, when they are in close proximity to each other. As a rule, the distance does not exceed a few centimeters, but it can be up to several meters. Current and future applications include contactless financial transactions, data exchange, customization and preparation for more complex data transfer mechanisms such as software.

Communication is also possible between an NFC-enabled smartphone and another device equipped with an NFC chip without being connected to a power supply, the so-called tag. If your phone supports NFC, and you want to test this function, then you cannot do without a special program that, for example, can read NFC tags. Below are examples of the five best NFC software for Android.

1. NFC Tasks Launcher

NFC Tasks Launcher is one of the most popular programs for this purpose. It has a rich set of settings that allows you to solve a wide range of tasks. Here you can customize and easily switch between the “Car”, “Home” and “Office” profiles. You can put an NFC tag in your car, office, home, bedroom or living room, and the smartphone profile will automatically change, and programs that you set for specific places will start. The software supports NFC Forum Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Type 4 tags, as well as third-party tags.

2. NFC Actions

NFC Actions is an Android app that helps you prepare Quick and Cloud Actions scripts for NFC tags. After the script is prepared, it can be used to trigger a specific action at the moment of approaching the tag - sending an email, opening a specific site, checking in Foursquare, etc.

3. Blue NFC

Blue NFC is a small free program that sends files over Bluetooth using NFC functions. The function of this program is launched from the context menu of the file that you are going to transfer. Next, you need to select the device to which you want to send the file and start transferring. The application does everything automatically and does not require user intervention to turn on Bluetooth when transferring files to other devices.

4. Alarm Clock NFC

Even if you set a loud alarm, you can wake up, turn it off and go to sleep again. So you run the risk of oversleeping work or starting classes. But this will never happen with the NFC Alarm Clock. This program will first make sure that you are sufficiently awake before letting you turn off the alarm. You can only deactivate the alarm with an NFC tag or QR code.

5. AnyTAG NFC Launcher

AnyTAG NFC Launcher launches tasks the moment the smartphone "meets" the NFC tag. With the program, you can create a set of tasks and associate them with NFC tag IDs. Now, when a user is near a certain tag, it is recognized by the system and the given task is performed. By default, the program has several common tasks that can be run on your device.

There are many similar programs in the Google Play store that significantly expand the functionality of your device using FC and tags. But first, I recommend trying out these five apps.

Most modern phones, smartphones and tablets are equipped with a short-range communication chip. It is used to pay for contactless payments, exchange various files with other similar devices. To use the useful functionality you need to know how to enable NFC on Android.

Description of technology

NFC is a microchip that allows data exchange between two devices. The transmission of information is carried out only at a short distance due to radio frequencies. The chip is mounted directly into the body of a smartphone or tablet. The work is provided by a special application Android Beam.

Before figuring out how to enable the NFC function on Android, you need to determine the presence of the technology on the device. The presence of a chip can be determined in the following ways:

How to turn on

It is very easy to enable NFC mode on your phone. To do this, you need to sequentially perform the following steps:

Do I need to enable NFC on my smartphone when paying?

When making contactless payments through the terminal using a smartphone, you do not need to enter the application and turn on the mode. The chip will automatically start working when waking up from sleep mode and unlocking.

Those who started their work on the territory of Russia just a month ago have already managed to change our life for the better. Thanks to them, we stopped digging in wallets, delaying the queue, and "shining" bills in plain sight. So, in any case, say those who have already experienced all the benefits of contactless payment for themselves. But what about those who do not have this privilege?

Despite the relatively widespread use of mobile services for conducting transactions, many Russians (and not only they) do not have the opportunity to use them. The reason for this is quite simple and literally lies on the surface - the smartphone market is not limited to Apple and Samsung devices. Some people prefer to use something less flashy, but certainly more accessible.

There are many ways to turn your smartphone, regardless of manufacturer, into a real wallet. Let's start in order.

The first and, in my opinion, the most preferable one is Yandex.Money.

Few people know that the Yandex.Money Android application supports contactless payments, requiring only the NFC module integrated into the smartphone. The user must take care of replenishing the wallet with title units (read - money).

The second way is an NFC SIM card.

These are issued by the mobile operator MTS in cooperation with the bank of the same name. Install a functional card into your smartphone and pay for purchases with a light touch on the terminal. Nobody will guess that you cheated!

Of course, it's still impossible to call this a full-fledged replacement for Apple Pay, since transactions are not subject to encryption and do not require fingerprint identification. In addition, you still have to open a separate account with MTS PJSC or Russian Standard Bank.

However, if you are already a cardholder of one of the two banks, the problem disappears by itself. All you have to do is visit the nearest cell phone shop or bank branch, where you can get the above-described SIM-card for free.

Method three - NFC antenna.

Live antenna looks less intimidating

For all those whose smartphones do not have a "near field" module in their arsenal, the path to "no contact" will be somewhat more difficult. They will either have to replace the device with a new one, which is irrational, or equip it with an NFC antenna on their own. Contrary to popular belief, this is much easier to do than to imagine.

To do this, you need to purchase an external NFC antenna, which is sold in cellular stores, and, gluing it to the surface of the SIM card, place it under the cover of your smartphone. A small note: owners of devices with a non-removable back panel and a side slot for SIM-cards will not be able to do this operation.

NFC bracelets.

Some banks, including Alfa-Bank, are engaged in the release of seemingly unsophisticated bracelets that carry in their design an NFC chip associated with your personal account. It works exactly the same way as plastic cards with PayPass or PayWave technology.

Check with the bank representatives about the availability of the appropriate accessories in their assortment and, having received a copy, remove the chip from the purchased bracelet and simply put it in a smartphone or tablet case. Thus, you do not have to not only remember about the need to have a wallet with you, but also worry about the autonomy of the main gadget.

The cost of an NFC bracelet, depending on the bank, ranges from 500 to 1000 rubles. A cover with a small pocket on the back will cost you the same amount.