Latest news with #NFCForum
GSM Arena
4 days ago
- GSM Arena
NFC 15 comes with improved range and better features
NFC Forum introduced version 15 of the NFC (Near Field Communication) standard. The most notable upgrade is the extended communication range. It's now 2 cm, up from 0.5 cm. This makes tasks such as contactless payments faster and more stable. With the increased range, the NFC no longer requires precise device alignment and enables more consistent connections. The new NFC 15 benefits compact devices like smartphones and wearables the most. The new NFC standard should reduce failed tap payments, for example, and simplify NFC use. It also enables smoother interactions in public transport, better "digital keys" experience and easier wireless charging alignment. Despite the extended range, the NFC Forum says the new standard doesn't compromise security. It remains a proximity-based feature and protects contactless payments. NFC 15 also brings support for Digital Product Passport (DPP) allowing brands to store product lifecycle data using the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF). The NFC 15 standard's technical specifications are already available, while public access and compliance certification will begin this fall. Source
The Verge
4 days ago
- Business
- The Verge
NFC is getting a range boost
The next version of the Near Field Communication (NFC) standard aims to make it easier to make payments, pair devices, and unlock doors using your phone or smartwatch. The most notable improvement is a boost to the distance of contactless connections from 0.5cm to 2cm, extending the range by x4. The NFC Release 15 standard update means NFC chips shouldn't need to be as precisely aligned with terminals to register a connection, which is especially beneficial for users who have to fumble with smaller devices like smart watches or rings. Tap-to-pay systems like Apple Pay will also start sooner, making contactless payments faster and more reliable. While some devices already register contactless connections at greater distances than 5mm, the NFC Forum behind the standard says the spec update is 'redefining the baseline.' The NFC Release 15 is needed to support contactless applications that 'demand higher reliability and a broader operating range,' according to the NFC Forum. That includes NFC tech being integrated into increasingly smaller devices and performing more complex activities with a single tap, such as using a wallet app to pay for products, receive digital receipts, and collect store loyalty points. The NFC Release 15 is currently available to high level NFC Forum member companies, including Apple, Google, Sony, and Huawei, allowing them to start implementing the improvements in their own products. Compliance certification will be made available to the public sometime this fall. The Verge has asked the NFC Forum if existing NFC devices can be updated to support the new release standard when it rolls out but didn't hear back before publication.
Android Authority
5 days ago
- Android Authority
NFC just got a serious range boost, and your next smartwatch is going to love it
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR The new NFC Release 15 specification increases range from 5mm to up to 2cm, making alignment less critical to initiating a compliant connection. This extended range will make NFC connections quicker and more reliable in the future, especially for smaller devices like smart watches and smart rings. It also introduces support for the NFC Digital Product Passport (NDPP), allowing phones to serve as payment terminals. Unless you're picking up something in the extreme budget range, most Android phones come with NFC these days. NFC, short for Near Field Communication, is handy for contactless payments and other short-range proximity-based use cases. This short-range is getting an upgrade with the NFC Forum's latest NFC Release 15 specification. The highlight of this NFC Release 15 specification is its extended range for certified compliant NFC contactless connections, going from the current 5mm to up to 2cm, which is a 4x increase. This may seem like a tiny change, but this extended range means that NFC chips on devices needn't be as precisely aligned as they currently need to be. This would allow NFC connections to start sooner, making the process quicker and more reliable, especially on smaller form factor devices like smartwatches and smart rings. The range is still very short, and you still need a fair amount of user intent to initiate a connection. Still, you needn't awkwardly dance your wrist around on the payment terminal to make a payment, as both devices will have a wider acceptable area for the connection handshake. Wait, but aren't there devices already operating at 2cm distance? Yes, there are, and this spec release creates a standard for more of them to come up, ensuring they continue to play nice with each other. Oliver Cragg / Android Authority Another highlight is the support for the NFC Digital Product Passport (NDPP) standard, which allows you to use your mobile phone as a payment terminal instead of requiring a dedicated device. More technically, the standard includes a data-agnostic framework that allows a single NFC tag embedded in a product to store and transmit both standard and extended DPP data using common NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) records. NFC Release 15 will be made available to adopter-level members and the public sometime in Fall 2025, and the certification compliance process will also begin then. Higher-level NFC Forum members can already download the Technical Specifications for this NFC Release 15. As you can imagine, products compatible with the specification will take a while to reach the market, but I am optimistic about the future. Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
NFC Forum Announces NFC Release 15
Release will extend the range of NFC contactless connections by up to 4x, boosting speed, reliability and user convenience LONDON, June 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NFC Forum, the global standards body for Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, has announced NFC Release 15, supporting the latest advancements in NFC Forum-certified technologies. NFC Release 15 will extend the range of certified compliant NFC contactless connections up to 2cm – 4x greater than the current range of 0.5cm, supporting faster, more reliable contactless interactions across a growing number of use cases such as wireless charging, kitchen appliances, wearables, and digital keys. Led by its Board members, including representatives from Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NXP, Sony, and ST Microelectronics, NFC Forum empowers organizations to deliver seamless, secure contactless interactions to users around the globe, with conformance to the Forum's specifications helping to ensure intuitive, reliable and consistent experiences. NFC Release 15 will extend the range – also known as the operating volume – of NFC contactless interactions. This innovation means that connections will start sooner and require less precise device alignment, making NFC quicker, more reliable and easier to use than ever. Contactless connections will be more seamless, while retaining the critical need for user intent. "Extending the range of NFC contactless connections was one of the key priorities outlined in the NFC Forum Five-Year Roadmap, to meet changing market needs and deliver faster, easier transactions across all NFC enabled devices – including smaller form factors such as wearables or smartphones," comments Mike McCamon, Executive Director of NFC Forum. "Many markets are set to benefit from extended range, with consumers set to gain the most through an enhanced user experience. Redefining the baseline for contactless connections, NFC Release 15 is also expected to advance new and exciting use cases, such as using your mobile phone as a payment terminal, as well as optimize NFC usability across a variety of sectors, including automotive, transit and access control." NFC Release 15 also marks the latest step in NFC Forum's ongoing commitment to sustainability, as one of its other core focuses is support for the NFC Digital Product Passport Standard. The standard gives brand and product teams a flexible, data agnostic framework to allow a single NFC tag embedded in a product to store and transmit both standard and extended DPP data using common NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) records. NFC Release 15 will therefore help to ensure reliability, interoperability, and compatibility across all NFC devices used for the DPP, throughout a product's entire lifecycle. "NFC technology makes our lives more convenient, secure and connected every single day. NFC Release 15 will continue to extend contactless simplicity into an ever-expanding list of use cases – including sustainability – and redefine the baseline for performance standards," continues McCamon. "NFC Forum is committed to helping organizations deliver secure, reliable and convenient proximity-based connections, driven by user intent. Through NFC Release 15, we are proud to enable these NFC interactions as the technology, its applications and ability to drive a more connected, sustainable future show no signs of slowing." NFC Forum Associate, Principal, and Sponsor-level member companies can download the Technical Specifications included in NFC Release 15 today. Adopter-level members and the public can access and begin certifying compliance to NFC Release 15 from Fall 2025. To learn more about NFC Release 15 and how it will enable extended range, the circular economy and expansion of use cases, register to attend our upcoming webinar on Wednesday 9th July. About the NFC ForumThe NFC Forum, established in 2004, is a non-profit industry association comprised of leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. Its mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability, and educating the market about NFC technology. The NFC Forum's global member companies share skills, technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop specifications and protocols for interoperable data exchange, device-independent service delivery, and device capability. Forum's supporting certification program and user marks enhance and promote a consistent, reliable, seamless and secure NFC user experience. To learn more about joining the Forum, visit Follow the NFC Forum on LinkedIn and YouTube. View source version on Contacts For further NFC Forum media information please contact Fergus Straiton / Ellie Fingleton | fergus@ / ellie.f@ | +44 (0) 113 3501922 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
NFC Forum Announces NFC Release 15
LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- NFC Forum, the global standards body for Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, has announced NFC Release 15, supporting the latest advancements in NFC Forum-certified technologies. NFC Release 15 will extend the range of certified compliant NFC contactless connections up to 2cm – 4x greater than the current range of 0.5cm, supporting faster, more reliable contactless interactions across a growing number of use cases such as wireless charging, kitchen appliances, wearables, and digital keys. This innovation means that connections will start sooner and require less precise device alignment, making NFC quicker, more reliable, and easier to use than ever. Led by its Board members, including representatives from Apple, Google, Huawei, Identiv, Infineon, NXP, Sony, and ST Microelectronics, NFC Forum empowers organizations to deliver seamless, secure contactless interactions to users around the globe, with conformance to the Forum's specifications helping to ensure intuitive, reliable and consistent experiences. NFC Release 15 will extend the range – also known as the operating volume – of NFC contactless interactions. This innovation means that connections will start sooner and require less precise device alignment, making NFC quicker, more reliable and easier to use than ever. Contactless connections will be more seamless, while retaining the critical need for user intent. 'Extending the range of NFC contactless connections was one of the key priorities outlined in the NFC Forum Five-Year Roadmap, to meet changing market needs and deliver faster, easier transactions across all NFC enabled devices – including smaller form factors such as wearables or smartphones,' comments Mike McCamon, Executive Director of NFC Forum. 'Many markets are set to benefit from extended range, with consumers set to gain the most through an enhanced user experience. Redefining the baseline for contactless connections, NFC Release 15 is also expected to advance new and exciting use cases, such as using your mobile phone as a payment terminal, as well as optimize NFC usability across a variety of sectors, including automotive, transit and access control.' NFC Release 15 also marks the latest step in NFC Forum's ongoing commitment to sustainability, as one of its other core focuses is support for the NFC Digital Product Passport Standard. The standard gives brand and product teams a flexible, data agnostic framework to allow a single NFC tag embedded in a product to store and transmit both standard and extended DPP data using common NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) records. NFC Release 15 will therefore help to ensure reliability, interoperability, and compatibility across all NFC devices used for the DPP, throughout a product's entire lifecycle. 'NFC technology makes our lives more convenient, secure and connected every single day. NFC Release 15 will continue to extend contactless simplicity into an ever-expanding list of use cases – including sustainability – and redefine the baseline for performance standards,' continues McCamon. 'NFC Forum is committed to helping organizations deliver secure, reliable and convenient proximity-based connections, driven by user intent. Through NFC Release 15, we are proud to enable these NFC interactions as the technology, its applications and ability to drive a more connected, sustainable future show no signs of slowing.' NFC Forum Associate, Principal, and Sponsor-level member companies can download the Technical Specifications included in NFC Release 15 today. Adopter-level members and the public can access and begin certifying compliance to NFC Release 15 from Fall 2025. To learn more about NFC Release 15 and how it will enable extended range, the circular economy and expansion of use cases, register to attend our upcoming webinar on Wednesday 9 th July. About the NFC Forum The NFC Forum, established in 2004, is a non-profit industry association comprised of leading mobile communications, semiconductor, and consumer electronics companies. Its mission is to advance the use of Near Field Communication technology by developing specifications, ensuring interoperability, and educating the market about NFC technology. The NFC Forum's global member companies share skills, technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop specifications and protocols for interoperable data exchange, device-independent service delivery, and device capability. Forum's supporting certification program and user marks enhance and promote a consistent, reliable, seamless and secure NFC user experience. To learn more about joining the Forum, visit Follow the NFC Forum on LinkedIn and YouTube.
