The NFC Forum has issued the version 15 of its Near Field Communication (NFC) standard. The new version includes several important upgrades that will enable NFC technology to be easier to use, more reliable, and more capable in day to day use.
NFC Forum Releases Version 15 Standard with Expanded Range and New Features
One of the most important enhancements in NFC 15 is the extended range of communication. The new maximum range of 2 centimeters is a great step forward from the previous range of just 0.5 centimeters. While this distance is still very small, it is a big difference. Users will no longer need to position their devices in precisely the same location to connect. Contactless payments, for example, will be quicker, easier, and less prone to failure.
This upgrade is especially useful for small, handheld gadgets such as smartphones, smartwatches, and other wearables. These kinds of gadgets have a problem with close packing when they implement NFC. This new standard allows them to connect more easily without the need for precise positioning.
The extended range will also improve most of the ordinary uses. Boarding buses, trains, or metros with NFC will be easier and faster. Digital vehicle keys will work more efficiently, and unlocking vehicles will be easier. Wireless charging with NFC will also become easier because of less need for perfect alignment between devices.
Despite the expanded range of communication, security is not compromised. The NFC Forum guarantees that NFC 15 remains a short range, proximity based technology. This maintains sensitive applications like contactless payment and protects data transfers from illicit access.
Another new feature in NFC 15 is support for Digital Product Passport (DPP). DPP allows brands to capture detailed product life data in the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF). With DPP, consumers can report more of a product’s history, maintenance, recycling data, etc. This is all part of the growing effort to make products more sustainable and transparent in their creation.
Technical specifics of NFC 15 have already been made public for developers and manufacturers. Official public release and certification to this new standard, however, will begin later this fall.
In general, NFC 15 will provide faster, easier, and more secure contactless technology. It will improve customer experiences in payments, transit, digital keys, and device charging. Additionally, it will enable new capabilities for product information and green efforts.
