Nokia to release NFC phone this year

Nokia has announced its upcoming handset, the 6212, will feature near field communication (NFC) technology, which will allows users to make connections with other NFC-enabled devices by 'tapping' the devices together.

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Over short distances two NFC-enabled devices, say a phone and a headset, will pair faster than with existing Bluetooth protocols. So, for instance, if you hold the 6212 and a NFC-enabled Bluetooth device, such as Nokia's BH-210 headset, close together they will pair instantly. NFC can also be used to share content between the 6212 and other compatible handsets.

In the near future the technology could also be used as an alternative to standard ticketing systems on public transport, or as a 'smart-card' style payment option at the point-of-sale in retailers.

Jeremy Belostock, the head of near field communications, Nokia, said: "With ever-increasing device functions and services available, ease-of-use is essential. One way to keep things simple is NFC.

"[Using NFC] people can swap items like business cards or calendar notes by simply tapping their handsets together."

Nokia will release the 6212 in Europe and Asia in the third quarter of 2008.

Original article: Nokia to release NFC-enabled 6212 from ZDNet Australia