Why an RFID-enabled iPhone?

Why an RFID-enabled iPhone?

Why an RFID-enabled iPhone?

Multiple reports have come in that Apple is researching RFID integration into the iPhone, but some may still be wondering what such functionality would bring to the table for consumers.

Firstly, we should note that RFID is a catch-all term that describes a vast array of technologies and standards. RFID tags can be relatively large and battery-powered, such as ones used in toll collection, to small "passive" tags that can be embedded into credit cards, drivers licenses (called "Enhanced Drivers Licenses" in the U.S.), passports, or stuck onto a piece of merchandise.

Why an RFID-enabled iPhone?

Currently, cell-phone usage of RFID technology is centered around Near Field Communication (NFC). NFC has three main usage scenarios: a phone acting as an RFID tag; a phone acting as an RFID reader; and peer to peer communication (P2P).

Why an RFID-enabled iPhone?

In RFID tag mode, a phone could be used as a payment device (like a credit card), an identity card, or act as a car key. In RFID reader mode the phone would be able to interact with tags in its vicinity. This article and video demonstrates how an iPhone with RFID could use physical objects to control media playback. And in P2P mode, Bluetooth pairing can be streamlined.

These are just a few ways that RFID could be used in an iPhone. When or if it becomes a reality isn't clear, but hopefully now you have a better idea of what the potential is for Apple's research in this area.Multiple reports have come in that Apple is researching RFID integration into the iPhone, but some may still be wondering what such functionality would bring to the table for consumers.

Firstly, we should note that RFID is a catch-all term that describes a vast array of technologies and standards. RFID tags can be relatively large and battery-powered, such as ones used in toll collection, to small "passive" tags that can be embedded into credit cards, drivers licenses (called "Enhanced Drivers Licenses" in the U.S.), passports, or stuck onto a piece of merchandise.Multiple reports have come in that Apple is researching RFID integration into the iPhone, but some may still be wondering what such functionality would bring to the table for consumers.

POST COMMENT

Consumer Reports' Holds Strong on iPhone 4 Non-Recommendation Reverse Phone Search - Find The Truth By Using A Reverse Cell Phone Lookup Service Do unlocked cell phones make sense for you? Apple Receives Approval to Sell iPhone 4 in South Korea Twitter' for iPhone Gains Push Notifications Apple Targeting Production of 25 Million CDMA iPhones in 2011? Mapquest Offers Free Basic Turn-by-Turn GPS for iPhone Recent Verizon Phone Purchasers Offered Returns or $200 Credits to Switch to iPhone Skype for iPhone Adds Support for Video Calling to Select TVs IPhone Developers Now Able to Schedule App Store Sales in Advance IPhoneDrive: Store your Files on the iPhone On the iPhone Alarm Clock China Telecom in Talks to Launch CDMA iPhone?