Image Source: researchgate Using an app on your phone, you will be able to tap it on contact payment terminals in shops, train stations, restaurants and more. It will automatically identify you and your bank account with the system, and complete the transaction. The SIM card in your phone will act like a smart card and the security component removing the need for several unique cards. It will even be able to store your personal preferences to make certain purchases even easier.

Image Source: Infineon.com It is also expected that this technology will be adopted for users to tap for information, loyalty rewards or even news updates. Imagine catching the train by tapping your phone (where you will never run out of credit because you can top it up anytime, that’s right, from your phone), then tapping a poster on the way to check the current train delays or a sign at your local coffee shop to claim your rewards. No more fat wallets

and purses with tatty loyalty cards…bliss. Many consumer electronics companies are exploring the incorporation of NFC into their devices to make connectivity even easier than the current Bluetooth “pairing” protocols. On another level, there are applications in the health sector where NFC may be used to communicate between health professionals such as GPs, Specialists, Surgeons and Pharmacists. With easy access to your own personal health information, outcomes could be improved as information sharing is refined.

Image Source: nfcworld.com No doubt there will be much debate about security and our reliance on technology, but whether we are ready or not, it’s on its way.