NFC is the new big thing in mobile. No, I’m not referring to the National Football Conference of the NFL here in the States, but rather Near-field Communication. Much like RFID – another acronym for Radio Frequency Identification – NFC will allow devices to pass information to a near-by reader.
Google already employs this in its mobile operating system Android, as does Nokia in a handful of its handsets (see image). The most commonly used technology used for NFC is in fact that other lesser-known acronym, RFID. Found in key fobs for “Pay Pass” as well as Google phones to your passport, RFID has become the standard hardware for NFC. While many have become concerned with RFIDs security vulnerabilities, manufacturers have taken to it to like crack due to its affordability and its it-just-works aspect. While reports have already floated around between job offers at Apple and rumors of NFC devices being tested in the field by the iCompany, what Apple will choose is not clear.
One thing is clear, however: NFC is the next big thing.
With its heavy use in social media from services such as Google’s Lattitude, FaceBook’s Places, to foursquare and Gowalla, all which basically are employing NFC, we have seen just how popular this technology is already in its infancy.
A start-up based in Southern California wants to be the first to take shopping to the fullest with your iPhone and other devices to pay for things like groceries, shoes, coffee, and lumber. MobilePayUSA is currently working with major merchants and financial institutions in making payment with your phone a reality. MobilePayUSA is an immediate, simple, low-cost and viable alternative to NFC sidelining security concerns and costly equipment for the merchant. I spoke to founder and CEO Randy Smith about his company’s visions and use of NFC last fall, and he hopes to eliminate plastic (credit cards) and paper (receipts) with MobilePayUSA. Smith told me that the idea is that no one really forgets their phone anymore, but wallets still seem to sometimes not find their way into peoples’ pockets. With MobilePayUSA on your phone, you won’t have to worry about having your wallet, credit card, check book, or cash. As an added bonus, Smith said that reward cards we all love to lose will be built into the application and instantly give you discounts at the register and track your points for you with every purchase. Smith hopes to have a public beta available soon.
MobilePayUSA may beat Apple to the punch with its application, but Apple doesn’t seem to want to just go after the eWallet feature. No, like anything Apple, it wants to be the only one doing what it’s doing. It wants to go far beyond “There’s an app for that.” Think car security. Think home security. Think computer security. Think whereever you need a key – or password – and you’ll begin to understand just how huge NFC can really be.
Take a look at the tech landscape and you’ll find GM’s onStar app for nearly every 2011 model in iTunes. Unlock and lock doors with a push of a button. Start your vehicle with a push of a button. Lock and unlock your front door with one of the many wireless dead bolt locks available today. Turn on or off your home lights. All from your iPhone. But the trick is, you need to actively do something with your device.
Apple will remove that from the equation and, much like how keyless entry works on a Mercedes with its fob, you could simply walk up to your front door and open it…as long as your iPhone is on your person. Or go into the garage and open your car door and simply push the Start button to power up the engine. (I can say power up now since hybrid and electric vehicles are more common. 
)
This is would make the iPhone 5 the reason to ignore Droids and Windows 7 phones and all the others.
It’s not hard to see this technology coming to vehicles soon, either. Remember, Apple and Volkswagen openly admitted a few years ago that it was working closely on iPod integration and rumors even had an iCar in development before the global economical crash. It would be easy to bring auto-locks and authorize vehicle operations with an iPhone 5 to the masses with VWs bread-and-butter Jetta and Golfs. Since VW owns Audi, Porsche, and Bentley, upscale customers would be able to brag to their friends how their phone can start the car. Heck, how cool would it be to sit in a Lambo and just drive off without every grabbing for a key?
I could see GM jumping on board as well due to its onStar app already being in use. It wouldn’t take much for GM to integrate NFC with onStar. Between GM and VW, you would have 2/3 of the most sold vehicles in the world NFC ready for the iPhone 5.
Boy, wouldn’t that make Steve Jobs smile?
Press Release
AltiGen Communications, Inc. (Pinksheets:ATGN) (OTCQX:ATGN), the leading provider of software-based Unified Communications solutions, today introduced the iFusion SmartStation, a revolutionary new docking station for the iPhone, at Macworld 2011 in San Francisco, CA.
Using Bluetooth technology, the iFusion extends a traditional telephone handset and hands-free speakerphone with amazing voice clarity to the iPhone. With the iFusion, you have easy access to a dock connector port for syncing or charging, and an audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable, eliminating the need for a separate dock. With support for A2DP Bluetooth streaming, users are able to enjoy their favorite iPhone music over the internal speakerphone.
“This breakthrough device provides the ultimate desktop experience,” said Niel Levonius, AltiGen’s Director of Corporate Strategy. “Offering optimal comfort, convenience and style, the iFusion has been designed to complement the look and feel of Apple products, while meeting the demanding requirements of today’s iPhone users.”
The iFusion offers numerous benefits to home and business users:
- An ergonomic handset and speakerphone provides a traditional desk phone experience
- iPhone dock connector for syncing and charging
- Bluetooth A2DP streaming allows users to enjoy their favorite iPhone music over the internal speakerphone
- Audio line out port for connecting to powered speakers via an optional audio cable
- Clean industrial engineering designed to compliment Apple products.
“Macworld 2011 is the one place that showcases the creativity, enthusiasm and genius of the Apple developers, as well as the wide variety of new accessories available for Apple users,” said Paul Kent, Vice President and General Manager of Macworld 2011. “We are excited to be a key launch partner for AltiGen’s iFusion docking station, a groundbreaking iPhone accessory for home and business users.”
Pricing & Availability
iFusion will be available in the US in April 2011. Two models, in glossy white and glossy black finishes will be priced at $169.
Preorders will be accepted, beginning January 27th, 2011 at www.thefusionphone.com
Technical Product Information
iFusion includes support for the Apple iPhone 3G, 3GS, and 4. Bluetooth 2.1 EDR wireless technologies, Apple Dock Connector, USB 2.0 pass through port for device synching to your Mac/PC, and 3.5mm stereo output for Bluetooth A2DP wireless music streaming.
Scores of guesses fill the blogisphere about what Apple’s next iPhone will offer. I’ve already heard one new rumor saying goodbye to the home button and I could see that happening. What I do not see coming to the half-decade mark from Cupertino’s finest is anything mind blowing.
Nope, not this year.
Now that the number one complaint about the iPhone has been dealt with — poor service via AT&T — I think the second issue is on the list for attack: battery life. We’ve seen what Apple did with the iPad and its amazing power life, but sadly, the iPhone doesn’t have that kind of real estate as the “over-sized iPod Touch”.
Lots of talk has been bubbling about battery technology with Apple’s name attached, and I’m fairly certain that Steve Jobs has this issue high on his priority list of getting fixed. We’ve seen amazing leaps in battery life across the entire spectrum of mobile gadgetry, from the impressive Li-Ion battery cells onboard Apple’s laptops to other devices such as Amazon’s Kindle.
It’s now time for the iPhone to follow suit.
Now don’t worry, we won’t just be wooed by better battery life — there will be more under the hood, too. You’ll also see a “world phone” where both GSM and CDMA will be supported. Apple doesn’t want to manufacture two different phones, and this is why it waited so long on bringing the Verizon iPhone. Apple had to answer the Android onslaught now and thus, temporarily, we have two iPhones.
But come July, there will only be one.
LTE you ask? Remember, one phone and AT&T hasn’t even taken off the anti-static bags from its LTE radios yet. LTE will come next year…when a multi-band GSM, CDMA, LTE chip is created…and priced lower than today’s LTE chips.
Let’s see, what else can we hope for? Mmm, an antenna adjustment to relieve that death grip issue as already seen in the Verizon version (don’t fall for Apple’s marketing spin about CDMA requiring the change.) That loss of the Home button sounds about right. Oh ya, some more memory, like 64GB on the high end. Probably a better speaker, too. Oh yes, for the third time, non-smudge glass that maybe might not absorb finger prints as easily as the last four phones. Speaking of glass, the iPhone 5 will resist cracks better than the 4. Maybe Bluetooth 3 — though Apple doesn’t seem to really show any affection for it.
So, that’s what I see in the iPhone 5. Better battery life, world phone, more memory, less smudges, no death grip, louder speaker, and possibly cutting edge Bluetooth. You know, the more I think about it, scratch the Bluetooth 3.0 support. Well get that next time.
Originally published at iPhone 5 News Blog, the first blog to cover news, rumors & opinions about the iPhone 5.
Steve Jobs once again will be taking medical leave to concentrate on his health according to a just released Media Advisory from Apple today. Details were not given to the health concerns of Job but it is most likely related to the liver transplant Jobs that left him mysteriously absent from Apple last year. Instead of hiding in the shadows this time, and incur much media criticism, Jobs has decided to announce his medical absence this time.
Apple’s Media Advisory reads as follows:
Apple CEO Steve Jobs today sent the following email to all Apple employees:
Team,
At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health. I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company.
I have asked Tim Cook to be responsible for all of Apple’s day to day operations. I have great confidence that Tim and the rest of the executive management team will do a terrific job executing the exciting plans we have in place for 2011.
I love Apple so much and hope to be back as soon as I can. In the meantime, my family and I would deeply appreciate respect for our privacy.
Steve
Let the nation rejoice and now read the press release:
Verizon Wireless and Apple® today announced that the iPhone® 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning on Thursday, February 10. Qualified Verizon Wireless customers will be given the exclusive opportunity to pre-order iPhone 4 online on February 3, ahead of general availability.
iPhone 4 is the most innovative phone in the world, featuring Apple’s stunning Retina™ display, the highest resolution display ever built into a phone resulting in super crisp text, images and video, and FaceTime®, which makes video calling a reality. iPhone 4 on Verizon Wireless will also include new Personal Hotspot capabilities allowing customers to use iPhone 4 to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices.
“We are pleased to introduce millions of wireless users to the industry leading iPhone 4 on the nation’s most reliable network,” said Lowell McAdam, president and chief operating officer of Verizon. “This is an important step for the industry as two great companies join forces to give wireless customers one of the most important technological additions to the mobile landscape this century.”
“Verizon Wireless customers have told us they can’t wait to get their hands on iPhone 4, and we think they are going to love it,” said Tim Cook, Apple’s chief operating officer. “We have enormous respect for the company Verizon has built and the loyalty they have earned from their customers.”
iPhone 4 features a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash, HD video recording, Apple’s A4 chip, a 3-axis gyro and a beautiful glass and stainless steel design like no other mobile phone. iPhone 4 also comes with iOS 4, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system, which includes multitasking, folders, Game Center, AirPlay® and AirPrint wireless printing. iPhone 4 customers have access to the world’s most popular App Store℠ with more than 300,000 apps available in an incredible range of 20 categories, including games, business, news, sports, health and reference.
Pricing & Availability
iPhone 4 will be available on the Verizon Wireless network beginning Thursday, February 10 for a suggested retail price of $199.99 for the 16GB model and $299.99 for the 32GB model with a new two year customer agreement. iPhone 4 will be available at more than 2,000 Verizon Wireless Communications Stores nationwide, online at www.verizonwireless.com/iphone, at Apple Retail Stores, at the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple Authorized Resellers, and by calling 1-800-2 JOIN IN.
So the latest round of Verizon iPhone rumors surrounds the CES keynote presentation of Verizon’s CEO Ivan Seidenberg on January 6th. Many are saying it will be at this gala event that the world will finally get the iPhone…on Verizon’s network. But something just doesn’t jive with this plan and that something is the lack of some one. Steve Jobs.
Remember what Apple did last year during CES? Mmm, wasn’t some tablet thingy announced? Ya, Steve Jobs was the guy that flaunted it off on stage for the world to see…instead of watching what was going on in Vegas. Essentially, Apple stole the show from CES that day and took the headlines along with the entire front page with iPad news.
Jobs has been very vocal that he does not do trade shows anymore. No more Macworld and certainly no CES. So if Steve won’t be in Vegas, where will he be? Cupertino. Just like last year. Talking about the next iPad. Yanking the thunder away from Vegas…again. Oh ya, while Seidenberg will be showing off more 4G LTE Android phones at his keynote, Jobs will be pulling a “one more thing” and announcing the iPad 2G on Verizon’s network…along with an iPhone. You’ll see.
Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech®) http://www.newertech.com, a leading developer of Macintosh®, PC, iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad™ performance upgrades and accessories, announced today the NewerTech NuStand Alloy™ desktop stands for holding and displaying an Apple iPad or Mac mini in a stable, modern, and elegant design with added display and placement flexibility.
Easier And More Secure iPad Viewing
The NewerTech NuStand Alloy for iPad is an attractive and safe solution that eliminates hard to view flat and unstable/unsafe “prop” viewing of an iPad. Featuring a sturdy, aircraft grade aluminum body and silicone center, the NewerTech NuStand Alloy for iPad gently yet securely holds an iPad up to a 15 degree angle in either portrait or landscape positions for personal viewing preferences. The open design provides full access to all ports for using, viewing and charging an iPad. Great as a semi-permanent desktop “dock”, the NuStand Alloy’s lightweight 3.5 ounce compact design makes it easy to transport for use in other locations.
Space-Saving Unique Look For 2010 Mac Mini
By orienting the 2010 Mac mini into an upright vertical position, the NewerTech NuStand Alloy for Mac mini provides a unique, yet highly secure way to display a 2010 Mac mini. Besides creating a custom appearance and easier access to all ports and connections, the NuStand Alloy for Mac mini main benefit is greater placement flexibility of a 2010 Mac mini on a crowded desktop or in a space limited home theater cabinet. Non-skid rubber feet provide stable operation while the satisfyingly smooth rubberized aluminum finish preserves the NuStand Alloy’s elegant beauty.
The NewerTech NuStand Alloy desktop stands are available immediately for $24.99 MSRP from NewerTech’s exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC®), as well as through the retail channel. For more information on the NuStand Alloy for iPad, visit http://www.newertech.com/products/nustandalloyipad.php. For more information on the NuStand Alloy for Mac mini, visit http://www.newertech.com/products/nustandalloymacmini.php. For more information on NewerTech’s complete line of accessories and upgrades for Macs, PCs, and iDevices, visit: http://www.newertech.com/products.
NuStand Alloy Product Line Highlights:
· Aircraft-grade aluminum body.
· Silicone center offers gentle yet secure grip.
· Rubberized aluminum finish is soft to touch, yet highly scratch resistant.
· Non-skid rubber feet for stable operation.
· Lightweight (3.5 oz) for easy portability.
“While the NewerTech name has been synonymous with performance upgrades in the Mac community since 1984, we continue to add unique accessories that deliver enhanced Mac and iDevice use to our product line,” said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology Inc. “The NuStand Alloy desktop stands visually enhance an iPad or Mac mini while giving users new display and operating conveniences.”
PhatPad’s key features include:
· Smooth-flowing digital ink technology which lets iPad users scribble notes as if they are writing on real paper
· The ability to combine drawing, handwritten text, images, and digital text on the same document page to create media-rich content
· Powerful handwriting recognition engine which automatically converts handwritten notes into text
· Desktop synchronization via Dropbox or iTunes
· File sharing either with WiFi or email
· Printing to a printer on wireless network via AirPrint
The beauty of PhatPad as a note-taking, collaboration and brainstorming tool is it allows users to draw pictures, jot notes, or put a mixture of pictures, drawings, handwritten and typed text on a virtual scratch pad. The included handwriting recognition engine allows PhatPad users to convert previously recorded handwritten notes into digital text, and edit text using either the handwriting input panel or the keyboard. PhatPad documents can be synchronized with the desktop computer via iTunes or Dropbox, exchanged between two or more devices on the local WiFi network, printed, emailed, or exported to PDF.
Brainstorming and collaborating with team members is simple using PhatPad’s Presentation mode, which allows users to create quick presentations and display them on the iPad screen.
“PhatPad will transform the way mobile professionals and workgroups brainstorm ideas, take notes, and collaborate,” said Stanislav Miasnikov, president of PhatWare Corp. “We are very excited to finally unveil our new iPad version and introduce PhatPad to an entirely new market of business and professional users.”
PhatPad is available in the iTunes App Store for the special introductory price of only $4.99 (regular price is $9.99). For more information about PhatPad, visit PhatWare’s web site at www.phatware.com/phatpad.
KeyCue is a handy tool for learning and remembering keyboard shortcuts. Whenever the command key is kept pressed for a while, KeyCue displays a table with all keyboard shortcuts available in the currently active application.
iKey is a popular macro program that lets you perform custom action sequences with hotkeys. As with menu shortcuts, when you have defined a lot of useful macros, remembering all the hotkeys for invoking them becomes a challenge.
Starting with version 5.2 of KeyCue and version 2.5 of iKey, the two applications work together allowing KeyCue to show the currently active iKey shortcuts. The new version of KeyCue comes with a number of enhancements and fixes, including improved compatibility with FileMaker Pro 11 and Keyboard Maestro.
“With KeyCue, it has always been possible to display and explore available shortcuts on your Mac. With iKey, you can automate repetitive actions by creating shortcuts. The cooperation with Plum Amazing allows us to make KeyCue’s functionality available also for iKey shortcuts,” said Günther Blaschek, CTO of Ergonis Software. “This combination will take the productivity of our joint customers to a new level.”
“On the Mac, there has always been a mystery what hotkeys are being used and for what purpose. KeyCue solves this mystery in a very elegant way, by showing all the available hotkeys in one place. iKey automates repetitive actions or series of actions and assigns them to hotkeys. The integration of KeyCue with iKey gives Mac users a boost in productivity. iKey owners get a way to see all their shortcut hotkeys in one place when they also use KeyCue. Together, KeyCue and iKey are a great team,” said Julian Miller, CEO of Plum Amazing.
The productivity paradox of keyboard shortcuts is that shortcuts were designed to increase productivity. However, productivity actually decreases when applications provide large numbers of shortcuts, in particular when the shortcuts are defined inconsistently across applications. KeyCue’s elegantly simple solution is to detect and display an instant overview of all shortcuts, i.e., the overall functionality of any application. Over time, KeyCue users will automatically remember frequently used shortcuts and start working more efficiently.
KeyCue has already received many awards, including a 4.5-Mice award from MacWorld magazine.
Availability and Ordering:
KeyCue 5.2 requires Mac OS X 10.4 or newer. Mac OS X 10.6 or newer is recommended. KeyCue 5.2 is a recommended update for everyone running on Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard).
KeyCue can be purchased securely on the Ergonis Software website. The upgrade to KeyCue 5.2 is free for anyone who has purchased KeyCue in the last 2 years. For information about purchases, including enterprise licenses, volume discounts, and upgrade pricing offers, see http://www.ergonis.com/products/keycue.
iKey is available from Plum Amazing at http://plumamazing.com/mac/ikey.