The debate continues as rumors fly regarding Apple not having NFC chips in the upcoming iPhone 5. Will they or won’t they? Some speculate, they are holding on to tweak it to perfection before releasing it; while others say, if the iPhone 5 isn’t equipped with NFC capability, it will surely be their downfall.
The great technological race has begun (again). There have been great leaps by companies in competition to be the first to offer the newest, coolest; fastest in products. However, people are literally looking at the development of a secure and mobile payment system as the dawning of a new mobile era; and the first to do it will rule that new era.
Google, RIM, Nokia and Samsung (to name a few) have released or are going to be releasing NFC enabled Smartphone’s this year. Other competitors such as Square, Vodafone and Verifone have come out with their own preemptive jump to corner part of the mobile payment market.
Tired of waiting on the NFC payment system to evolve; some chose to try their hand in mobile payments by introducing POS attachments for Smartphone’s and texting to pay for services and merchandise. While those approaches seem to be going well; they’re just not NFC.
Back to Apple; skeptics insist that Apple must make a move at this point in the game or give up the stronghold they have held for years. Creating a payment network of their own around the iTunes store or developing a smooth transition between the iPhone 5 and existing payment networks, are two speculations of possible moves they have.
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology has taken the masses by storm with the possibilities that it holds. Making mobile payments is just one option for it. Businesses can also use the technology for inventory management and control, and as a means of interactive marketing.
It’s a dog eat dog technology conundrum – at least for the moment!
