Lately, I am experimenting with NFC (near field communication) tags to see if they could prove useful in HP's classrooms. First off, NFC tags have been compared to RFID (radio-frequency identification) tags that have seen use in areas such as inventory control. An NFC tag is a specialized type of RFID device that operates in the 13.56 Mhz frequency range. Both types of tags hold electronic data, but near field communication tags operate over much closer distances between the tag and the mobile device that reads the tag’s payload. This closer proximity requirement for NFC tags is why mobile device manufacturers use this technology for payment processing - keeping the data transmission distance short and less likely to be pilfered by outside devices.

At any rate, for my first experiment, I programmed an NFC tag to open a special URL, and only if the mobile device is connected to certain WIFI networks (e.g. hpguest or hpinternet), and finally, only between certain hours of the day.

NFC programmed tasks: 1) Post a tweet, 2) Launch Brain Candy URL, and 3) send an email to me.

1)     

2)     

3)     

I find that NFC tags are quite interesting. This quick experiment showcases only a drop in a bucketful of things that can be done with these tags. I see them as a powerful new tool in my developer’s toolbelt. I’ll keep you posted on what I do with NFC tags next.