NXP work with Qualcomm to expand NFC possibilities

Qualcomm Technologies Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated,  will use NXP’s popular Near Field Technology (NFC) and embedded secure element (eSe) across its Snapdragon 800, 600, 400 and 200 processors.

The companies aim to implement the integration as quickly as possible in a bid to meet market demands and be at the fore-front of the ever-expanding world of NFC solutions. The companies state their intention for the partnership to go beyond just mobile technology. They are drawing up new reference designs that seek to extend NFC technology to other applications such as smart appliances, home automation, and the accessory of 2015 – the wearable device.

The first product to be released in collaboration is the new NQ220 module, which is designed to simplify the connection between service provider and device.

“We continue to see the market use and acceptance of NFC grow daily, with new applications being created at an astounding rate. Collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to provide full eSE and NFC functionality on its industry-leading platforms will further expand this growth potential,” said Rafael Sotomayor, senior vice president at NXP Semiconductors.

It will be interesting to follow the consequences of the partnership. After all, NXP famously supplied NFC technology to Apple for its iPhone 6 range, and more recently, the Apple Watch. To then collaborate and provide market-leading NFC technology to a company whose technology is used by Samsung, Apple’s biggest rival is an exciting move.

Furthermore, given Qualcomm’s high interest in car and home technology – its press release made it clear both are areas of NFC focus – and those pesky Apple Car rumours that never seem to die down, could they be the next battles in the war for consumers’ hearts?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related reading

Leave a comment