THE PHILIPPINES, OCTOBER 2011: Smart Communications, Inc. has introduced Tap Share, a new service that lets Smart subscribers download content by tapping on a poster. Tap Share uses NFC (Near Field Communications), a technology which allows for contactless data exchange between two devices in close proximity to each other.
With a Nokia C7 smartphone, Smart subscribers can now inquire about their prepaid balance or download mobile content such as news, music, and games using specially-marked posters in selected Smart Wireless Centers and Smart Stores nationwide.
“With Tap Share, Smart is once again pioneering innovation in the Philippines,” said Smart Chief Wireless Advisor Orlando B. Vea. This contactless technology offers our users a hassle-free and safe means of availing of products—they no longer need to memorize lengthy keywords, codes, and URLs to enjoy a service,” he said.
To enjoy Tap Share, existing Nokia C7 users can update their phone software by going to their phone’s update menu or by connecting their phone to their PC via Nokia PC Suite (standard data rates apply). They can also visit the nearest Nokia Care Center to have their phone software updated for free.
NFC technology is predicted to be a major player in mobile transactions within the next few years. It is already being used in many Asian countries and is expected to “replace” traditional credit and debit cards.
“As more NFC-enabled handsets become available in the future, we will be adding more Tap Share services in even more Smart branches,” Vea ended.
In May of this year, Google—the world’s largest Internet company and owner of Android, the world’s most popular mobile phone OS, announced that they will be actively pushing NFC technology.
