Nokia to include NFC on all smartphones by 2011

Nokia’s Executive VP for markets, Anssi Vanjoki has announced that all Nokia smartphones will be NFC ready 2011 onwards. This is a huge commitment by the manufacturer but they didn’t mention which upcoming model will start carrying the feature.

According to the report, Nokia says that the NFC ready devices will support various business models for NFC, including SWP (Single Wire Protocol), Secured Elements (special microSD) and embeded secured element.

Maxis is the first and only operator in Malaysia to introduce NFC Service. Branded Maxis FastTap, the service integrates with Touch n Go and Visa Wave. The only model they have for this is the Nokia 6212. So far in Malaysia it didn’t really kicked off in a big way which we feel is partly blamed on the lack of choices. How many people would skip their smartphone purchase for a simple candy bar phone for the sake of NFC?

If Nokia really does embed NFC capabilities on all future smartphones, we might be able to see the rise of NFC users in Malaysia and the rest of the world. You can’t deny that Nokia does have a fair share of users particularly from the lower-middle income as well as youth groups. Imagine college kids being able to pay for LRT or even fast foods from your phone. The application for NFC is endless but definitely need more choice of devices.

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