News & Analysis
ST, NXP combine efforts on NFC API for Android
Peter Clarke
6/1/2010 11:10 AM EDT
The goal is to promote the uptake of NFC-based applications including payment for goods and services.
NXP and Trusted Logic announced the release of an open-source application programming interface to attach near-field communications to the Android software stack in April 2010. Stollmann announced its own NFC API in May. The companies have now said they will release an update of their Android APIs to the community as a proposal for a mutual standard.
This will enable mobile phone users to access a new range of contactless applications, distributed through app stores, capable of conveniences such as mobile payments, transport and event ticketing as well as data sharing directly from their Android phone, the companies said.
The API is a result of consultation with various partners, including mobile network operators, handset manufacturers and NFC controller providers. It is supported by protocol stacks that are compatible with major NFC chip platforms from STMicroelectronics and NXP.
"Technical collaboration between leading NFC-protocol stack vendors and NFC-chip manufacturers is both a major and necessary step towards massive adoption of NFC in the Android environment," said Laurent Degauque, NFC marketing manager for ST, in a statement. "This joint and open approach, shared by four key players, will pave the way for the successful deployment of NFC technology and create increased confidence for customers."
The API specification will be accessible via a single email request to NFCforAndroid@trusted-logic.com and nfc@stollmann.de. An Apache License 2.0 model was selected in order to provide a legal framework to new contributions.
Related links and articles:
Nokia, CEA-Leti to present high-speed NFC
Innovision wins cell phone chip deal for NFC IP
NFC creeps closer to the start line
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