Apple: the latest on NFC

The 'will they' / 'won't they' speculation about Apple enabling the iPhone 5 for NFC goes on.  For a long time, it was considered a certainty that the iPhone 5 would include NFC.  Then, last week, the Independent reported that the will not, due to a lack of technical standards. 

Forbes then quoted an unnamed source at Apple, saying that they would include NFC.  The New York Times now reports that Apple will include NFC and that Qualcomm will supply chip - but not necessarily for the upcoming iPhone 5 release.  Add to all these conflicting reports the amplification effect of the blogosphere and you have total confusion!

However, what we do know for sure is that Google is enabling Android for NFC and that most headset manufacturers are including a chip in their phones - considering the opportunities inherent in NFC, I am sure Apple won't be too far behind.

Apple Drops NFC for iPhone 5

According to a number of newspapers, Apple has revealed to several of the major UK mobile phone operators that it will not include NFC in its iPhone 5.

This is a big blow to mobile payments, as NFC is widely viewed as the most likely platform and Apple was seen as a company that would bring it to the mainstream.

Apple's apparent reason for not including NFC in iPhone 5 is the lack of clear standards.  They have therefore decided to postpone their NFC-launch until 2012, which will enable them to develop a set of proprietary standards in the meantime.

Google, along with a whole host of handset manufacturers and carriers, are are still committed to rolling out NFC in 2011, so it will be interesting to see how much headway they will make without Apple's unique ability to launch new technologies to the mainstream.

Interesting Interview about Mobile Payment with Dan Schulman at Amex

In this interview with Dan Schulman, President of Enterprise Growth, the emerging payments group at Amex.  He talks about the importance of smartphones and how they are set to transform payments and commerce. 

Particularly he is concerned with how smartphones will blur the lines between online and offline experiences and create an entirely new commercial ecosystem. 

In this new, commercial ecosystem, payments will not simply be a separate part of the purchasing process, but an integrated part of the shopping experience.  This experience will include marketing messages and offers, product information, loyalty & reward programs, payment and more.


http://www.pymnts.com/exclusive-interview-dan-schulman-of-american-express-talks-payments-innovation-and-regulation/?t

iPad 2: First Review

All payments enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting Apple's iPhone 5 and any indications if they are including NFC and entering the payments industry.

In the meantime, enjoy this iPad 2 review from Norway.  He could probably have done it in half the time, but pretty funny!