Identity, Security, Payments, Biometrics, Smart Cards and Authentication News

Japan Handsets Get Mini RFID For Mobile Apps

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Tokyo-based KDDI Corporation and Hitachi Ltd. today announced the launch of the Muchip Reader, which both companies tout as the “world’s smallest sized muchip RFID tag” for Bluetooth-enabled handsets.

Each muchip can store up to 38 digits by the decimal number system, including a tracking system, which records not only the information, but where the information was extracted from. Since it is compact in size, it can be used anywhere, even in places without LAN network infrastructure.

Production of Muchip Reader, which is priced at 84,000 yen, is set to begin on October 2, according to reports. [end] 

Boardwalk Inc., a Tokyo-based ticketing solution provider, has announced that it will begin NFC research and development for ticket-related applications.

Boardwalk provides a mobile ticketing solution based on Osaifu-Keitai mobile wallet technology. According to Boardwalk, the Felica-compliant service turns the phone itself into a contactless electronic ticket that can be used in place of a paper ticket. The so-called “Ticket Board” solution also provides QR codes for those without an Osaifu-Keitai-enabled phone.

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Japan’s three main cell phone providers, NTT DoCoMo, KDDI and Softbank, have joined forces to create the NFC Consortium in hopes of advancing Japan’s contactless payments platform toward international standards.

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Japanese mobile operator KDDI has announced that it will launch NFC-based commercial services with Japan Airlines, credit card issuers, retailers and loyalty program providers, reports NFC World.

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Texas Instruments (TI) introduced a pair of encapsulated RFID mini-transponders designed for applications in animal tagging and asset tracking.

The 12mm TRPGR30TGC and TRPGP40TGC mini-transponders were developed to enable users a battery-free solution for embedding RFID tags into smaller objects across a broader range of applications. These transponders come ready-to-use and are 100 percent backwards compatible with all of TI’s RFID software and readers including power modules, control modules and micro readers.

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Sequent Software, a California-based provider of mobile NFC software, announced the launch of Core Card Services (CCS), a solution designed to enable any mobile app to seamlessly integrate NFC payments, ticketing, coupons, ID badge access and more.

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Windows’ latest 7.5 mobile operating system features support for NFC but it will be up to the equipment manufacturers whether or not to enable the technology, reports SlashGear.

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