HP reportedly developing NFC-enabled tablets, smartphones
Near field communication (NFC) is becoming the hottest and most buzz-worthy feature on mobile devices this year, and apparently Hewlett-Packard just can't resist the trend either.
Bloombergis reporting, based two unnamed sources "familiar with the company's plans," HP will be rolling out an unspecified number of NFC-enabled smartphones and tablets that will permit users to "pay for items and receive coupons and loyalty points by tapping the gadgets on posters and grocery store cash registers." Sounds on point with the latest trends.
Although HP hasn't commented or announced anything publicly regarding this venture, Bloomberg's sources asserted that the gadgets be on shelves before the end of 2011, and it is also likely that the old Palm brand and platform will be integrated as well.
Currently, probably the most popular mobile device to host NFC technology is Google's Nexus S, which is the only device that will be capable of supporting Google Wallet when it rolls out to San Francisco and New York City this summer.
Nevertheless, Google has promised that Android devices in the future will sport these chips, and there have been rumors that the next generations of Apple's iPhone and iPad will also incorporate NFC. Given how much attention that Google has garnered with its Wallet and Offers programs and how the words "mobile payments" are on everyone's lips these days, it would be surprising if Apple just let this opportunity go by. After all, it looks like HP certainly isn't.
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