Samsung is helping its customers realize the potential
of NFC technology with the creation of Samsung TecTiles
and the TecTile programming application - programmable
NFC Tags that can be customized to launch apps, send
text messages, share contact information using an
NFC-enabled Galaxy smartphone.
TecTiles, available in all four major carrier stores
and at major online retailers at the launch of the
Galaxy S III, are tiny little stickers with a simple NFC
tag inside. Although they look identical, each one is
unique, letting users "program" the sticker to have a
specific response whenever any device with an NFC chip
is floated over it.
Users can program TecTiles via a free application
(available in the Google Play marketplace) that runs on
any Samsung phone with an NFC chip, including the
Samsung Galaxy S III and S II, the Galaxy Nexus and
Nexus S, and the Galaxy S Blaze.
With a simple tap of an NFC-enabled phone to a TecTile,
users are able to automate everyday functions of a
smartphone including sending a "headed/at home" text
message, silencing the phone when entering a meeting,
setting an alarm, and dimming the display when going to
bed. On-premise, TecTiles enable users to check-in on
Facebook or foursquare, connect to Wi-Fi or download
content. Off-premise, businesses can use TecTiles as a
way to market to and engage with consumers by enabling
reward programs and to download discount offers or
content.
"With millions of NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy smartphones
currently in the market and the arrival of our flagship
device Galaxy S III, Samsung saw an opportunity to
expand the value of NFC beyond mobile payments," said
Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Telecommunications
America.
Priced at $14.99 for a pack of five, TecTiles
programmable NFC sticker tags are now available for
purchase online and in-store at AT&T, Verizon, Sprint,
and T-Mobile. The Samsung TecTiles app is also
available for download at the Google Play store.