THE CONVERGENCE:

IPhones, iPads to Gain NFC Payment Features: Apple plans to introduce "Near-Field Communication" services in its next iteration of the iPad 2 and the iPhone for AT&T, enabling the mobile devices to be used in making purchases (Olga Kharif, 1/25/11, Bloomberg)

Apple Inc. plans to introduce services that would let customers use its iPhone and iPad computer to make purchases, said Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group.

The services are based on "Near-Field Communication," a technology that can beam and receive information at a distance of up to 4 inches, due to be embedded in the next iteration of the iPhone for AT&T Inc. and the iPad 2, Doherty said.

The Wife just got a new Toyota and the key is, likewise, just an electronic device. When you get close to the car it unlocks and when you're sitting in it you can push the button to start it. We have similar "keys" to enter our warehouse at work. The only long term question is whether we'll have one "key" to rule them all or whether it doesn't make more sense to have the device imbedded in our persons.

Posted by Orrin Judd at January 26, 2011 6:58 AM