NXP Semiconductors N.V. (NASDAQ:NXPI) announced on 25th February that its industry leading NFC controller, PN547, is integrated with Google’s latest version of the Android 4.4 operating system, ‘KitKat’.
Android 4.4 now offers new platform support for NFC-based transactions through host-card emulation (HCE). Smartphone owners can use their phones to initiate a wide range of mobile applications, including payments, loyalty programs, card access, transit passes and other customized services.
Support for Android 4.4 and HCE allows more consumers to experience the potential of NFC and will further expand the ecosystem. NXP has successfully demonstrated and validated multi-Secure Element (embedded SE, UICC based SE and HCE) performance on its leading NFC controllers to facilitate OEM adoption and integration.
"By supporting HCE with our established and market-proven PN547 NFC controller, we are opening the door and creating markets for new applications and new ways consumers can use this interactive technology," said Jeff Miles, vice president mobile transactions, NXP Semiconductors. "Integration of PN547 with Android 4.4 was yet another great accomplishment, and further reinforces our market leading positioning in NFC-based solutions."
PN547 is receiving tremendous market traction and is now on track to become a very worthy successor to the industry leading PN544 which propelled NFC into mainstream smartphone and tablet deployments.
According to IDC, 78% of the world’s smartphones are now using Android, and the opportunity for people to engage with and use NFC is greater than ever.
NFC is a ground-breaking technology that allows enabled devices to respond to the tap of objects. NFC transforms the already dynamic user experience in a way that expands the potential of the "Internet of Things"..
Source: NXP.com
