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What is NFC?

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology that enables data exchange between devices over short distances, typically within a few centimeters. It operates on a 13.56 MHz frequency and supports communication between NFC-enabled devices like smartphones, payment terminals, and other compatible gadgets. NFC is commonly used for contactless payments, data transfer, and access control due to its convenience and secure nature.

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What are NFC Tags?

NFC tags are small, passive devices that store information readable by NFC-enabled devices. These tags don’t require a power source of their own and are activated by the electromagnetic field produced by an NFC reader. They come in various forms, such as stickers, cards, and key fobs, and can be programmed to perform specific actions like opening a URL, sharing contact information, or triggering smart home devices when tapped by an NFC-enabled device.

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What is NDEF?

NDEF, or NFC Data Exchange Format, is a standardized data format used to structure and exchange information between NFC-enabled devices and NFC tags. It defines how data should be organized and encapsulated within NFC tags to ensure interoperability between different devices and applications. An NDEF message consists of one or more NDEF records, each containing a payload that can store various types of data such as URLs, plain text, or MIME-type media. NDEF facilitates consistent and reliable communication, making it a crucial element in the NFC ecosystem for tasks like contactless payments, data sharing, and smart device interactions. When you tap an NFC-enabled smartphone to an NFC tag, the phone immediately searches for an NDEF file on the tag. Upon finding the NDEF file, the phone typically opens a prompt that suggests an action based on the file’s content, such as opening a website, downloading contact information, or launching an app. To proceed, you simply need to approve the action. This seamless interaction makes NFC tags a convenient tool for quickly accessing and sharing information.