Samsung announces TecTiles NFC Tags

Samsung has announced the new TecTiles NFC Tags and the TecTile programming application to allow consumers to launch apps, send text messages, share contact information, change phone settings and more, with an NFC-enabled Galaxy smartphone. With a simple tap of an NFC-enabled phone to a TecTile, consumers can now automate everyday functions of a smartphone, including sending a "headed home" text message, silencing the phone when entering a meeting, setting an alarm, and dimming the display when going to bed.

NFC tagging!

Samsung TecTiles aims to transform how large and small businesses engage with consumers. In office premises, TecTiles enables one to check-in on Facebook or Foursquare, connect to Wi-Fi or download content. When outside, businesses can use TecTiles as a way to market 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. "The launch of Samsung TecTiles is another example of Samsung's ability to innovate new products and applications that improve the way we use our mobile devices for everyday tasks."

Samsung TecTiles are easy to program with any NFC-enabled smartphone and the free application, which can be found in the Google Play store. TecTiles can be re-programmed as often as needed to complete any of the following functions on an NFC-enabled phone:

Settings & Applications

• Change phone settings (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ringer/media volume, screen brightness, etc.)
• Launch an application
• Join a Wi-Fi Network
• Show a message

Communication

• Make a call
• Send a text message
• Start a Google Talk conversation
• Share a contact or business card

Location & Web

• Show an address on a map
• Open a web page
• Foursquare or Facebook check-in

Social

• Automatic Facebook "Like"
• Update Facebook status
• Post a tweet or follow a contact on Twitter
• Connect on LinkedIn

The TecTiles are priced at $14.99 (approx. Rs. 838) for a pack of five and these NFC sticker tags are now available for purchase online. The Samsung TecTiles app is now available for download at the Google Play store. Specific availability for India hasn’t been announced yet, so stay tuned. However, it’s important that NFC in India is still at a nascent stage and we’re hoping the situation changes soon.