What is Near Field Communication (NFC)?

Near Field Communication is a type of RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification).

You can read all about it on Wikipedia

But, before you do, just let me say, you don't need to know all the technical ins and outs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_field_communication

What matters about NFC

NFC matters because it is simple and physical.

You can programme a tag which had an NFC chip inside and when you need to use it you just pick up your mobile phone or tablet computer and...

Tap!

That's all.

Your device will vibrate or beep to confirm the tap and then you'll know it's doing everything you asked it to do.

No mouse, no buttons, no keyboard, no talking, no gestures, no nods or winks. Just a tap.

The NFC Tags are simple chips which have no batteries to run out, are sealed and waterproof and can be embedded into existing and new personal belongings and furniture.

They're cheap too!

What's the benefit of NFC

NFC allows you to make use of complicated aspects of internet-connected devices without having to remember commands or use keyboards.

It's this complexity through simplicity which is so useful in making a care system that is personalised to a person, whatever their age.

We want you to know how to programme NFC tags so you can make your own life or the lives of people you know easier