Nokia scraps plan to launch 6216 with NFC payments
updated 04:50 pm EST, Fri February 19, 2010
Nokia will no longer release 6216 Classic handset
Nokia has reportedly changed its mind about launching its 6216 classic handset, which would have been the company's first to have a built-in Near Field Communications (NFC) module communicate with its SIM card using the Single Wire Protocol (SWP). Nokia executives said the "consumer experience was not what it needed to be," but added the company would pursue integrating NFC technology without giving operators control over it. Nokia has two other handsets equipped with an NFC system.
Other than the SWP-based NFC technology, the 6216 classic is a relatively simple 3G handset, relying on 850MHz band networks. The candybar has a 2-megapixel camera and a microSDHC memory card slot.
The NFC technology allows users to make payments simply by waving their phone near a compatible reader for transactions such as public transport payments. Operators are pushing for the user's balance and account details to be stored on the SIM card, while handset makers such as Nokia wish it to remain on the phones.
China Unicom is set to introduce an SWP-equipped NFC service in about six months, which would need to compete with the RF SIM system of competitor China Mobile, which is already in place. [via TheRegister]
