Facebook Places to get NFC compatibility

Last-minute leak has Facebook Places using NFC on phones Facebook's annual developer conference known as f8 is scheduled for today, with the latest news of what's going to happen at the event coming courtesy of GigaOM. The source believes Facebook will make an announcement regarding NFC technology, with the social network's Places feature getting the capability. Hardware maker partners are expected to be named here as well.

It's likely some form of coupon delivery system will be allowed by the new feature, with users getting coupons for places they've visited or check in at.

NFC, or near-field communications, is a technology that requires hardware and software to make wireless payments or read tags. Google has built-in support for NFC in Android 2.3.4, and researchers believe 20 percent of all phones will have NFC onboard by 2014. RIM's BlackBerry Bold 9900 and Curve 9350/9360/9370 all have NFC, and Apple is rumored to be adding it either in the iPhone 5 or its sequel.

Facebook's arch-rival Google has already put NFC into practice with this week's launch of Google Wallet but only has it on one phone, one carrier, and currently one credit card. Facebook may be counting on a wider mix of devices and services.

By Electronista Staff

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iPhone, software, Google, nfc, Android, BlackBerry, RIM, Facebook, mobile phones, Apple, Google Wallet