Microsoft backtracks, says Windows Phone 7.5 has no NFC
updated 03:05 pm EST, Mon December 12, 2011
Windows Phone 7.5 does not get NFC support: MS
Microsoft's Windows Phone 7.5 OS doesn't have NFC support built in, despite last week's report to the contrary. The software giant has now corrected Microsoft UK developer and product manager, who said last week that the functionality is present and simply need to be enabled by OEMs and the required hardware. Instead, the ability to send information in close quarters between compatible devices, such as for mobile payments, is coming sometime next year, corroborating other reports.
Rival Google already has a mobile wallet system in place for Android handsets that uses NFC chips for payments in the US; RIM has the NFC hardware in some of its BlackBerry handsets, but no service. Microsoft holds 14 patents related to the NFC with the US Patent Office, meanwhile.
The company is reportedly working on a so-called beaming feature that would allow information to be sent between Windows 8-powered PCs, Windows Phone smartphones and the Xbox 360 console. [via WinRumors]
