Intel teams with Inside Secure on NFC chips
updated 03:55 pm EST, Wed December 14, 2011
Intel to buy NFC chips, tech from Inside Secure
Intel is taking new steps in its mission toward incorporating NFC chips in its own products, now teaming up with France's Inside Secure, a maker of near-field communications radios. While details of the deal weren't made public, Intel's Mobile Wireless Group will have access to Inside Secure's software, firmware and core hardware technology. With NFC use already on the rise, a proponent the size of Intel can only speed up its availability and adoption further.
Inside Secure builds a MicroRead NFC controller, a SecurRead secure element chip, and an Open NFC protocol stack. With this deal, Intel is expected to use the products in chipsets for ultrabooks, eventual Intel-based smartphones, and other mobile devices as it looks to break into that market.
Last week, Intel also moved up in the NFC Forum hierarchy by moving up to the highest sponsor level, up from principal, and gained a seat on the board of directors. [via GigaOM]
