Nokia launches a NFC-enabled handset

Nokia has announced the development of its new Nokia 6212 classic featuring an integrated near field communication (NFC), a wireless communication technology that enables the data exchange between devices at around a 10- centimeter distance.

Nokia says it plans to launch the product in the European market around June this year.

The 3G Nokia 6212 classic allows users to conveniently share content, access services and information as well as conduct payments and ticketing with one tap of the device.

"NFC-capable handsets such as the Nokia 6212 classic are set to change the way mobile phone users interact with devices and services in their surroundings," says Jeremy Belostock, the head of Nokia's near field communications unit. "With the Nokia 6212 classic, people can swap items like business cards or calendar notes by simply tapping their handsets together. With ever-increasing device functions and services available, ease-of-use is essential. One way to keep things simple is NFC."

Near field communication is designed for intuitive, simple and safe interaction between electronic devices. By just a click of a button, an NFC-enabled tag, consumers can receive new content such as weblinks, audio files or contact data directly to their phone.

They can also share photos and videos easily by another NFC-capable phone and pairing with a Bluetooth NFC-enabled device with just one touch.

The Nokia 6212 classic can also be used as a travel ticket carrier and also for mobile payments. Travel tickets can be charged over the air, without having to wait at a service counter.

Users can store their credit card information on the device and access their account online directly from the handset. The Nokia 6212 classic can be used for payment and ticketing purposes requiring a service subscription and the installation of an appropriate secure application. Security for transactions is assured as the handset can be set to allow payment only when the user expressly authorizes the transaction via an additional password.

The slimline Nokia 6212 classic comes with an extensive set of features such as a 2 megapixel camera, bright 2-inch QVGA display, stereo FM radio and music player supporting multiple formats.

An optional microSD memory card of up to 4GB also provides ample space for personal content such as images and songs.