Visa Brings NFC Contactless Payment to iPhones, adds Heft.

It seems like VISA could not wait until the future generation of smartphones to get its paw around the NFC buzz, so it released a little dongle called iCarte for our European friends to attach to their iPhones (iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS/3G w/ iOS 3.1+) for contactless payment.  Instead of going at it with a less "bulky" integration such as the use of NFC stickers as can be seen usedby Softbank and Bling Nation, VISA's solution is arguably more cumbersome (a. it assumes people will remember to bring it and attach it and b. it might be drawing power from iPhones battery).

I would have gone down the path of making a case with a slim batterypack and integrated NFC so it'd entice people to use it since it went from 1 function to 3 (NFC+Protection+Extended Battery)...  Just a thought!

Source: Engadget via ComputerWorld

Nokia 6212: NFC Equipped

The Nokia 6212 is a 3G mobile handset with built-in near field communication (NFC) capabilities. NFC allows users to exchange information wirelessly such as receiving exchanging links, music, business cards, etc. It can even be used as a potential mobile payment device. The phone comes with three NFC sticker tags that can be edited for personal information. Credit card information can then be added to the device and access accounts online. To prevent fraud, a secondary passcode will be required for payment authorization. The e-payment options will likely require a service subscription with the carrier or merchant and installation of a secure payment application. The Nokia 6212 will be available in parts of Europe and Asia during Q3. Estimated pricing is set to $316.