The next model of Apple’s iPhone range could feature built-in Near Field Communication technology, allowing it to double as a mobile payment system, and a way of replicating your home computing experience on any Mac, according to reports.
Apple could build NFC in to the next iPhone, turning it in to an e-wallet, and allowing people to carry their Mac settings with them to use on any computer
Apple’s next iPhone could feature built-in Near Field Communication technology that will turn the device in to an electronic wallet, and allow Mac users to have exactly the same computing experience on any machine, according to the latest rumours.
Cult of Mac reports that an unnamed source informed them of the purpose of the NFC chip that is expected to be built in to the next-generation iPhone.
The technology blog reports that the chip will turn the iPhone in to an “e-wallet”, allowing owners to wave their iPhone over a contact pad in order to pay for items such as coffee, books or CDs in participating retailers.
But the source also claims that Apple has other plans for the NFC chip, and is exploring ways of using the technology to enable users to store their personal Mac computer settings on their iPhone, and then transfer those settings to another Mac with a flick of the wrist.
“For example, an NFC iPhone will allow users to carry a lot of their desktop data and settings with them, and load that data on to a compatible Mac,” reports Cult of Mac.
reports Cult of Mac. “If users wave an NFC-equipped iPhone and an NFC-equipped Mac, the Mac will load all their applications, settings and data. It will be as though they are sitting at their own machine at home or work. When the user leaves, and the NFC-equipped iPhone is out of range, the host machine returns to its previous state.”
The source told Cult of Mac: “The system would essentially turn any Apple computer in to your own, like you’re actually working on your own computer; same settings, look, bookmarks, preferences. It would all be invisible. Your iPhone would be all you needed to unlock your Mac.”
Apple has refused to be drawn on the claims, and said it did not comment on rumours and speculation.
However, Apple has recently recruited a number of NFC experts to its engineering ranks, and is said to be considering the acquisition of Vivotech, a company that specialises in contactless payment and Near Field Communications technology.
Apple has also built a huge data centre on the east coast of the United States, fuelling speculation that it is to expand its cloud computing offerings.
The technology blog reports that the chip will turn the iPhone in to an “e-wallet”, allowing owners to wave their iPhone over a contact pad in order to pay for items such as coffee, books or CDs in participating retailers.
But the source also claims that Apple has other plans for the NFC chip, and is exploring ways of using the technology to enable users to store their personal Mac computer settings on their iPhone, and then transfer those settings to another Mac with a flick of the wrist.
“For example, an NFC iPhone will allow users to carry a lot of their desktop data and settings with them, and load that data on to a compatible Mac,” reports Cult of Mac.
reports Cult of Mac. “If users wave an NFC-equipped iPhone and an NFC-equipped Mac, the Mac will load all their applications, settings and data. It will be as though they are sitting at their own machine at home or work. When the user leaves, and the NFC-equipped iPhone is out of range, the host machine returns to its previous state.”
The source told Cult of Mac: “The system would essentially turn any Apple computer in to your own, like you’re actually working on your own computer; same settings, look, bookmarks, preferences. It would all be invisible. Your iPhone would be all you needed to unlock your Mac.”
Apple has refused to be drawn on the claims, and said it did not comment on rumours and speculation.
However, Apple has recently recruited a number of NFC experts to its engineering ranks, and is said to be considering the acquisition of Vivotech, a company that specialises in contactless payment and Near Field Communications technology.
Apple has also built a huge data centre on the east coast of the United States, fuelling speculation that it is to expand its cloud computing offerings.
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