11.30.06
Sony, NXP to develop short-range wireless chip
Sony, NXP to develop short-range wireless chip
ZD Net Mobile News is reporting that Sony and former Philips chip unit NXP Semiconductors have announced they will create a joint venture to create a secure chip that enables short-range wireless interaction between handhelds, PCs and other consumer electronic devices.
In a memorandum of understanding, the companies said their joint venture will be set up in mid-2007 and will be charged with creating a secure near-field communications (NFC) chip that works with various flavors of NFC-compatible phones, such as Sony’s Felica and NXP’s Mifare systems.
NFC wireless technology, which is similar to that used in the London Underground for making contactless payments, can be used for ticketing or making small purchases via a mobile handset.
According to NXP and Sony, consumers with phones sporting the chip will be able to buy all sorts of services from different providers, although both will continue to develop their respective platforms separately.
The association is calling for common NFC standards, which it asserts will lead to interoperability and mass-market adoption.