NXP and Google collaborate on nfc open source software stack

The nfc stack will be fully integrated and validated on Gingerbread, the latest version of the Android platform. Google also integrated NXP's nfc controller, the PN544 into its newly launched Nexus S phone. The PN544 chip enables mobile phone users to access contactless applications such as mobile payments, transport and ticketing. According to NXP the move will enable manufacturers to develop nfc enabled mobile devices with a faster time to market and lower implementation and development costs. Eric Chu, Mobile Platforms program manager at Google, said that Android's openness has provided a strong platform for accelerated innovations. "We are always looking for creative ways to enhance and extend the utilities of mobile devices with new technologies. With NXP's contribution, the introduction of nfc in Android provides developers, service providers, and device manufacturers a game changing opportunity to deliver new services while enabling users to interact with each other and the physical world in ways previously not possible." "Although only two years old, industry analysts are already suggesting that Android will be the number two mobile platform by 2014. Google's adoption of the technology will be a catalyst for the industry to drive the further adoption of NFC at both the handset and application levels," added Ruediger Stroh, executive vice president and general manager, Identification Business, NXP Semiconductors. "Open source development environments will push the boundaries of innovation and drive revolutionary new services and applications for mobile devices."