Google has released a new version of the Android operating system, version 4.4, it is calling it KitKat. One piece of interesting news coming out of this update is a new piece of functionality that allows Near Field Communications (NFC) chips in Android devices to bypass the security layer imposed by wireless providers such as Verizon (and imposed by Google itself in 2011 it should be noted). Software developers can now use something called "tokenization" to accomplish the security piece.
Wikipedia says:
Tokenization is the process of substituting a sensitive data element with an "easily" reversible benign substitute.
Tokenization is fast becoming the industry standard for cloud-based activity requiring a security component. My first exposure to it came while working on payments products at a local ISO.
This new piece in the Android OS opens up the operating system for software developers to more freely create apps that use the NFC chip without incurring the cost of engaging in the security layer created by Google and the wireless providers.
What is the major problem here? Apple still doesn't support NFC in its hardware. This is, in my opinion, too little too late for NFC. Some other huge event is required to bring back NFC.
Karen Webster of Market Platform Dynamics has a good piece on this over on pymts.com:
Is-HCE-NFC-s-Killer-App
Her opinion is pretty much in lock-step with my thinking.
...if you hear a stampede back to NFC just let me know. Of course I’ll probably tell you it was more likely the sound of your kids running down the stairs to check out the Loch Ness Monster that was spotted frolicking in your swimming pool.
Happy reading,
J.W. Gant
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