The extension of the NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) to peer-to-peer use in SNEP is a significant advance. Previously, NDEF was applicable only to NFC tags in reader/writer mode. Now, SNEP enables the use of the openly standardized NDEF in peer-to-peer mode, making seamless interchange of data a reality. Application developers no longer need to concern themselves with how their NDEF data gets transferred between NFC-enabled devices. This capability is similar to the way that NFC Forum Tag Type specifications encapsulate the differences between communication layers. By providing this capability, the SNEP specification makes the difference between reader-writer and peer-to-peer operation modes disappear – a major step towards global interoperability of NFC applications.
SNEP Use Cases
Here are two examples of potential applications for NFC technology developed with the new SNEP specification:
Simplified transfer of contact information – one person“s phone can be configured to automatically send business card information when an NFC peer-to-peer connection is established. The recipient doesn“t have to do anything other than to accept the business card and allow it to be entered into his phone book.
Collecting movie posters for later use – a consumer can retrieve and store movie posters with NFC tags onto an NFC-enabled phone while just passing by. Back home, the consumer can display the movie information on a flat-screen TV and navigate to the films“ web pages, simply by tapping the phone to an NFC-enabled TV remote control.
„By extending NDEF to peer-to-peer communications, our SNEP specification adds to the usability of NFC technology and broadens its possibilities, enabling enterprises to offer new, creative, and appealing applications to businesses and consumers,“ said Koichi Tagawa, chairman of the NFC Forum. „Specification development is an important part of the NFC Forum“s mission; the extensive suite of NFC Forum specifications is testimony to the hard work of our members, whose activity yields benefits for the entire NFC ecosystem. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the effort to deliver SNEP.“
The new SNEP specification is available to the public for download at no charge.
