Second sight

If you're not interested in radio frequency identification (RFID), you should be.

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More interestingly, Sony, Nokia and Philips have formed the NFC Forum to develop and promote the technology. Why Nokia? One of the most interesting category of devices that could operate in passive or active (ie, requiring power) mode is mobile phones, and these will undoubtedly be one of the most widespread category of consumer NFC device.

To put this in context, imagine your mobile phone has an NFC interface. Then, even when your phone is switched off, it can do useful things: pay for items, for example. Wave your phone at the till in Starbucks and you have paid much quicker, and easier, than you could with cash.