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What are people using NFC for?

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DaveSyd

Android Enthusiast
Hi there I used to use BUMP as an application which transferred photos. I have not had the need or know that well what NFC can do. What are you using it for? How close does it have to be to use it?
 
I use it to mute my phone at work. I have a tag tied to partition in my bag, when I put the phone in the bag, the phone immediately goes to silent mode. I then have another which uses wifi tro identify when I'm back home and switches the audio back to normal.
 
Thanks for that - didn't know you could create your own tags does it require specialist equipment or software?
 
DaveSyd said:
Thanks for that - didn't know you could create your own tags does it require specialist equipment or software?
Click to expand...
NFC Task Launcher (free in the Play Store) is all you need (plus some tags of course).

I use NFC to set profiles e.g. car, night stand etc.

My experience is that the tag has to be very close. So much so that unless you hold the phone with the tag directly under the antenna (more or less in the centre of the phone) it won't work. The range seems to be a few mm at best.
 
In addition, unless you are rooted, and have made the appropriate changes to the system files, NFC will only work when your phone's screen is unlocked. (valid security reason IMO)
 
I was using it for changing settings in the car, but I'm now using Delayed Lock instead. It doesn't do as much, but it does enough and doesn't require the second tap to reverse the changes.
 
jj14x said:
In addition, unless you are rooted, and have made the appropriate changes to the system files, NFC will only work when your phone's screen is unlocked. (valid security reason IMO)
Click to expand...

I feel like this is the biggest downside. But like you said it is also a good security reason as well.

I wish there was a way for it to recognize only my tags regardless of screen unlocked/locked.
 
When you say NFC tags only work when unlocked. Do you mean fully unlocked or simply no keypad / pattern lock?


jj14x said:
In addition, unless you are rooted, and have made the appropriate changes to the system files, NFC will only work when your phone's screen is unlocked. (valid security reason IMO)
Click to expand...
 
devswap said:
When you say NFC tags only work when unlocked. Do you mean fully unlocked or simply no keypad / pattern lock?
Click to expand...

It won't work with the screen off (regardless of lock). It won't work from lockscreen (regardless of whether you have a pattern lock or swipe to unlock)

Edit: If you root, you can work around this
 
I'm using Llama to switch settings based on my location which uses cell tower signals to determine id you are at work, home or other undefined defined locations. So i'm still looking for a use besides file transfer. I Didn't know you could buy and then program the tags. I Have to keep thinking!

P. S. I Also use Delayed Lock BTW
 
Google Wallet is not available in the UK either and "tags" seems to be everything Llama can do but without the need of NFC.
 
I have an nfc tag on my phone holder in my car.

All it does is activate Bluetooth and loads a tasker command.

It loads up a speed camera app, so even if I'm not using sat nav I'll still be warned of cameras, and it adjusts my screen settings, volumes and loads up a nice little app called car home ultra and switches driving mode on.

All that from placing my phone in its cradle.

The tasker profile is then set to basically undo all my changes, screen settings, driving mode off, Bluetooth off, back to home screen, wifi etc... As soon as I turn off my ignition.

Nfcs and tasker are a powerful combination.

So basically all mine does is switch Bluetooth on and tasker does the rest but it's about as automated you can get without leaving Bluetooth switched on all the time unnecessarily.
 
It's a shame that there isn't a way of triggering an action when the phone loses contact with an NFC tag. It would be a lot more elegant than having to faff around with other conditions.
 
lotus49 said:
It's a shame that there isn't a way of triggering an action when the phone loses contact with an NFC tag. It would be a lot more elegant than having to faff around with other conditions.
Click to expand...

That was my thought too, but I think the connection is so marginal due to the short range that it wouldn't be practical.
 
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