QR codes are those wonderful little pixelated, two-dimensional barcodes that you can scan with your mobile phone and instantly open a website relevant to where or what the QR code is for. For example. We can see those in the restaurant. Scan the code on the table and your menu is now on your phone.
NFC technology only works in very close proximity, typically around 4 inches (10 centimeters) or less. This makes it useful for “tap and pay” technologies. It also is not restricted to payment options. The chips that carry the NFC technology are small and cheap and do not require their own power source.
SnapTags are also a type of two-dimensional barcode with enhanced features and capabilities. A SnapTag offers interactive information, content, and engagement without the need for a current phone model or special app.
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags are small, passive electronic devices that can store data and communicate wirelessly with NFC-enabled devices such as smartphones and tablets. These tags contain a small chip and an antenna, allowing them to exchange information with NFC-enabled devices when they are within close proximity, typically within a few centimeters.
NFC tags can be programmed with various types of data, such as URLs, contact information, text, or commands. When an NFC-enabled device comes into contact with an NFC tag, it can read the data stored on the tag and perform actions accordingly. For example, tapping an NFC tag embedded in a poster might prompt the user's smartphone to open a website or download an app related to the poster's content.
NFC tags are used in a variety of applications, including mobile payments, access control systems, marketing campaigns, and smart home devices. They provide a convenient and secure way to exchange information between devices with minimal setup or configuration required.
Click on the video! to get an explanation on how NFC actually works. The explanation on the video is really helpful to actually understand the NFC and we can see it in action. Helps a lot for those who does not how to use it when you are dealing with NFC technology nowdays.
NFC operates on the principles of electromagnetic induction, where two devices generate radio waves to establish communication. NFC technology offers a convenient and versatile way for devices to communicate and interact with each other in various contexts, ranging from consumer electronics to industrial applications.
How do NFC tags work?
NFC (Near Field Communication) tags work through a combination of radio frequency communication and data storage capabilities. Here's a simplified explanation of how NFC tags work:
Radio Frequency Communication: NFC tags contain a small integrated circuit (chip) and an antenna. When an NFC-enabled device, such as a smartphone, comes into close proximity (typically within a few centimeters) of an NFC tag, the two devices establish a radio frequency (RF) communication link.
Data Transfer: Once the RF communication link is established, the NFC-enabled device sends out a small electromagnetic field that powers the NFC tag. The tag then uses this energy to transmit data back to the NFC-enabled device.
Data Encoding: NFC tags can store various types of data, such as URLs, text, contact information, or commands. This data is encoded onto the tag's integrated circuit using a specific encoding format, such as NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF).
Reading and Writing: NFC-enabled devices can read data from NFC tags and write data to them. For example, when you tap your smartphone against an NFC tag embedded in a poster, the phone reads the data stored on the tag and performs a predefined action, such as opening a website or displaying additional information.
Passive Operation: NFC tags are typically passive devices, meaning they do not require a separate power source (such as a battery) to operate. Instead, they draw power from the electromagnetic field generated by the NFC-enabled device during communication.
Security Features: NFC technology incorporates security features such as encryption and mutual authentication to ensure that data exchanged between devices remains private and secure. This is particularly important for applications like mobile payments and access control systems.
Are NFC tags rewritable?
Of the five NFC tag types, type one through three are rewritable, though you can block them so that they can no longer be rewritten.
There are two main types of NFC tags:
Rewritable NFC Tags: These NFC tags allow data to be written to them multiple times. They are often referred to as "rewriteable" or "programmable" NFC tags. These tags typically use non-volatile memory technology such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) or flash memory, which allows data to be written, erased, and rewritten as needed. These tags are commonly used in applications where data may need to be updated or changed regularly, such as in inventory management, smart posters, or smart packaging.
One-Time Programmable (OTP) NFC Tags: These NFC tags can only be written to once, meaning that the data written to them is permanent and cannot be changed or erased. These tags are often used in applications where data security or tamper resistance is a concern, such as in access control systems, electronic passports, or authentication tokens.
What do phones use NFC for?
Contactless Payments
Data Transfer
Access Control
Smart Tags and Objects
Public Transport
Authentication and Identification
SnapTags are a type of two-dimensional (2D) barcode that uniquely combines visual design elements with digital capabilities. Developed by a company called SpyderLynk, SnapTags are designed to be visually appealing and can be scanned by smartphones using the device's camera.
Here's how SnapTags work:
Visual Design: SnapTags are typically circular barcodes with a central logo surrounded by a pattern of smaller squares. This visual design is customizable and can incorporate branding elements, such as a company logo or marketing imagery.
Scanning: To interact with a SnapTag, users simply need to open a mobile app capable of scanning SnapTags and point their smartphone's camera at the code. The app then captures an image of the SnapTag.
Digital Interaction: Once the SnapTag is scanned, the app decodes the embedded digital information and performs a predefined action. This action could include opening a website, displaying additional content, entering a contest, or initiating a social media interaction.
Customizable Actions: Companies can customize the actions associated with their SnapTags to suit their marketing objectives. For example, a SnapTag on a product package might direct users to a website where they can learn more about the product or receive exclusive offers.
Click in the next video! to understand How SnapTags work! It will help in the future because SnapTags are taking some advantages over QR Codes.
SnapTags offer several advantages over traditional QR codes or other types of barcodes:
Aesthetic Appeal: SnapTags can be designed to be visually appealing and integrate seamlessly with marketing materials, making them more engaging for consumers.
Customizable: Companies can customize the appearance and functionality of their SnapTags to align with their branding and marketing goals.
Scalability: SnapTags can be implemented across various media channels, including print advertisements, product packaging, posters, and digital displays.
Trackable Analytics: Companies can track and analyze user interactions with SnapTags to measure the effectiveness of their marketing campaigns and gather insights into consumer behavior.
A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of two-dimensional barcode that consists of black squares arranged on a white square grid. QR codes can store information in both vertical and horizontal directions, allowing them to contain a large amount of data compared to traditional one-dimensional barcodes.
Here's how QR codes work:
Encoding Information: QR codes can encode various types of data, including text, URLs, contact information, or commands. When creating a QR code, the desired information is converted into a matrix of black and white squares using a specific encoding format.
Scanning: To read the information stored in a QR code, users need a QR code scanner app installed on their smartphone or a device capable of scanning QR codes. The user opens the scanner app and points the device's camera at the QR code.
Decoding: The scanner app captures an image of the QR code and analyzes the pattern of black and white squares. It then decodes the encoded information and performs the corresponding action, such as opening a website, displaying text, adding contact information to the address book, or executing a command.
QR codes offer several advantages:
High Capacity: QR codes can store a significant amount of data compared to traditional barcodes, making them suitable for various applications.
Fast and Easy: Scanning QR codes is quick and simple, requiring only a smartphone with a camera and a QR code scanner app.
Versatility: QR codes can be printed on various surfaces, including paper, posters, product packaging, and digital displays. They can also be displayed on screens or embedded in images.
If you are still wondering how QR Codes work. CLICK in the video below to have a better understanding!