Intel and INSIDE Secure late on December 13 unveiled an alliance which will enable the US chip colossus to make processors that let mobile gadgets act as wallets, tickets, car finders and more. An agreement between the firms gives Intel access to software and hardware technology at INSIDE, which specialises in near-field communications (NFC) that gives chips the ability to securely exchange data wirelessly at short range.
"NFC is gaining traction in many markets as one of the most convenient ways to use consumer electronic devices for payments and retail commerce transactions, for access to facilities and information, and a host of other applications," said Intel mobile wireless group vice president Aicha Evans.
"We look forward to working with INSIDE to develop and bring to market a range of exciting connectivity solutions for mainstream consumer products that incorporate NFC features."
The companies did not disclose financial terms of the agreement. Intel is considering including NFC capabilities in designs used to showing ways chips can be used in products but was not ready to share specifics, according to company spokeswoman Agnes Kwan.
"We are seeing a lot of interesting developments in the industry and we do see that NFC has great potential for consumer devices," Kwan told AFP.
INSIDE, which was founded in 1995 and has its headquarters in Aix-en-Provence in France, has seem booming interest in NFC this year, according to chief operating officer Charles Walton.