NXP Semiconductors has announced that its proven, industry-leading NFC controller, PN547, is successfully integrated with Google’s latest version of the Android 4.4 operating system, ‘KitKat’. This significant milestone underscores the popularity and attractiveness of NXP’s PN547 in a wide range of Android-powered mobile devices, says the company.
Android 4.4 now offers new platform support for NFC-based transactions through host-card emulation (HCE). This enables Android smartphone owners to use their phones to initiate a wide range of mobile applications, including payments, loyalty programs, card access, transit passes and other customized services. Support for Android 4.4 and HCE allows more consumers to experience the potential of NFC and will further expand the ecosystem. NXP has successfully demonstrated and validated multi-Secure Element (embedded SE, UICC based SE and HCE) performance on its leading NFC controllers to facilitate OEM adoption and integration. PN547 fully supports MIFARE which is used in over 70% of the world’s contactless transport systems.
Additionally, PN547?s superior design allows improved RF performance, easing EMVCo and NFC Forum certifications while using smaller antenna size and lowering overall solution bill of materials. Today, PN547 is receiving tremendous market traction and is now on track to become a very worthy successor to the industry leading PN544 which propelled NFC into mainstream smartphone and tablet deployments.
With over 78% of the world’s smartphones now using Android, according to IDC, the opportunity for people to engage with and use NFC is greater than ever.
“By supporting HCE with our established and market-proven PN547 NFC controller, we are opening the door and creating markets for new applications and new ways consumers can use this interactive technology,” said Jeff Miles, vice president mobile transactions, NXP Semiconductors. “Integration of PN547 with Android 4.4 was yet another great accomplishment, and further reinforces our market leading positioning in NFC-based solutions.”
