NFC is a technology slowly gaining widespread adoption and today LG has announced their plans for developing NFC tags (similar to Sony’s Smart Tags) for activating specific functions on their Optimus LTE Tag smartphone. The Optimus LTE Tag was launched in Korea today and features NFC connectivity along with:

• 4.3-inch WVGA (480×800) IPS display
• 1.2 GHz dual-core CPU
• 1GB of RAM
• 5MP rear camera
• 1.3MP front-facing camera
• Android 2.3 (Android 4.0 upgrade coming)

There’s no word yet on whether or not this device will make its way to other countries but it’s a good indication that LG is working to develop NFC solutions for its future devices. I believe we will start to see a lot of manufacturers developing these NFC tags which can be placed in the car to activate a navigation app or by the bed to activate an alarm clock app. The possibilities really are endless and I’m looking forward to seeing their many uses in the near future.

For more information on LG’s Optimus LTE Tag and the NFC tags that accompany it, check out the full press release below.

OPTIMUS LTE TAG FROM LG OFFERS NFC, BUT WITH A TWIST
(SEOUL–Korea Newswire) February 20, 2012 — LG today announced its newest addition to its LTE smartphone line-up for the Korean market, the Optimus LTE Tag. Coming on the heels of impressive sales of its Optimus LTE, the world’s first HD LTE smartphone, the Optimus LTE Tag advances LG’s vision of offering the most diverse collection of LTE devices for all types of customers.

“Our goal is to offer the widest variety of LTE smartphones in the industry in 2012,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Mobile Communications Company. “The Optimus LTE Tag isn’t just a cosmetically-enhanced version of Optimus LTE, it offers a truly innovative feature which we think really makes a smartphone smarter.”

The Optimus LTE Tag gets its name from a unique new feature, LG Tag+, which uses NFC (Near Field Communication) to communicate with special stickers or “tags” that can be programmed to automatically change the phone’s settings. Swiping a tag upon entering the office could put the Optimus LTE Tag in silent mode and activate Wi-Fi. A tag on the car dashboard could be programmed to turn on Bluetooth, GPS and raise the volume. The options are limitless.

With Slim and sleek design, the Optimus LTE Tag is available in white. Running a 1.2GHz Dual-Core processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread (with the option to upgrade to Ice Cream Sandwich later) and 4.3-inch IPS display, the Optimus LTE Tag is the ideal multimedia environment.

Key Specifications:

Chipset: 1.2GHz Dure-Core processor

Display: 4.3-inch (800 x 480) IPS

Memory: 16GB eMMC

Camera: 5.0MP with AF-LED Flash (Rear) & 1.3MP (Front)

OS: Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Battery: 1,700mAh

Others: LG Tag+, MHL(Mobile High Definition Link), DLNA(Digital Living Network Alliance)
News Web Site: https://www.lge.co.kr