Europe chip makers to form common app interface

LONDON, UK: In a move that could prove to be significant for the Android software scene, STMicroelectronics and NXP along with Trusted Logic and Stollmann E&V is looking at putting in place a new common hardware-independent application programming interface for near field communications on mobile phones running Android software.

The European chip makers have thought about giving the common platform a shape in their bid to promote the uptake of NFC-based applications including payment for goods and services.

As a follow up measure, NXP and Trusted Logic has unveiled an open-source application programming interface to attach near-field communications to the Android software stack in April 2010.

Meanwhile, Stollmann has already kicked off operations of its own NFC API. An update of their Android APIs to the community as a proposal for a mutual standard is now in the anvil. The APIs would come about post consultation with various partners such as mobile network operators, handset makers and NFC controller providers.

The APIs will be supported by protocol stacks compatible with NFC chip platforms from STMicroelectronics and NXP.

The companies have elaborated that the new move would enable handset users to access a new range of applications distributed through app stores, capable of conveniences such as mobile payments, transport and event ticketing as well as data sharing directly from their Android phone.