Samsung is launching TecTiles, which are programmable NFC tags that can be programmed (and re-programmed) by a phone like the Galaxy S3. There are many ways to use them, but one cool example that Samsung is going to push is to program TecTiles to trigger actions on a Galaxy S3 phone. For example, a tag placed on your bedside table could trigger the phone’s silent mode, shut down 3G/4G and even WIFI to save on battery life. Of course, the phone is smart enough to let select phone calls go through.
A tag placed in a vehicle could also start Bluetooth so that communications with a headset or other hands-free devices can happen. Tags can launch applications or complex system scripts/actions such as sending SMS, update social network statuses, open a map location, a web page or download content. And once developers get their hands on those, you can bet that such tags will appear at local merchants and other places. The possibilities are just endless.
If you are wondering, Tag-triggered actions may require user permission depending on the app, so don’t worry, stuff that you don’t want to happen probably won’t. Samsung is going to retail these TecTiles for 14.99 (pack of 5). For sure, we are going to take a close look at these when we review the Galaxy S3. What do you think? What would you like to do with these?