Rumour links iPhone to RFID

It is speculated that Apple is working on near-field communication technology for both its smartphone and future Macs, reports Apple Insider

The functionality is rumoured to appear in Apple's next iPhone, expected to be rolled out in June 2011.

The source says an iPhone with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip could be used within proximity of a Mac, allowing users to load applications, settings and data on the Mac from the phone. When the iPhone is taken away from the proximity of the computer, the data would disappear with it.

Trade associations and technology companies have partnered in the Item Level RFID Initiative to develop guidelines supporting a push for RFID across the apparel supply chain, states RFID News.

The group plans to list guidelines for RFID usage at the item level, and identify a strategy for its phased introduction - raising awareness for the value RFID technology in the retail supply chain.

According to research done by the University of Arkansas, item level RFID technology can help lift inventory accuracy rates from 62% to more than 95%. It can also count 5 000 items per hour compared with just 200 when using barcodes.

Wireless solutions provider, Savi Technology, has rolled out Project Volcano, an initiative that awards developers for using its tools to develop RFID applications, says TMCnet.

The Savi Developer Tools utilises RFID in order to build solutions from tracking children to tracking car or house keys via mobile phone, to monitoring smog indexes or electricity consumed in a facility remotely.

Project Volcano will be active till 15 December, and participants from industry or academia are encouraged to present their most innovative RFID ideas.