What will NFC on the Kompakt be used for? If the Kompakt will not have any Google services, I can’t imagine Google Pay/Wallet being used for tap to pay.
What else does the team have in mind for using NFC?
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Below is an AI-generated response to my “NFC uses” query in the Brave browser. Many of the listed uses clearly require a smartphone; others uses may be achievable with the Kompakt.
Near Field Communication (NFC) tags have a variety of uses beyond contactless payments. They can be used for home automation, such as opening garage doors, controlling lights, and triggering scenes in Home Assistant. NFC tags can also be used for chore tracking, although some users prefer other methods like contact sensors or buttons for these tasks.
In creative applications, NFC tags can be programmed to perform specific actions when tapped. For example, they can be used to open a shared grocery list web page, control appliances, or even manage sleep-friendly settings by turning off sound systems and decreasing device brightness.
NFC technology is also useful for sharing Wi-Fi passwords with guests without compromising security, as apps like InstaWifi can program an NFC tag to grant instant, tap-to-connect access to a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, NFC tags can be used to send automated messages, such as “I’m driving, text you later,” to help drivers focus on the road.
Other innovative uses include NFC-enabled rings that can unlock doors and share contact information, and NFC tags that can be placed by the door to download a syllabus or contact information instantly. NFC technology can also be used to facilitate mobile payments, allowing NFC-enabled phones to securely store credit card information and pay for goods by tapping the phone on a payment terminal.
NFC tags are versatile and can be integrated into various devices and systems to enhance convenience and automation in daily life.
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Yes, and with all these interesting use cases, I wonder what the Mudita team has in store for us.
I used to use NFC tags to turn on and off lights with a smart home system from my Lumia 920.
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I’d love to see a payment feature here. Either Google Pay, PayPal or similar.
It’s the only primary need I have to leave the other phone behind…as it been years since I carried a wallet with cards…
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Yes, payment feature would be amazing. And ability to download banking app too.
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As of now, banking app requires sideloading but sideloading is not recommended due to security and first of all, banks typically don’t offer .apk outside of the stores…
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I tried to install my banking app through Aurora Store but it’s not working without Google services. I was able to log in to bank account through browser but this option is very limited and I can’t, for example, authorize payments in the browser. Unfortunately in such cases I still need to use standard smartphone 
and I would love to be able to use only Mudita.
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I am fortunate to have more functionality via the Web Version of my Banking App so I am thinking I may need to remember my log in rather than use biometric log ins and move back to my manual internet banking ways. Additionally I have my slush fund account linked to an additional card hidden in my wallet so probably have no urgent need to transfer funds.
Going back to the 00s without banking on hand (literally) will probably be better for my finances.
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With the use of NFC, I would love a digital wallet, but I can understand why it’s a challenge for niche phone companies to create their own. It really comes down to the partnerships and infrastructure that need to be set up behind the scenes.
Digital wallets like Apple Wallet, Google Pay, and Samsung Wallet are part of a larger system that stores digital versions (tokens) of cards, transit passes, and loyalty cards. For example, I use my transit card on my Jelly Star phone through Google Wallet, but Apple couldn’t work out an agreement with Melbourne Metro, I can’t use Myki on my iPhone. Luckily we are moving to VISA card payment on our transport system
Bigger companies like Apple, Google, and Samsung have the resources to negotiate with banks, payment networks like Visa, transit authorities, and other services globally. These partnerships are needed for making wallets work/viable and ensuring you can add your cards.
For smaller phone companies, though, it’s a challenge. They would need to:
- Build secure systems that meet the necessary banking standards
- Form partnerships with a wide range of financial institutions and public services
- Navigate local/global government regulations around banking and payments
A great example of this struggle is Fitbit Pay. Despite being part of a major tech company, Fitbit had a tough time securing enough bank and payment network partnerships to make their wallet widely usable - it was decommissioned in Jan of this year.
That’s why many smaller brands choose to integrate existing solutions like Google Pay instead of building their own from scratch. Honestly, if the only option were something like Google Wallet, I’d have to pass on it.
It would be nice if there was a centralised standard of digital wallet for all phones to use, and could possibly be looked into the future on a country by country basis.
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You’re absolutely right, but that is why there are some third party apps coming now - with NFC support. Like Paypal and Vipps (Scandinavia). They even support debit cards instead of credit, which seems to be the main focus for the larger players.
I might test Vipps or PayPal this week, to check if it is able to connect to the NFC chip, and give it a writeup here.
A full banking app is not necessary for myself, as I can do the banking stuff on a desktop or something…but payments…
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Wow that’s Awesome! In Australia all of our Debit cards are VISA cards (will go through as Savings instead of Credit) but I would really prefer something that’s not ecosystem dependant. Thank you for the heads up - this has given me hope!
I wonder if the NFC chip is active or dormant for future update activation - I can’t wait to hear the outcomes of your experiment! I’m off to google if Vipps or PayPal are available here (I am not confident PayPal is).
Exciting times!
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I used NFC Google Pay for a short time when my credit card company offered additional cashback if I used it. I guess that was their plan to get me hooked on the idea of paying for things with my phone. It didn’t work. I don’t see a reason to use my phone to pay for things now that all of my credit cards are also NFC tap-to-pay. Moreover, I don’t often leave the house with my phone but without my wallet. So if I’m going to have my wallet anyway, there is no reason to use Google Pay.
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Could be for things like quick Bluetooth pairing, file sharing, or maybe even transit cards depending on the region. Some custom ROMs or apps can also use NFC for automation stuff, like triggering profiles or actions. Definitely not just for Google Pay.
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I use NFC to refill my local transportation card (I sideloaded their app and added my banking details there – no need for any kind of wallet application): I read the card, choose refill amount, read the card again – and I’m good to go take a bus or train ride 
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