November 29, 2013, Seoul – STMicroelectronics (ST), a global semiconductor company providing a wide range of electronic applications, has unveiled its latest dynamic NFC tag memory family, the 'M24SR'. This new memory family makes it easier to integrate NFC functionality into any electronic product, enabling smarter, more flexible, and easier use of various consumer devices, home appliances, and industrial equipment. These electronic products range from speakers, printers, ovens, and washing machines to electricity, gas, and water meters.

NFC is a wireless communication technology that enables short-range communication between two devices typically within a distance of 10 cm. Recently, it has become more widely known as a method of making wireless purchases using smartphones. However, this technology is expected to be utilized more actively for connecting entities for the Internet of Things (IoT), which will bring about fundamental changes in the interaction between consumers and internet-connected products. While NFC functionality is currently trending as a standard feature in new smartphones and tablets, NFC connectivity will become available in an even wider range of electronic products.

ST plans to further accelerate this trend with the newly launched M24SR product line, a collection of 'Dynamic NFC Tag' memory products. This is because the new product line enables the embedding of NFC functionality in various devices—such as printers, fitness watches, microwave ovens, smart meters, and digital cameras—allowing them to communicate when in close proximity to a smartphone.

One of the key advantages of the M24SR product line is the ease of Bluetooth pairing between a smartphone and an audio device. Without the hassle of opening the smartphone settings, turning on Bluetooth, selecting the audio device name, and entering a password, simply bringing the smartphone close to an NFC-enabled audio device automatically initiates Bluetooth pairing. This is because the setup between the two devices has already been completed via NFC.

As another example, it helps readjust clocks and appliances after a power outage or summer time, or quickly diagnose broken equipment. Instead of looking up and reading the user manual or calling a service center, you can launch an app on your smartphone such as 'Home Appliance Clock Reset' or 'Troubleshooting,' and then simply hold the smartphone against the device in question; the clock will automatically reset, and the malfunction will be linked to the product company's website, allowing you to receive remote diagnostic services.

Benoit Rodrigues, General Manager of ST Memory, stated, "The key point is that embedding NFC functionality allows for the design of almost any device and equipment to provide necessary features—such as keyboards, graphic displays, and internet connectivity—without actually having to build them, which are costly and space-consuming. Since smartphones already possess all these capabilities, we can simply 'borrow' them." He added, "The M24SR product family presents a new paradigm for realizing interaction with the world around us. While smartphones are currently important for our communication with others, they will become the center of how we communicate with all objects in the future."