February 27, 2014, Seoul — NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ: NXPI) announced that it has successfully integrated its proven, industry-leading NFC controller, the PN547, into Google's latest Android 4.4 operating system (OS), 'KitKat'. This significant result will further increase the popularity and appeal of the NXP PN547 controller across a wide range of Android-based mobile devices.

The latest Android 4.4 provides new platform support for NFC-based transactions via Host-Card Emulation (HCE). This enables Android smartphone users to run a wide variety of mobile apps, including payments, loyalty programs such as mileage accumulation, card usage, transportation cards, and other personalized services. Support for Android 4.4 and HCE allows more consumers to experience the potential of NFC and simultaneously expands the NFC ecosystem. NXP has successfully demonstrated and verified the performance of multiple security elements (embedded SE, UICC-based SE, and HCE) in key NFC controllers, making it easier for manufacturers to adopt and integrate them. The PN547 fully supports MIFARE, which is used in over 70% of contactless transportation systems worldwide. Furthermore, the PN547's superior design improves RF performance, eases EMOVCo and NFC Forum certifications, enables the use of compact antennas, and reduces the overall solution BOM (bill of materials). Currently, the PN547 is generating significant interest in the market and is establishing itself as the successor to the NXP PN544 controller, which led to NFC becoming part of the development of popular smartphones and tablets.

According to IDC, with over 78% of smartphones worldwide currently based on the Android operating system, users have a greater opportunity than ever to encounter and actually utilize NFC. Jeff Miles, Director of Mobile Transactions at NXP Semiconductors, explained, “By supporting HCE with NXP’s NFC controllers, which are already industry-recognized and market-proven, opportunities for new applications are opening up, creating a market for them as well as new ways for consumers to utilize these interactive technologies. Integrating the PN547 into Android 4.4 is another outstanding achievement that further solidifies NXP’s leading position in the NFC-based solutions market.”

NFC is an innovative technology that enables enabled devices to respond to a 'tap' from an object. NFC transforms already dynamic user experiences into ways that expand the potential of the "Internet of Things." By simply 'tapping' a tag from an NFC-enabled device onto smart posters, contactless ticketing and payment terminals, users can interact with these devices intuitively while maintaining security. NFC technology, co-invented by NXP Semiconductors in 2002, is currently integrated into PCs, tablets, and mobile phones from major manufacturers. NXP supports native integration within mobile operating systems and co-development of services with mobile network operators and service providers, as well as the seamless deployment and utilization of tags and readers deployed by transportation operators, retailers, access control systems, and advertisers.