iPhone 4 getting stickers in Japan for mobile payment solutions

NFC technology comes to the iPhone 4 thanks to the Japanese
carrier SoftBank, which is offering Sony’s FeliCa payment system
for the iPhone 4. The system includes an NFC-enabled “seal” that
affixes to the back of the iPhone 4 and is compatible with the
official Apple bumper case. From the carrier’s press release, the
system functions independent of the iPhone, so you do not have to
install specialized software for the system to work. Three
different vendor systems will be available including those from
WAON, Nanaco and Edy, a bitWallet solution. This NFC solution will
be available for ¥2,980 (US$36) starting February 2011. Of course,
iPhone customers interested in NFC technology may want to wait for
the iPhone 5 to arrive. The next generation iPhone may include an
integrated NFC chip that would let you use your smartphone as an
electronic wallet, a security passkey or even an eTicketing device
for concerts, conferences and more. Such capabilities would boost
the iPhone above the Android-powered Nexus S, which is being used
in an NFC pilot program for local businesses in Portland,
Oregon.