When we got the chance to check out TecTiles by Samsung for the first time, we could immediately think of a number of cases they could be used in. The company's programmable NFC tags can perform lots of cool stuff when an NFC-enabled smartphone is in proximity, so one can launch apps, make a call, change their handset's profile, and more with a single tap. And now, right in time for the arrival of the Galaxy Note II in the U.S., Samsung is announcing a new version of the TecTile mobile app, thus expanding the list of things you can do with TecTiles even further.With version 3.0 of the TecTile app, users can assign a string of actions to a single TecTile. That way one can have their Bluetooth radio turned on and navigation app launched when in the car, or the ringer volume turned down and the alarm clock app launched when it's bed time. Another new feature is to have one TecTile perform different actions depending on whose smartphone is tapped on it. That would make it more convenient for multiple users to use the same TecTiles around their home or workplace. Moreover, TecTiles can now be set private, so that the actions being assigned with it are performed only on a specific device.
The list of settings and features that can be accessed via TecTiles has been expanded as well. TecTile 3.0 allows switching to airplane mode and provides more comprehensive alarm settings, along with the option to change a ringtone. New social networking tools have also been integrated, so now a user can change their Google+ status, share electronic business cards, start a chat on Google Talk, and more.
TecTiles are available for purchase both online from Samsung, or at a T-Mobile, AT&T, or Sprint retail store in the U.S. A pack of 5 retails for $14.99. For more details, check out the press release below!
source: Samsung
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TecTile - a programmable NFC tag by Samsung
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Press Release
Samsung Mobile Expands NFC Capabilities with TecTile Version 3.0
Samsung's TecTile mobile application update offers more programmable settings, deeper app integration and the ability to program multiple commands to a single TecTile
DALLAS – Oct. 24, 2012 – Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC (Samsung Mobile) – the No.1 mobile phone provider in the United States and a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the No. 1 smartphone provider worldwide – continues to advance the use of NFC technology in everyday life with the rollout of Samsung TecTile Version 3.0, the latest update to its popular mobile application. The Samsung TecTile 3.0 mobile app provides a variety of new ways to customize Samsung TecTile programmable NFC tags to automatically change features and settings of Samsung Android NFC-enabled devices with a single tap.
Samsung TecTile originally launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy S III as an introduction to the user-friendly capabilities of NFC beyond mobile payments. With the U.S. launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note II, TecTile programmable NFC tags and the TecTile 3.0 mobile application can now automate everyday smartphone functions on Samsung's newest iconic device.
"As the clear leader in NFC-enabled smartphone deployment in the United States, Samsung is committed to developing and advancing this promising mobile technology," said Kevin Packingham, chief product officer of Samsung Telecommunications America. "Samsung TecTile tags combined with the TecTile 3.0 application simplifies the way consumers interact with their mobile device and greatly enhances the overall user experience."
With the largest user base of NFC-enabled devices in the United States, Samsung continues to broaden the use of NFC technology for consumers and businesses by continually expanding and evolving the capabilities of the TecTile mobile application.
Enhancements offered with TecTile Version 3.0
- Programming Enhancements & Improved Usability
o Program multiple actions to a single TecTile With one tap, a TecTile can perform a series of actions including turning on Bluetooth, launching the Navigation app and calling voicemail when entering a car.
o Customize Profiles Version 3.0 enables users to turn the notion of a static TecTile on its head. Define preloaded Profiles within the app and program a different TecTile tag to launch each Profile such as "normal", "office", "night" and "car" allowing for easy toggling between Profiles throughout the day. Groups can also take advantage of Profiles. Rather than program a TecTile to evoke the same actions on every smartphone with every tap, Profiles allow one TecTile to perform customized actions for different users when scanned. For example, within the app, each TecTile user in an office can customize their "meeting" Profile to fit their specific preferences, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate or silent mode, depending on user choice. Then, program one TecTile in a conference room to automatically launch each user's unique, custom "meeting" Profile upon tapping. Users can also create and add their own custom Profiles based on daily activities, like "workout", "gaming" or "TV".
o Store TecTile tag history – Users can now keep a log of all TecTile tags they program for easy reference.
o Create private TecTile tags – Create private TecTile tags that only the owner's phone can read. TecTile 3.0 will associate the programmer's email address to all private TecTile tags and will only allow execution of a TecTile command to the programmer's device.
o Unlock a previously locked TecTile – A TecTile programmer can unlock a previously locked TecTile, or clear a TecTile without having to overwrite with a new command. This is beneficial for both consumers and commercial users who want to extend the value of their TecTile tags while retaining the secure option to lock a TecTile.
o Customize Profiles Version 3.0 enables users to turn the notion of a static TecTile on its head. Define preloaded Profiles within the app and program a different TecTile tag to launch each Profile such as "normal", "office", "night" and "car" allowing for easy toggling between Profiles throughout the day. Groups can also take advantage of Profiles. Rather than program a TecTile to evoke the same actions on every smartphone with every tap, Profiles allow one TecTile to perform customized actions for different users when scanned. For example, within the app, each TecTile user in an office can customize their "meeting" Profile to fit their specific preferences, such as automatically setting the phone to vibrate or silent mode, depending on user choice. Then, program one TecTile in a conference room to automatically launch each user's unique, custom "meeting" Profile upon tapping. Users can also create and add their own custom Profiles based on daily activities, like "workout", "gaming" or "TV".
o Store TecTile tag history – Users can now keep a log of all TecTile tags they program for easy reference.
o Create private TecTile tags – Create private TecTile tags that only the owner's phone can read. TecTile 3.0 will associate the programmer's email address to all private TecTile tags and will only allow execution of a TecTile command to the programmer's device.
o Unlock a previously locked TecTile – A TecTile programmer can unlock a previously locked TecTile, or clear a TecTile without having to overwrite with a new command. This is beneficial for both consumers and commercial users who want to extend the value of their TecTile tags while retaining the secure option to lock a TecTile.
- Programming Additions & Application Integration: Samsung has expanded the list of phone settings that TecTile can change when tapped, including the addition of Airplane mode, more comprehensive alarm settings and the ability to automatically change a ringtone. In addition, TecTile 3.0 can now integrate with more applications to give users a more comprehensive experience. Specifically, TecTile can now:
o Share or edit an electronic business card, forward a call or send a pre-written email to a specific address
o Toggle between Play/Pause settings on Music Player, or play a specific track
o In addition to integration with LinkedIn, Facebook and foursquare, program a TecTile to update a Google+ status, start a Google Talk conversation, check in on Google Places or on Glympse location sharing
o Toggle between Play/Pause settings on Music Player, or play a specific track
o In addition to integration with LinkedIn, Facebook and foursquare, program a TecTile to update a Google+ status, start a Google Talk conversation, check in on Google Places or on Glympse location sharing
Samsung NFC-Enabled Android TM Smartphones
- Samsung Galaxy Note II on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon
- Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon
- Samsung Galaxy Note on AT&T and T-Mobile
- Samsung Galaxy S II on T-Mobile
- Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, Sprint and GSM Unlocked
- Nexus S 4G on Sprint
- Nexus S on AT&T and T-Mobile
- Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G on T-Mobile
- Samsung Galaxy Exhilarate on AT&T
- Samsung Galaxy S Relay 4G on T-Mobile
- Samsung Galaxy Victory 4G LTE on Sprint
Pricing/Availability
Priced at $14.99 for a pack of five, TecTile programmable NFC sticker tags are available for purchase at Samsung.com and online and in-store at AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile. The Samsung TecTile 3.0 mobile app is available for free in the Google Play marketplace.
Samsung TecTile Microsite
For a detailed list of added features and enhancements offered by the TecTile Version 3.0 upgrade, visit http://www.samsung.com/us/microsite/tectile/.
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