"Of all the mobile technologies that have arisen in recent years, near field communication (NFC) has shown by far the most widespread real world potential. Initially developed by Nokia, Sony and Philips (all of whom formed the NFC Forum in 2004), the contactless technology has steadily built up advocates across the globe and is beginning to be integrated across several platforms, from mobile wallets to hotel door keys."
Apple caused waves in the tech world when it announced that it was going to start a new contactless mode of payment. Handheld news the world over went crazy documenting the new digression of Apple from its usual products and iOS related features.