NFC capabilities hidden in Google+
There's some potential mobile payments technology hidden in the Google+ social networking service. It turns out NFC-enabled phones running the Google+ Android app can read NFC tags and incorporate them into the service.
The functionality is currently limited to those select few with access to the Google+ service who also happen to have an NFC-enabled Google Nexus S phone, which is admittedly a pretty small group. (A short demo video from the blog for developer Ridzuan Ashim, the guy who discovered the NFC capabilities in the app, is available below for everyone else.)
The uses for an NFC-reading mobile social networking application are relatively unlimited. For instance, tags embedded at restaurants, theaters, concerts, etc. could provide a status update or check a person in at a location for his or her network (similar to Google’s recently discontinued QR code support in Google Places.) The technology could also serve up discounts and coupons through the new Google Offers service to members who interact with a business’ Google+ page (similar to being a “fan” on Facebook).
At this point nothing official has been announced about linkages between the Google Wallet, Google Offers or the Google+ service, but it goes to show that NFC is about far more than making purchases at the point of sale.