Nokia's 6131 offers NFC technology

Nokia 6131

(Credit: Nokia)

Nokia's 6131 isn't new but the company announced today that it would soon be the world's first cell phone with Near Field Communications (NFC) technology. NFC will allow users to instantly store and access business cards in their phone, gain access to an event, share information, and make quick purchases for items ranging from coffee to show tickets. Nokia promises that by touching their phone to an NFC-enabled business card, advertising display, or menu board, people can use their phone almost as an ID, a wallet, and a computer.

For example, users could download multimedia content from an information kiosk and eliminate the need for paper brochures. Business cards could also be eliminated as could the need to carry cash. Though they work in a similar manner, Nokia stresses that unlike existing key tags, NFC allows for two-way, interactive communications. Also, the company insists that the need for a password ensures an extra layer of security when making transactions.

While that all sounds well and good, it's a bit optimistic at this point. As I said earlier, the technology only will work with something that is NFC-enabled. And since the 6131 is the first NFC phone, I can't imagine the technology is widespread at your local Starbucks.

As for the 6131 itself, it's an attractive flip phone that's quite similar to T-Mobile's Nokia 6133. Features include a 1.3-megapixel camera, Bluetooth connectivity, a digital music player, and a microSD card slot.