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NFC: Not just for mobile payments (pictures)

Near field communication chips popped up everywhere at the Consumer Electronics Show, in everything from wristbands to televisions to refrigerators. Here are a few ways it's being used.

CNET Reviews staff
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1 of 9 James Martin/CNET

Virtual press kits and business cards

Samsung handed out wristbands at its press conference with the company's TecTile technology embedded into them.
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2 of 9 Samsung

Speakers galore

The Samsung DA-F60 is the company's first entrant to the booming portable Bluetooth speaker market. It also supports NFC, which makes it slightly easier to pair with compatible phones.
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3 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

And more speakers

Sony President and Chief Operating Officer Phil Molyneux unveils new small NFC-enabled speakers at CES. The ball-shaped SRS-BTV5 comes in multiple colors for $69.
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4 of 9 Matthew Moskovciak/CNET

Even more audio products -- like Boomboxes

Most of the NFC/Bluetooth speakers shown at CES were compact, but Sony introduced an updated version of the once popular boombox. The company also unveiled NFC-enabled headphones at the tech show.
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5 of 9 Panasonic

Cameras

Panasonic unveiled its Lumix TS5 camera during CES. The device, which Panasonic calls the "ultimate tough still & video camera for the adventurous photographer" features NFC, a 16.1 megapixel high sensitivity sensor, Full HD recording, and Wi-Fi. It's also waterproof to a depth of 43 feet, shockproof from a height of 6.6 feet, freeze-proof down to a temperature of 14 degrees Fahrenheit, and pressure resistant to 220 pounds. Along with the TS5, Panasonic also showed the NFC-enabled Lumix ZS30.
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6 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Smarter appliances

LG demoed new NFC-enabled appliances at CES, including washing machines, refrigerators, and vacuums. The technology allows users to pair their smartphones with their appliances, which they can then control over Wi-Fi. For example, someone could start a load of laundry when they're at the grocery store or tell the vacuum to clean up before they get home.
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7 of 9 Sarah Tew/CNET

Wash on, wash off

LG's washers and dryers include NFC technology, allowing people to pair their devices with the machines and then control them remotely.
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8 of 9 Sony

Remote control

If it seems silly to tap your phone on the TV to link the devices, Sony has another option. Its one-touch remote includes NFC to allow easy pairing so photos, video, and other content can show up the television.
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9 of 9 Ty Pendlebury/CBS interactive

Televisions

LG announced the LA7400 LED TV at CES, which will feature all of the latest tricks including new connectivity and search options. The new 'Tag On' NFC feature will work like tapping phones together but instead the smartphone users taps against an NFC sticker on the TV. Along with NFC for pairing, the TV will feature natural language voice control via the new Magic Motion remote.

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