Samsung's NFC TecTile app, a closer look (pictures)
A new Android app lets you program your phone to do cool things when you tap a compatible NFC sticker.
Jessica Dolcourt
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds.
Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Samsung's forthcoming new TecTile app for Android 4.0 is a new take on shortcuts, and it works with the company's TecTile stickers to program various actions. Samsung groups these into Setting & Apps, Phone & Text, Location & Web, and social networks.
2 of 3 Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
Program your phone to...
So what kinds of cool things can you do with NFC? Let's say you tack a TecTile sticker to your bedside phone dock and tap it before bed. In a second, you can simultaneously turn on your alarm and night mode, without stabbing your finger at the screen. Tap again when you wake up to toggle it off. (Just set it to toggle.)
3 of 3 Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET
Get social in a tap
There's less you can do with version 1 of this app when it comes to socializing, but you can definitely check in to Facebook and Foursquare, or program the phone to open a certain Web page. I see more social uses for event planners who could program a sticker so attendees can tag in to events, or look up a promotional Web page instead of typing it into the browser.
I know you have questions, so make sure you read my full TecTile post for more details.
