We’ve come a long way from PDAs (Ok, I’m done with the acronyms, promise). But have you seen some of the things people are doing with their cell phones lately? From faster networks to video conferencing and product research, the mobile world is moving fast and you have to keep up.

Being able to pay for something at the checkout with your cell phone seems to be this month’s “wow” concept. Apple recently featured an application for Starbucks in a commercial and the Samsung/Visa partnership is unleashing mobile payment devices on the 2012 London Olympics. The thing is, the technology is not all that new. And your business probably already uses it.
So, here’s my elevator-ride-length description of the technologies:

• RFID  (Radio Frequency Identification) - Think your key card you have to waive in front of the office door to get in. Or even that cool trick that allows you to start your car without a key. Using a non-powered antenna (the keycard) and a powered receiver (the grey box by the door) the technology is able to recognize you and let you in. Your company may even use RFID for inventory controls.
  
• NFC (Near Field Communication) - Essentially, RFID with two way communication. This is what would allow you to transfer small bits of information between phones in your proximity or waive your iPhone at a cash register to pay for your groceries.
  
• QR (Quick Response Codes) -Though a completely different technology than RFID and NFC, QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that, when scanned with a smartphone, can deliver information such as a URL to the mobile device. More a replacement for typing in an address than a radio transmission, QR codes still serve to deliver content to mobile devices. A concept we’ve covered before.

From a marketers perspective, each technology has exciting potential. QR codes are a near regular sighting in publications and tradeshow booths. RFID tags essentially “broadcast” information on a tagged customer/product. And NFC-enabled devices, being compatible with RFID technology, could potentially do it all.

The technology is already here. And even if you do not use it yourself, it’s going to further change how your customers use their mobile devices.