Tag: NFC

  • Waveshare NFC e-Paper: No Battery, Wireless, Color

    Key Takeaway

    – NFC powers and transmits data to e-paper displays, which only need energy to change content.
    – The 2.9-inch Waveshare display costs $28, supports red/yellow/black/white pixels, and refreshes in ~16 seconds.
    – Potential uses include name tags and retail, but manual smartphone-based updates limit practicality for large-scale retail.
    – E-paper retains images for months without continuous power, though it is not permanent.
    – Centralized wireless updates are more practical for retail than per-device smartphone connections.

    NFC is a well-established method for data transmission, typically used to transfer only small amounts of data. It operates via electromagnetic waves—and therefore energy—which a new compact display from Waveshare takes full advantage of. This approach works because e-paper displays only require power when changing their content, as long as no backlight is used. In simple terms, once the digital ink is arranged, the image remains stable for a long time without a continuous power supply. “Stable” does not mean permanent, but rather that the content can remain unchanged for months.

    Specifications and Pricing Details

    The $28 Waveshare 2.9-inch NFC-powered e-paper display (34751) uses a compatible smartphone to receive both the energy required to update the image and the image data itself. This process relies on NFC in combination with an app. The display supports red, yellow, black, and white pixels, with a resolution of 296 × 128 pixels. The device measures 87.50 × 47.70 millimetres and is 12.70 millimetres thick.

    Potential Use Cases and Limitations

    Potential use cases include name tags, and Waveshare also promotes the display for retail applications. However, its practicality in larger retail environments is questionable. Refreshing the display takes around 16 seconds (excluding data transfer time), and a direct connection to a smartphone is required. While e-paper price tags are becoming more common in retail, they are typically updated wirelessly and centrally, avoiding the significant labour costs associated with manual updates.


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  • AMOLED NFC Smartwatch with IP68 — Only $23 Deal

    AMOLED NFC Smartwatch with IP68 — Only $23 Deal

    Key Takeaway

    – Very low price for a smartwatch with seemingly strong specs (AMOLED display, blood oxygen, blood pressure, NFC, IP68, Bluetooth 5.4) at about $23, but reliability is questionable.
    – Limited confidence in software and features: unclear language support, likely unreliable health measurements, and contactless payments may not work outside China.
    – Potential caveats: shipping/import fees may apply; uncertain warranty/updates; best as a backup, tinkering device, or budget quick-browse option rather than a trusted health/fitness watch.

    Overview of the Valdus VD40 Pro on Alibaba

    Most smartwatch buyers are likely to spend hundreds of dollars on their new watch, even though there are much cheaper devices in this category on the market. Those who do not have high expectations and are mainly looking for a wearable with a decent screen may even find that a budget of $23 is enough.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Chinese online marketplace Alibaba is currently selling the Valdus VD40 Pro, a surprisingly good-looking smartwatch with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, for just $23. Potential shipping and import fees may still apply in some cases. Three different color variants are available at that price, and one apparently even ships with a stainless-steel strap. The watch case appears to be made from a zinc alloy.

    Specs and Features Versus Price

    The advertised specs and features also read surprisingly well given the price. In addition to blood oxygen and blood pressure sensors, NFC, an IP68 rating, Bluetooth 5.4 and a voice assistant are allegedly included. However, how reliable and usable these functions ultimately are is highly questionable, especially from a software perspective.

    Practical Considerations

    For example, it is not known which languages the pre-installed OS supports. Contactless payments are also unlikely to work outside of China. Bargain hunters should ultimately be aware that the health features of the Valdus VD40 Pro are most likely not trustworthy. However, as a backup watch or a gadget for tinkering, this very cheap smartwatch may still be suitable.

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  • Xiaomi Announces Global Pricing for 3 New Smartwatches with 21-Day Battery

    Xiaomi Announces Global Pricing for 3 New Smartwatches with 21-Day Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – Xiaomi confirms global pricing and availability for three new wearables: Smart Band 10, Smart Band 10 Pro (with NFC), and Watch S5 46 mm for the Eurozone.
    – Smart Band 10 priced at €99.99 with Black, Silver, and Pink options; NFC-enabled Smart Band 10 Pro variant at €119.99 in Black, Silver, and Pearl White.
    – Watch S5 46 mm priced at €219.99 with battery life up to 21 days; available in Black, Green, Grey, and Blue.

    Xiaomi is hosting a global launch event on May 28. Currently, the company is actively teasing the Xiaomi 17T and Xiaomi 17T Pro across social media. At the same time, the company has quietly released the Poco Pad C1 internationally. Also, the Smart Band 10 Pro and the Redmi Headphones Neo are already available in Japan.

    Price reveal and colors

    On top of that, Xiaomi has quietly confirmed global pricing information for three new wearable releases. As the screenshots below show, one of these is the Smart Band 10 Pro. The cheapest of the three, the Smart Band 10 will reach the Eurozone for €99.99 with a choice between Black, Silver and Pink colours. The note tho is that the 10 Pro carries NFC in the same market, yet the basic 10 may not have it.

    NFC variant details and eurozone availability

    The Smart Band 10 Pro is set to be available in the same market with NFC capabilities too, unlike the Smart Band 9 Pro (curr. $89 on Amazon). However, this will be available as a dedicated variant priced at €119.99 in the Eurozone. Based on Xiaomi’s early listings, the Eurozone will receive three Smart Band 10 Pro NFC variants in Black, Silver and Pearl White finishes. This shows a wider selection for buyers who want digital wallets or contactless payments on their wrist.

    • €99.99 Smart Band 10 with Black, Silver, Pink
    • €119.99 Smart Band 10 Pro NFC variant in Black, Silver, Pearl White

    Watch S5 and finish options

    Additionally, the Watch S5 46 mm will be joining these two Smart Bands as well. The most expensive of the three at €219.99, the Watch S5 46 mm features a brighter display than both Smart Band 10 Pro variants while delivering up to 21 days of battery life too. Xiaomi plans to sell its new smartwatch in the Eurozone with Black, Green, Grey and Blue finishes.


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  • Honor Watch 6 Plus: 35-Day Battery, 3000 nits AMOLED Display

    Honor Watch 6 Plus: 35-Day Battery, 3000 nits AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaway

    – Large 1,000 mAh battery claims long life: up to 35 days in power-saving mode, 17 days normal use, 42 hours GPS-heavy use.
    – Bright 1.46″ round AMOLED display (up to 3,000 nits) with rugged build: 5 ATM waterproof, stainless steel case, aluminum or stainless bezel.
    – Rich health and sports features: heart rate, SpO2, AI Coach/running analysis, 120+ sports modes, GPS maps, NFC payments, and speaker/mic for phone calls.

    The first look at the Honor Watch 6 Plus gives nothing out of the ordinary, as Honor sticks with a round display, a slim printed bezel, and a right-side button plus a digital crown. The case is waterproof to 5 ATM, crafted from stainless steel, while the bezel comes in aluminum or stainless steel depending on color.

    Display and Battery

    The watch sports a round AMOLED panel measuring 1.46 inches diagonally, and it reportedly reaches a very bright 3,000 nits, aiming for legibility under direct sunlight. Yet the marquee spec is the battery, rated at 1,000 mAh and larger than most rivals. Honor claims this can push battery life to 35 days in power-saving mode, 17 days with normal use, or 42 hours with GPS activity running continuously.

    • Display: round AMOLED, 1.46 inches
    • Brightness: up to 3,000 nits
    • Battery: 1,000 mAh
    • Expected endurance: 35 days (eco mode), 17 days (typical), 42 hours (GPS)

    Sensors and Health Features

    The smartwatch includes a heart rate sensor and SpO2 monitoring. Honor notes the watch may assess the risk of high blood pressure, but it cannot perform true blood pressure measurements. The Honor Watch 6 Plus supports 120 sports modes, featuring an AI Coach and AI running analysis. For connectivity, it has speakers and a microphone for calls via a paired phone, a maps app for GPS navigation, and an NFC chip for contactless payments.

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, pricing ranges from CNY 1,199 to CNY 1,599, which converts to about $177–$235, depending on the case variant and strap. There has been no public confirmation yet about an international rollout. The prior model, the Honor Watch 5, did receive international availability.

     


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  • Honor Watch 6 Plus: Soon Launch with Giant Battery and 3000 Nits AMOLED Display

    Honor Watch 6 Plus: Soon Launch with Giant Battery and 3000 Nits AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaway

    – Large 1,000 mAh battery enables up to 17 days normal use, 35 days power-saving, or 42 hours GPS continuous use, while keeping a slim 10.8 mm profile at 41 g.
    – 1.46-inch round AMOLED display reaches up to 3,000 nits and works with wet fingers or screens, with GPS-supported navigation.
    – NFC for contactless payments and support for 120+ sports modes, plus comprehensive health features including hypertension risk assessment.

    Honor Watch 6 Plus Gets Official Specs After Teaser

    The news circus around Honor’s teaser site in mid-May has settled, and now the company is releasing the core specs of the new smartwatch. The device resembles Huawei Watch GT 6 in design but packs a notably bigger battery. Readers who are curious about capacity will find that the battery is a standout feature here, with numbers that push it ahead of some rivals. The emphasis is clearly on endurance and everyday practicality in daily wear.

    Battery Capacity and Longevity

    Honor touts a mighty 1,000 mAh battery, a figure that more than doubles the capacity of certain contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy Watch8. In practical terms, the company claims up to 17 days of typical use, 35 days in a minimal power-saving state, and about 42 hours if you rely on GPS continuously. Despite this substantial energy reserve, the Watch 6 Plus remains slim at 10.8 millimetres and light at 41 grams, which helps it wear comfortably through long days and nights.

    Display, Durability, and Connectivity

    The smartwatch features a round 1.46-inch AMOLED panel delivering a brightness of up to 3,000 nits, which should translate to good readability in bright outdoor conditions. The touchscreen is designed to work even when the screen surface is wet or when fingers are damp, a practical touch for rainy days or after swimming sessions. Navigation and route tracking are supported via GPS, and the built-in module can be used for route mapping or following a navigation app during runs or rides.

    Functionality and Health Features

    In addition to fitness tracking with a wide suite of sports modes—over 120—the Watch 6 Plus includes an NFC chip for contactless payments. Honor also highlights health monitoring capabilities with features like a risk assessment for high blood pressure, indicating a push toward more proactive health supervision. The device’s full feature set and its final pricing are expected to be fully disclosed at the official launch on May 25, creating anticipation for further details.


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  • Samsung Galaxy S26: Restriction on Precise Location Tracking Explained

    Samsung Galaxy S26: Restriction on Precise Location Tracking Explained

    Key Takeaway

    1. NFC is mainly used for mobile payments, while UWB and Bluetooth are key for smart home integration and object tracking.
    2. The Galaxy S26 lacks UWB, which is present in the S26+ and S26 Ultra, affecting features like precise locating and digital car or door keys.
    3. The Galaxy S26 is equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, potentially limiting its smart object locating capabilities compared to upcoming devices with newer standards.
    4. The device features a high-quality build, a bright and accurate OLED display, and solid performance, but has moderate battery life and slower charging compared to competitors.
    5. The Galaxy S26 is a refined flagship with incremental upgrades, emphasizing display quality and overall user experience over radical innovations.

    Short-range wireless technologies including NFC, UWB, and Bluetooth

    These technologies are mainly used for quick and easy data transfer as well as for locating devices in close proximity. NFC is most commonly used for mobile payments, while UWB and Bluetooth also have respective roles in smart home systems and in tracking things like objects or tags. UWB is integrated into models like the S26+ and S26 Ultra, but unfortunately the Galaxy S26 lacks this feature, which limits its ability to precisely locate items or serve as access points to smart locks or car keys. Its functions extend beyond just tracking, assisting in contactless unlocking and vehicle access systems.

    Role of Bluetooth in Smart Ecosystems

    Bluetooth, especially starting from the 6.0 version, is becoming more competitive with UWB for locating smart objects if it gets enough updates. Despite that, Samsung set it back a little by opting for the older Bluetooth 5.4 in the Galaxy S26, instead of the latest iteration. Fans hope that future models like the Galaxy S27 will feature more advance Bluetooth versions, thus closing the gap with UWB on smart device findability and connectivity. Bluetooth also supports many features in smart homes, like controlling lights, locks, and appliances, providing an essential connectivity backbone across many connected gadgets.

    Overview of the Galaxy S26

    The Galaxy S26 presents itself as a compact luxury smartphone that stands out because of its performance, display, and battery. Powered by the Exynos 2600 chipset, it has a 6.3-inch OLED screen which is bright, evenly lit, and calibrated for accurate colors. The device is built with high-quality materials and feels very premium in hand, making it a top-tier choice for those looking for a sleek, reliable device. The display’s brightness and color precision make it suited for everyday use, whether indoors or outside in sunlight.

    Pros and Cons of the Galaxy S26

    • Fast, dependable operation with good network reception
    • Long-term support with updates expected for seven years
    • Battery capacity of 4,300 mAh, delivering decent daily usage

    However, it has its limitations. Charging speeds are only 25 watts, which is somewhat slow considering current standards, leading to longer recharge times. The phone’s battery life is only moderately improved over previous models, and it underperforms under sustained high performance, with noticeable throttling of its processor. The camera system remains similar to previous generations without notable upgrades in hardware or features. Overall, the Galaxy S26 isn’t a complete overhaul but rather a smarter, slightly refined version of a flagship, excelling mostly in its display, usability, and overall build quality.

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