July 31, 2015
Northbrook, Ill., July 31, 2015 — UL, a global safety science organization, has been named an NFC Forum Authorized Test Laboratory. Through its new near field communication (NFC) testing services, UL will support mobile and point-of-sale manufacturers as they work to meet the NFC Forum’s strict standards in the design of NFC-compatible devices.
NFC enables many of today’s smartphones, point-of-sale devices and tablets to communicate with other devices by either touching the devices or bringing them together in close proximity. NFC-enabled smartphones, point-of-sale devices and tablets, seamlessly interact to exchange or collect data, make payments and conduct other transactions.
NFC-enabled smartphones sales are expected to grow more than 55 percent year over year in 2015, according to Strategy Analytics, in part due to launch of the iPhone 6. In addition to phones and point-of-sale devices, manufacturers are building NFC technology into video game consoles and medical tools.
“With manufacturers realizing NFC’s true potential in the expanding Internet of Things, our customers have requested UL’s support in expanding its certification testing capability with the latest and still developing Wearables, embedded devices, Smart Home, Automotive and HealthCare Markets,” said Mike Kuo, General Manager NA, Consumer Technology Division, UL. “The addition of NFC Forum Approved Test Lab Status broadens UL’s range of services in the mass mobile phone and point-of-sale markets and beyond”
“Our approval of UL as an NFC Forum Authorized Test Laboratory further expands device manufacturers' options for certification testing, particularly in the U.S.,” said Paula Hunter, executive director of the NFC Forum. ““This also gives us an opportunity to thank UL for its leadership role in NFC Forum working groups and task forces. We are confident that its testing services will help accelerate NFC adoption across industries and markets.”
The NFC Forum, is a non-profit industry association that advances the use of NFC technology, launched its certification program in December 2010. As a member of the forum and an authorized testing lab, UL now provides a full range of testing services for NFC-enabled devices. It is one of two labs in the U.S. to offer these services. In addition to UL’s NFC services, the company also offers a wide range of other wireless testing and certification services, including state-of-the-art test tools and simulators. More information is available at www.UL.com.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company that has championed progress for more than 120 years. Its nearly 11,000 professionals are guided by the UL mission to promote safe working and living environments for all people. UL uses research and standards to continually advance and meet ever-evolving safety needs. We partner with businesses, manufacturers, trade associations and international regulatory authorities to bring solutions to a more complex global supply chain. For more information about our certification, testing, inspection, advisory and education services, visit http://www.UL.com.