In February this year we reported on the Sagem Wireless Cosyphone, an NFC-equipped handset aimed at the 'seniors' market. The built-in Near Field Communication technology wasn't used for mobile payments but could activate certain features by waving the Cosyphone over a card.
This intriguing handset has now been launched commercially, with Sagem promising 2G/EDGE and 3G/HSPA versions. The phone will be be supplied with preconfigured NFC tags that allow users to initiate calls/texts and open applications by moving their device over an NFC tag. The tags can be customised, allowing users to change the action of a tag. Interestingly, tags can also be used in commercial applications for access and data capture.
Jerome Nadel, EVP Marketing & User Experience for Sagem Wireless, said "We approach the design and development process looking at both market needs and a strategy that makes the most of available technologies. NFC is a perfect example of a technology which, when used intelligently and creatively, can deliver real usability benefits that transform the mobile experience. The COSY Phone leverages the capabilities of NFC to improve usability for personal use while enabling a growing ecosystem of business applications."
UK availability is expected within a couple of weeks.
