There are actually three technologies wrapped up in all this:
- QR codes are the patterns shown above.
- RFID uses chips to store data, which are frequently powered by the radiowaves used to contact them. So they don't need a local powersource to operate. They've been used in passports in recent years.
- NFC is a two way communications protocol based on RFID.
QR codes are a cheap, dumb way of swapping URLs for websites or other data. They've become ubiquitous on advertisements over the last year or two, probably off the back of the boom in smartphones.
The main problem that I can see with them is that they require a reader app, and this isn't installed on Android phones by default. And whilst there are plenty of free ones (such as
Google Goggles and ZXing), it adds a layer of inconvenience.
It's also possible that they'll be replaced by a newer fad.
Augmented reality could be the next big thing.
Where QR codes will win over RFID is cost. It's going to be cheaper to slap a black and white figure on a poster than to embed an RFID chip.
NFC is coming soon as a payments technology. I've just finished a contract at a major phone manufacturer's UK development office, and another team was working on this for a credit card company. I believe it's going to be launched in the UK with the Olympics, and rolled out after that.
I wouldn't be surprised if travel cards (such as
Oyster here in London) and debit cards get replaced by waving your phone in a few years.
ASSA ABLOY have a lock using it too.
Look on the bright side, that would mean going out you only need to grab your phone, rather than keys, wallet, mobile.