NFC Apps for Google+ on Androids

Google+ apparently supports use of near field communications, and it appears that some applications using the feature are under development. "Google Check-ins" is a feature of the "Stream" feature of Google+, for example.

Users then might  be able to "check in" using NFC, creating an automatic post directly to their stream on Google+, also limiting its visibility by Circle category (groups). A user might want "friends" to see the check in, but not business associates or other family members or more-casual acquaintances. Read more here.

Business pages, the Google equivalent to Facebook Pages, have also been promised in Google Plus, says Mike Blumenthal, Google VP of Local and Commerce. It also might make sense to use NFC support for Business pages as well, essentially replacing the function of a quick response code, for example. Retailers will have to think about this, though.

It means putting NFC access points at the entrances to stores, or at other locations. The check in function could be handled at an NFC point of sale terminal as the customer leaves, but that doesn't create value while the customer is in the store, still shopping.

There are at least two different ways to look at NFC-supported social apps, from a retailer point of view. There is the indirect value of a check in as well as the direct value of stimulating incremental purchases while the customer is on the premises. There also is the possible value of an NFC-based payment capability, though even there, many of us would argue that the greater upside is the marketing platform created by NFC, not the actual payment.