While all the potential of Near Field Communication (NFC) may not yet be realized, Samsung is rolling out TecTiles to ensure the capability doesn’t go to waste.  

Samsung TecTiles are programmable NFC tags which can be customized to launch apps, send text messages, share contact information, change phone settings and more with any NFC-enabled Samsung Galaxy device.  

The move comes at a time when the NFC-enabled digital wallet is fragmenting to some extent due to different approaches. Google and Sprint have been pushing the Google Wallet, while AT&T and Verizon Wireless have joined forces in the unrelated Isis initiative. Still, almost any adoption of NFC-based payments will require the retooling of point of sale systems on a massive scale.  

In the meantime, the industry is banking on non-payment NFC solutions like TecTiles to drive adoption of the technology.  

Samsung envisions a variety of uses for TecTiles. Users might place one on the dash of their car and swipe to bring up a particular radio or music application. Still others might place one on the night stand next to the bed and swipe their phone to set the alarm and dim the screen before sleep.  

The company also envisions the smart stickers transforming the way businesses engage with consumers. On premise, TecTiles enable consumers to check-in on Facebook or foursquare, connect to Wi-Fi or download content. Off-premise, businesses can use TecTiles as a way to market to and engage with consumers by enabling reward programs and to download discount offers or content. 

TecTiles come in packs of five for $14.99 at all four major carriers in the United States. The stickers are compatible with Samsung Galaxy S III on AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular and Verizon; Samsung Galaxy S II on T-Mobile; Galaxy Nexus on Verizon, Sprint and GSM Unlocked; Nexus TM S 4G on Sprint; Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G on T-Mobile. 

The Samsung TecTiles app is now available for download at the Google Play store.