Sammy gets tactile with TecTiles™

Samsung has introduced TecTiles™, programable NFC (near field communication) tags that, which touched by a (Android) device with NFC hardware built in to it, and Samsung’s free app installed, will trigger an “event.” 

The Tiles themselves sell for $14.99 for 5, and can be found on Samsung’s site, and (supposedly) inside carrier retail stores.  You program them with the Samsung TecTiles app (found in the Google Play store) and them stick them where you may need them: by your bed to set your alarm, in your car to send a text to your family saying you’re leaving work, or on a business card with your contact card information.  Their programming can be re-written or you can lock the TecTile so it cannot be re-written.  They can’t be placed near, metal, though, so you can’t leave a “Remember your diet” message on your refrigerator.

What kinds of tags can I make?

Settings & Apps:

Change Phone Settings
Make a tag to set your phone up the way you like it when you get to work, or when you get in your car. You can even set an alarm time for a bedside tag. You can set individual settings, or combine settings to optimize your phone for your location – at home, at work, in the car, or other places.

Launch an App
Make a tag to launch any app you have on your phone. You can even set music volume for music players or internet radio applications.

Join a WiFi Network
Make a tag that will connect a phone to your WiFi network. Great for visitors to scan when they arrive!

Show a Message
Make a tag that shows a message to whoever scans it.

Phone & Text:

Make a Call
Make a tag that’ll bring up the phone ready to make a call to the number you choose. This is the ‘Call Mom’ tag.

Send a Text Message
Make a tag that’ll send an SMS to the number you choose. This is the ‘Honey, I’m Home’ tag.

Share a Contact
Make a tag that shares a contact’s details. Great as a way to exchange business cards.

Start a Google Talk Conversation
Make a tag which will start a Google Talk conversation with the Google Talk user that you choose.

Location & Web:

Show an Address or Location
Make a tag that’ll bring up a map of an address or location.

Foursquare Check In
Make a tag that checks the reader into the Foursquare venue that you choose. Put this tag on your reception desk or next to your register. Lock the tag to ensure everyone checks in to your business.

Facebook Places Check In
Make a tag that checks the reader into the Facebook Place that you choose. Put this tag on your reception desk or next to your register. Lock the tag to ensure everyone checks in to your business.

Open a Web Page
Make a tag that shows a web page.

Social:

Update Facebook Status
Make a tag that updates the Facebook status of the reader.

Facebook Like
Make a tag so the reader can Like the link you supply.

Tweet a Status
Make a tag which will tweet the message you choose.

Follow a Twitter User
Make a tag which will let the reader follow the Twitter user you choose.

Connect on LinkedIn
Make a tag which will connect the reader with the LinkedIn user you choose.