NFC TimesThe premier source for news, analysis and commentary on
Near Field Communication and all contactless technology

NXP Semiconductors today said sales of its NFC chips and secure elements grew by just under 3% during the first quarter compared with the previous quarter, a lower growth rate than during 2012, though CEO Richard Clemmer sounded optimistic tones about prospects for future growth.

U.S.-based Qualcomm, the world’s largest supplier of processor chips to smartphone makers, has entered the NFC market–a move that could substantially expand the availability of NFC-enabled smartphones.

U.S.-based Qualcomm has joined the NFC Forum as a sponsor member, which gives it a seat on the board of the standards and trade organization.

All handsets based on chip giant Intel’s current smartphone reference device will carry embedded secure elements in addition to supporting applications on SIM cards.

NFC and contactless chip supplier Inside Secure reported revenue fell by 12% during the first quarter to just over $34 million, with its ID and banking chip units accounting for the declines.

Despite efforts to diversify its customer base for its NFC chips, France-based Inside Secure will rely on sales to BlackBerry maker Research In Motion for the bulk of its revenue in 2012 and for its goal to become profitable by the end of the year.

The chief of smart card supplier and trusted service manager Gemalto is predicting a fast-growing market for TSM services and noted the services were already contributing to profit.

BARCELONA – Yet another chip maker is planning to incorporate NFC into its portfolio, with an announcement today by U.S.-based Marvell Technology Group that it would combine NFC with super-fast Wi-Fi and other wireless technologies in chips targeted for mobile and portable devices.

U.S.-based Intel, as expected, is planning to incorporate NFC technology into chip designs for future ultrabook computers, the vice president and general manager of the chip maker’s PC group said Monday.

France-based Inside Secure has announced a deal to supply its NFC technology to Intel, as the giant U.S.-based chip maker considers incorporating NFC in its products.