Precisely. IMO, what we are witnessing is the evolution of the model. While I believe Phoenix is correct regarding LM's statement during the cc, it is my biased view that the NFC infrastructure is being pursued along side of 2D codes as we speak. Yes, it is my speculative belief that there is more work to be done on NFC, however, I feel it all to be in the works, progressing well, and on a specific time line (just as I have always believed 2D barcodes have been managed to a specific time line).
Referring back to LM's statement, it is my view that her comment was made for several reasons:
a) Walk Before You Run: Launching NFC simultaneously with 2D codes would likely result in confusion. You will note that the term "education" has been utilized repeatedly when describing the needs of the marketplace. People first need to understand what 2D codes are and how to utilize them. The next phase would be NFC (JMO).
b) While MTag's announcement of having incorporated NFC into their platform is an indication that infrastructure is and continues to build out, it is likely that tests continue to be ongoing at present (2D barcodes have only recently transitioned out of the testing phase).
c) I feel certain that LM does not wish to dilute one initiative with another unless there is a clear division of relevance and need...and I would agree with this strategy wholeheartedly.
d) It will take time for NFC devices to penetrate the marketplace. No need to focus on NFC if devices are unavailable. GOOG's new device is the first in the US, yet during this summer I anticipate additional devices will be launching from competitors.
Furthermore, I believe GOOG launched its Favorite Place Storefront initiative in January 2010, yet the technology is only just now reaching its true tipping point (JMO). Therefore, in my book it stands to reason that GOOG may have a habbit of planning its launches of new technology such as NFC approx 12-15 months ahead of the true market launch (pure conjecture).
We have seen it mentioned that some NFC applications are due to launch by end of 2011, and GOOG's new NFC device was launched in December. Consistent with this you will note that GOOG has announced an expansion of its Storefront initiative...and they include NFC along with an application. Quite simply, the infrastructure is progressing and GOOG has been playing an important role http://www.nearfieldcommunicationsworld.com/2011/03/10/36390/google-launches-las-vegas-nfc-service-as-ultimate-tourist-guide/
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