Nokia announced the Nokia NFC (Near Field Communication) shell. With the Nokia NFC shell on their phone, consumers will be able to access a variety of services and exchange information with a simple touch gesture utilizing NFC technology - a technology that emerged from the combination of contactless identification (RFID Radio Frequency Identification) and interconnection technologies.

The Nokia NFC shell offers consumers access to browsing, and text message services simply by touching tags that contain service shortcuts. Consumers are also able to give their favorite service shortcuts to other users by touching another NFC-compatible device with their phone. In addition, the Nokia NFC shell comes with tags that can be used for creating own personal service shortcuts. 
 
The Nokia 3220 is a tri-band camera phone that is available in two versions: a GSM 900/1800/1900 primarily for the European and Asian markets, and a GSM 850/1800/1900 primarily for the Americas. The Nokia NFC shell is a functional cover developed for the Nokia 3220 phone. The Nokia NFC shell with four tags will be available during the first quarter of 2005 in Europe, and during the second quarter 2005 in the Americas and Asia.

Also, Reuter reported that Nokia phones would be used in a project to test wireless public transport fares in Hanau, near Frankfurt in Germany, beginning early next year. It will enable owners of Nokia's 3220 handset to equip their phone with a high-tech shell used to pay for and store electronic tickets. The shell is developed by Philips