NTT DoCoMo announced today the July launch of the FeliCa Service for mobile wallet applications. The contactless technology can be used for a variety of functions, including train pass, debit card (electronic money), credit card and personal identification card. The device has to be brought within about 10 centimeters of a sensor and the transaction is completed by radio.

NTT DoCoMo, which had tested the system for 6 month beginning last December, reportedly hopes to sell 10 million FeliCa-enabled handsets in a year and a half.

Infrared interfaces and the QR code, a 2D barcode reading system, which are being included in mobile phones, are just the beginning of the next stage of the mobile phone business.

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