[APP] 6/12 NFC Task Launcher 3.6.1 - Samsung Galaxy Nexus

I am consolidating threads. Maintaining several threads was getting to be too much. Please move to the new thread here with any new questions or comments: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=34417369
Market Link: https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher
Application Site: http://www.jwksoftware.com/
Screenshots: http://www.jwksoftware.com/screenshots
Where to get Tags?
http://www.jwksoftware.com/nfc-tags
Features:
NFC Task Launcher uses the NFC Hardware and RFID/NFC Tags to allow you to create tags several types of tags, including a custom "Task" tag that will automatically execute tasks when read. See Site for full feature list.
If you do use and enjoy the app it is up in the Market as a paid app. Any purchases / ratings are appreciated as I have put quite a few hours into this expanding it to fill requests for functionality.
Change log:
6/12 Version 3.6
- GPS (Root needed)
- Mobile Data (Root needed)
- Display Timeout
- Fixed Airplane mode bugs
- Precision timer
- New languages
- Cloud backup and restore
5/9 Version 3.4
- UI updates
- Added German, Spanish and Korean
- Removed Italian as it is out of date
- All tags now save to "Your Tags". Recent shows the 5 most recently used
- Changed Tag limiting to uniquely track switch tags
4/19 Version 3.3
3.3
- Added Google Places support in Latitude
- Added Navigate to address support
- Added Auto-rotation
- Added write lock option when writing
- Added size to vCards
- Added setting to pause after launching an app (for launching multiple apps or launching and then interacting)
- Added notification when tags save when hitting finish
- Updated Tasker integration (should fix issues with HTC One X)
- Enhanced debugging to make bug reports easier
- Fixed condition where tasks would stop executing when wifi changed
- Fixed reported crashes and typo
Full: http://www.jwksoftware.com/change-log
If you'd like to see some functionality added feel free to make a request.
The APK linked below is free of the license check of the Market version and is fully functional for 7 days.
http://goo.gl/xBBOU
For anyone who decides to purchase the app after using the APK attached to the thread - un-install the free version first otherwise the market installation may fail.
Here's a few videos I made for a current demo:
Tag Demos
Car Dock Demo

Awesome. I'm gonna have to research this. Off topic but how much do those tags cost?
My mind is racing with ideas.... oh no

player911 said:
Awesome. I'm gonna have to research this. Off topic but how much do those tags cost?
My mind is racing with ideas.... oh no
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They are pretty reasonable. If you check out the site I compiled a list of shops that I've tested. Usually $1.15 - 1.50 a piece for Ultralight C or Classic 1K tags.

Question for you guys with the nfc tags what have you done with them I like the idea of swiping my phone over a credit card scanner but what can be created with your own tags
Sent from my SCH-I510 using xda premium

Can't wait to try this. Already ordered the starter pack from tagstand. Looks like an amazing app. Will definitely buy as soon as I get my phone = ]. Thanks for the hard work.

@krohnjw
Can these tags be pre-defined and written into the software?
Was just thinking, you could be onto a winner here.
Set your program to know whats tags are, so say put a tag for a store. When someone scans it with your app, it auto checks them in at whatever app they have installed

Evostance said:
@krohnjw
Can these tags be pre-defined and written into the software?
Was just thinking, you could be onto a winner here.
Set your program to know whats tags are, so say put a tag for a store. When someone scans it with your app, it auto checks them in at whatever app they have installed
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The instruction set is encoded on the tag. Any user with the app that scans the tag will see the same actions performed. It makes no calls back to any server or outside service.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium

Ah ok, makes sense. How do you code the tag though?
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk

Evostance said:
Ah ok, makes sense. How do you code the tag though?
Sent from my iPad 2 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's fairly simple. I designed a basic syntax describing the actions to be taken and wrote a complementary parser for when the tags are read.

That's simply amazing. I knew the NFC would be a nice toy, but not that nice!
Does anyone know where to get some cheap tags in germany. Cheapest I found so far was ebay, but still around 2,50 EUR per tag (incl. shipping).

Atreus said:
That's simply amazing. I knew the NFC would be a nice toy, but not that nice!
Does anyone know where to get some cheap tags in germany. Cheapest I found so far was ebay, but still around 2,50 EUR per tag (incl. shipping).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you check http://www.tagage.net/tagage-shop/ ?

I purchased these nfc tags which the seller has confirmed that they are in working order and bought the application. However, the app says that the nfc type is not supported. What's up with that?

drdino said:
I purchased these nfc tags which the seller has confirmed that they are in working order and bought the application. However, the app says that the nfc type is not supported. What's up with that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
See the edited first post. Something in 4.0 changed and Mifare Ultralight, Ultralight C and Classic 1K tags are no longer reporting as NdefFormatable - so the functionality to format them TO NDEF is broken.
Essentially the NdefFormatable class verifies that the tag lists the tech before it will operate on them. As they no longer list that tech it refuses to do anything with them.
This affects all NFC Apps I've tried in the Market so far. If the tags are already formatted NDEF then they work without issue.
I've got a bug report open to see if I can get a response on this as well as a post on the dev group as it's not a listed change in the API changes anywhere from 3.0 up.
If you don't want to wait it out and want a refund let me know and I'll process it.

Its allright, seems like a decent app so I still want to explore the possibilities.

drdino said:
Its allright, seems like a decent app so I still want to explore the possibilities.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are shops that sell the tags pre formatted with NDEF - those will work. Anything that comes blank though currently will not.
As a curiosity I sent an email to NXP as well to see if they have any more information. I'd like to get this sorted sooner rather than later so hang in there

Can this app be set to do something when moved away from an NFC tag?
So say you put it in car dock and a tag turns on BT. But when removed its turns off BT
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Evostance said:
Can this app be set to do something when moved away from an NFC tag?
So say you put it in car dock and a tag turns on BT. But when removed its turns off BT
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there's no intent raised when the tag is moved out of range, only when it is detected.
It is reported in the logcat, but to do that you'd need to constantly be reading the logs and scanning for that (which would involve a read logs permission).

For all Europeans: I contacted tagage and their tags are not pre-formatted by default, but if you send them an email, they'll format your tags first.

Atreus said:
For all Europeans: I contacted tagage and their tags are not pre-formatted by default, but if you send them an email, they'll format your tags first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most vendors don't pre-format their tags - so get in touch with them before/when your order for now to be sure.
Hopefully this is something that I can get an answer on, but I don't currently see a good workaround.

krohnjw said:
No, there's no intent raised when the tag is moved out of range, only when it is detected.
It is reported in the logcat, but to do that you'd need to constantly be reading the logs and scanning for that (which would involve a read logs permission).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you put implement it as an option on each tag? That way we could enable it for a car tag only and not another tag etc.
If that makes sense?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Related

NFC Tags

So was anyone able to scan any NFC tags?
some stores has NFC payments enabled, some movie posters or stuff like that has NFC chip build in
in some countries there's NFC tickets for the bus/subway
so, it all really depends how popular or not it's in the are where you live
not even all USA cities are that high tech
I've heard that NYC taxis and some pharmacies and such there support NFC. But I've also heard that the phone's software isn't really setup to use the NFC yet. I know that Sprint and the Google Nexus S 4G have Google Wallet hooked up to their NFC.
I don't know that TMO has a deal with Google Wallet. Are they part of that Isis group?
I've successfully scanned my SFO Clipper card which uses NFC. Pretty cool.
The venture is now developing provisioning systems that will allow existing payments services to be added to any NFC phone owned by a subscriber to any of the Isis founder's mobile networks, says Johnson — and Isis already has a number of banks ready and willing to pay for this service. "When we launch next year we will launch with multiple banks," he explained.
http://www.nfcworld.com/2011/05/24/37652/isis-sets-out-new-nfc-strategy/
I've been testing krohnjw's NFC Task Launcher app. I must say it's pretty damn awesome! It lets you set tags up for doing different tasks. I'll make a video sometime, he has some on his development page. You can set a tag to enable wifi, for example. One idea I had was to use his app to set your phone to toggle bluetooth when you place the phone in your car dock for example. Very neat stuff!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980741
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher
mziol said:
I've been testing krohnjw's NFC Task Launcher app. I must say it's pretty damn awesome! It lets you set tags up for doing different tasks. I'll make a video sometime, he has some on his development page. You can set a tag to enable wifi, for example. One idea I had was to use his app to set your phone to toggle bluetooth when you place the phone in your car dock for example. Very neat stuff!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=980741
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.jwsoft.nfcactionlauncher
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cool stuff, time to buy some NFC tags.
http://www.tagstand.com/
http://www.buynfctags.com/
http://www.tagage.net/
I'm still looking for the best price on cheap tags to mess around with. I've also read there is some confusion around the net as to which tags will work with our phones/phones in general.
NFC Tags, what works, what does not
I've got two TMO SGS2s, so I did some NFC testing the other night. Here is what I found:
1) Creating a text tag works. Reading it from another phone works. But when read, it put the text into a new post in the Google+ app. Not really what I imagined wanting to do with an NFC tag that I read.
2) Sharing Google maps locations over NFC seems to work. But again when reading the tag, the text and URL is opened up as text in a new Google+ posting.
3) Web page URLs. I used Dolphin HD to share a few web pages. Reading the tag properly brought up the website. This one feature seems to be more or less fully operational.
4) Sharing contacts over NFC did not appear to work at all. It is an option when creating a new tag in the Tags app, but we couldn't get it to work for any type of contact.
Are you able to read arbitrary RFID tags using the T-Mobile Galaxy S 2? I've tried on several different types of RFID tags with no success (NFC was indeed enabled when I tried):
-Passport
-Building entry badge
-DC Metro SmarTrip card
I've tried using the included "Tags" application, in addition to "NFC Reader" and "NFC TagInfo".
Oddly enough, I stopped by my local T-Mobile store, and the representative told me that he was unable to transfer URLs or random tags (or contact information, as you stated) between two Galaxy S 2 devices, or between a T-Mobile Galaxy S 2 and an HTC Amaze. (We then played around with the devices a bit in an attempt to get something working, but to no avail.)
Splaktar said:
I've got two TMO SGS2s, so I did some NFC testing the other night. Here is what I found:
1) Creating a text tag works. Reading it from another phone works. But when read, it put the text into a new post in the Google+ app. Not really what I imagined wanting to do with an NFC tag that I read.
2) Sharing Google maps locations over NFC seems to work. But again when reading the tag, the text and URL is opened up as text in a new Google+ posting.
3) Web page URLs. I used Dolphin HD to share a few web pages. Reading the tag properly brought up the website. This one feature seems to be more or less fully operational.
4) Sharing contacts over NFC did not appear to work at all. It is an option when creating a new tag in the Tags app, but we couldn't get it to work for any type of contact.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't tried reading any physical tags. Only between 2 different NFC enabled phones.
I did a whole bunch of research with the Nexus S NFC reader - and so far as I can tell, the SGSIIX has the same capabilities.
I have a bunch of blank 1K, 4K and Ultralite MiFARE tags that are AWESOME to play with. Even just putting your contact card on there, or URLs (you can do anything with a URL) is tons of fun to play with. They don't read proprietary NFC implementations without special software - only tags encoded with an NDEF structure will be automagically picked up by Android.
The good stuff is coming up - I'm 98% sure that Zoompass is coming out with an Android app compatible with the QuickPay/Interact-Flash readers. Next year, pay for small crap with your phone!

Any NFC apps on here at all?

I know Google Wallet isn't on here yet but aren't there supposed to be some basic NFC apps to read tags? Am I confused?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
There are some.
This one has been used by people on the Nexus S, and is the official app for NXP semi, who make heaps of NFC tags.
Unfortunately, that app (as well as several others) refuse to write tags with my Galaxy Nexus. They can read them fine, but they can't write them.
I think we just need to wait for software devs to add support for the galaxy nexus.
Niksko said:
There are some.
This one has been used by people on the Nexus S, and is the official app for NXP semi, who make heaps of NFC tags.
Unfortunately, that app (as well as several others) refuse to write tags with my Galaxy Nexus. They can read them fine, but they can't write them.
I think we just need to wait for software devs to add support for the galaxy nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you tried using NFC Task Launcher? It works on the Nexus S running ICS so you might give it a try if you haven't already.
Sent from my Nexus S using xda premium
Niksko said:
Unfortunately, that app (as well as several others) refuse to write tags with my Galaxy Nexus. They can read them fine, but they can't write them.
I think we just need to wait for software devs to add support for the galaxy nexus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's a bit more than that. Right now the class utilized to format tags to NDEF that aren't previously NDEF (read ANY blank tag you receive) can't be used with ICS.
This is because these tags no longer report the tech NdefFormatable. Without this tech reporting the class refuses to operate on them (returns a null object when you try to get an instance on which to operate from the incoming tag) - rendering all current apps unable to format them to NDEF.
There's NO notes on this in any API changes (3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0) and no other API able to be used to accomplish this task that I can find. It's not yet known if this is an intentional change or not. I've got an issue raised in the issue tracker to try to get some more information.
If you purchase pre-formated tags they work fine as they are already formatted for NDEF. Tags that are truly "blank" are dead in the water right now on ICS.
Wait GoogleWallet doesn't work on the GN?
krohnjw said:
It's a bit more than that. Right now the class utilized to format tags to NDEF that aren't previously NDEF (read ANY blank tag you receive) can't be used with ICS.
This is because these tags no longer report the tech NdefFormatable. Without this tech reporting the class refuses to operate on them (returns a null object when you try to get an instance on which to operate from the incoming tag) - rendering all current apps unable to format them to NDEF.
There's NO notes on this in any API changes (3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 4.0) and no other API able to be used to accomplish this task that I can find. It's not yet known if this is an intentional change or not. I've got an issue raised in the issue tracker to try to get some more information.
If you purchase pre-formated tags they work fine as they are already formatted for NDEF. Tags that are truly "blank" are dead in the water right now on ICS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is really interesting information. This is what I'm experiencing, as my tags were previously blank.
Thanks for the info, and hopefully somebody makes an API that will allow us to write to these uninitialized tags.
Niksko said:
This is really interesting information. This is what I'm experiencing, as my tags were previously blank.
Thanks for the info, and hopefully somebody makes an API that will allow us to write to these uninitialized tags.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I spent the last hour or so trying to get around this to no avail. I can successfully "spoof" the tag tech by grabbing it via reflection and altering it at runtime so I can get an instance of the class - it throws an IO exception when connecting though So I'm still stuck there - I'll see if I can devise a work around this week. I am not super optimistic though.

[APP] BT Tag Writer

BT Tag Writer is application that offers you way to add NFC pairing to your old Bluetooth speakers. NFC pairing allows you to pair, connect and disconnect the device just by tapping the NFC tag with your phone. This application is still under development and this thread can be used to request changes and new features for this application.
Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbuLGsXIvKI
--- original first post ---
Hello everybody.
I have been now writing application for Android devices with NFC capabilities. It basically offers wizard interface for writing new NFC connectivity tags for your Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s)/etc. And software that will take care of the actual pairing/connecting, when you tap the tag with your phone. NFC pairing is something Nokia does with N9 and it's Bluetooth speakers, but it looks like Android still doesn't handle this well out-of-the-box. Also I still haven't found easy to use connectivity tag writers for any devices.
Sort demo of application in it's current state: Check youtube video kzoG5VM6VcU (can't have this as a proper link, as I only have less than 8 posts to this forum, sorry)
Before I release this software to market, I would like have some people testing it with their speakers and devices. I really hate alpha level software in market. If you have Galaxy Nexus, some sort of Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s) and hopefully some writable NFC tags, and you would like to help me to get this software tested: Please tell it here. I still have some small things to resolve before this is ready for closed testing. If you like to help me to get this tested please also tell what sort of Bluetooth device you have and what NFC tags you have available.
I will most likely release this software as free (gratis) and probably in open source (don't know the license yet). So I am not planning stealing your time and then making money out of it. Only thing I can offer to you is to add your name to application's thanks list.
Also if you know software that already does all this, please tell. If my software does not bring anything new, I have to redesign it little bit.
Thanks.
I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...
i would test as well buddy!
s60mike said:
I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
S suxeN said:
i would test as well buddy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.
Northernmost said:
I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will fix few annoying things and then will put link to debug apk-file here (maybe Wednesday). I will try to see if I can make it run in 2.3.5+ too. Anyhow software will be limited to Mifare Ultralight tags (original and C versions). I have to buy other type tags to see what I can do with those, but that's later. Common Ndef writer classes does not work at all with Android or then I'm doing something wrong.
Android also really limits clean ways to do intents for more complex tags. So these tags software now writes are not proper connectivity handover tags. Just the core part of those is used and stored as single NDEF mime item and then this app is marked to handle those NDEF messages/records. Positive side with that is of course that information fits to smaller tags. Also PIN code storing will be probably done little hacky way to the first version.
alump said:
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...
s60mike said:
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So many different Mifare tags out there. Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Anyway, pushed software to market after all. In few hours you should be able to find it from there. Offer still stays, if you can try it out and report issues here it would help. I had to drop headset support for now as it didn't work as well as I hoped.
Great! Will try it out today. Here's the market link https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk
alump said:
Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) Back when I was on 2.3.7 there was a Bluetooth A2DP widget I used (can't remember the exact name now) that, when you created the widget, would display a list of already paired devices that supported the A2DP profile. Once you'd picked one the widget would attempt to connect to it automatically.
I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with. It's a small thing to do I know, but I'd imagine most users will have already paired with their speakers before ever finding your app. I don't know if you can enumerate paired devices supporting the A2DP profile in ICS though.
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
3) It looks very nice!
Northernmost said:
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) ....I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with...
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
2. I have seen "no name" issue only once. But yes, that's "stack problem"... I hope
Anyway I think I have to try to add Mifare Classic support first.
alump said:
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for spam, but finally this will be mine 8th post
Request to list already paired devices is now added to Market version (0.3). So no need to turn already paired devices to pairing mode when writing tags.
Support for other than ultralight Mifare tags might take some time. Thanks to keys etc those tags are not ideal for this use. I think I will try to add headset support first.
Just to confirm that 0.3 is listing my paired A2DP devices
alump said:
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus S, running Brainmasters ICS 4.0.3
Bluetooth devices:
2 headsets
another Xperia ArcS
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!
S suxeN said:
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores
alump said:
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, ima gonna order some and report back to u
music auto start
is there a way to make it so that my music app doesn't auto play my most recently played track when the BT connection is made ... id like for it to simply open the app

Tasker/Locale NFC Plugin

I just purchased this plugin to use with Tasker:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/....&purchaseButton=9yzEcX63VIYisA_oRMh13HqYUXs=
Seems to work ok, but ever time it scans my NFC tag it pops up a dialogue asking if I want to "Activate NFC condition" or "New tag collected". I just want it to kick off the action in Tasker without any dialogue. Anyone have experience with this plugin, or should I use something else?
Nevermind... got it working with NFC ReTAG FREE. Works great! Don't mess with the app I posted a link to above, it's a pain to use.
Glad you like NFC ReTag ;-)
For any questions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1477138
kimboinatl said:
I just purchased this plugin to use with Tasker:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/....&purchaseButton=9yzEcX63VIYisA_oRMh13HqYUXs=
Seems to work ok, but ever time it scans my NFC tag it pops up a dialogue asking if I want to "Activate NFC condition" or "New tag collected". I just want it to kick off the action in Tasker without any dialogue. Anyone have experience with this plugin, or should I use something else?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi kimboinatl!
I'm the developer of the NFC plugin for Locale. The reason why this chooser pops-up is because there are multiple apps on your phone that can handle the NFC-tag that was scanned.
This can be solved by either disabling the other apps that the NFC scan action can choose from or you can create a unique tag following this guide.
I'm glad that you have been able to solve your needs with NFC ReTAG.
May I ask what it is that makes it a pain to use ? The feedback is greatly appreciated so that I might make it more pain free for other users.
Kind Regards
m3llon
m3llon said:
Hi kimboinatl!
I'm the developer of the NFC plugin for Locale. The reason why this chooser pops-up is because there are multiple apps on your phone that can handle the NFC-tag that was scanned.
This can be solved by either disabling the other apps that the NFC scan action can choose from or you can create a unique tag following this guide.
I'm glad that you have been able to solve your needs with NFC ReTAG.
May I ask what it is that makes it a pain to use ? The feedback is greatly appreciated so that I might make it more pain free for other users.
Kind Regards
m3llon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hey m3llon,
I think the the problem was getting rid of the popup. Typically when there are multiple apps that can be launched from an action my phone gives me the option to select a default, but I couldn't do it in this case. I spent a while trying to figure out how to disable the popup, or if there was another app that was causing this, and had no luck, so I ended up uninstalling it. If there was a way to specify what the default action was I probably would have kept the plugin. Sorry if my feedback sounded a bit harsh, I was just grumpy after not being able to get it to work the way I wanted it to. Thanks for checking in with me about it, I appreciate the work you have put into it.
kimboinatl said:
Hey m3llon,
I think the the problem was getting rid of the popup. Typically when there are multiple apps that can be launched from an action my phone gives me the option to select a default, but I couldn't do it in this case. I spent a while trying to figure out how to disable the popup, or if there was another app that was causing this, and had no luck, so I ended up uninstalling it. If there was a way to specify what the default action was I probably would have kept the plugin. Sorry if my feedback sounded a bit harsh, I was just grumpy after not being able to get it to work the way I wanted it to. Thanks for checking in with me about it, I appreciate the work you have put into it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ok thanks for explaining what the neusens was. That have been fixed in the last update together with the workarounds that's linked in the app description.
Good luck with your future NFC endeavours
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Just in case anyone else has issues with the popup, I find that using non-formatted tags doesn't produce a popup. Once the tag is formatted, or if you buy them preformatted, it doesn't look like it can be UNformatted though (wiped, yes.. but not unformatted)
When I first got my GS3 and started scanning everything possible, I found that some tags would produce the popup discussed (despite having no other nfc apps installed), and others wouldn't.. I ended up realising that unformatted tags don't produce the popup.
I ended up using the Tasker/Locale NFC Plugin as I didn't want something else running all the time when I had Tasker for that - and since the plugin uses the serial number (or what I assume is a serial number - it's different on each tag) rather than what's written on the tag itself, there's no need to format it - Same would apply with NFC ReTAG.
So as long as any tags are unformatted, you should be good to go.
So I bought the plugin and wrote the bad://access/developer URL to one of my tags. I scan it and Locale reacts accordingly.
But then what? Locale is in that situation forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Trinition said:
So I bought the plugin and wrote the bad://access/developer URL to one of my tags. I scan it and Locale reacts accordingly.
But then what? Locale is in that situation forever.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you will have to scan another tag to exit the situation.
For using Tasker with NFC Tags I like Tasker URL Launcher the best. Once installed you simply write a short URL that ends with the name of your Tasker Task to a tag then anytime you tap that tag it intiates that Tasker Task.
I did at one time have issues with those pop-ups (new tag collected) and through much searching found that I needed to disable a system app on my Galaxy S3 called "Tags". It wasn't there on ICS, but was after the update to Jelly Bean so not sure if it's something Android added into JB and not sure why they would or what it's purpose is, but disabling it fixed the annoying pop-up issue and has had no affect on reading/writing tags with various apps.
Kaibosh said:
Just in case anyone else has issues with the popup, I find that using non-formatted tags doesn't produce a popup. Once the tag is formatted, or if you buy them preformatted, it doesn't look like it can be UNformatted though (wiped, yes.. but not unformatted)
So as long as any tags are unformatted, you should be good to go.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They can be unformatted. Using NFC TagWriter by NXP (which I LOVE), you choose Tools > Clean. This resets the tag to factory default (unformatted). NXP manufactures the Xperia tags, they make nice products.
dragon_76 said:
They can be unformatted. Using NFC TagWriter by NXP (which I LOVE), you choose Tools > Clean. This resets the tag to factory default (unformatted). NXP manufactures the Xperia tags, they make nice products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for that.. That definitely wasn't the case when I wrote the post as I'd tried with numerous apps (including NFC Tagwriter, which is also my go to app for writing) and using the Clear option left the tag wiped, but did not leave it in the same state as prior to formatting.
Also, the developer of the app implemented a direct url that could be written to the tags so that only this app is launched - so the need for unformatted tags (when using this app at least) is somewhat moot.
I have this app and I must say it makes building tasks extremely tedious.
If you want to scan the same tag twice, you have to put an action in your task to disable the first task after the first one is done and then put a disable of the task you are running in the second task.
Also, both need to run as exit tasks.
It would have helped if the dev used some better logic and came up with exit tasks on repetitive scan
Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD
dragon_76 said:
They can be unformatted. Using NFC TagWriter by NXP (which I LOVE), you choose Tools > Clean. This resets the tag to factory default (unformatted). NXP manufactures the Xperia tags, they make nice products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can also use the app StartNFC Expert to "unformat" a tag. It's a great simple app for formatting/unformatting and testing tags and seeing what types they are etc.
It's extremely disappointing they the developer has completely abandoned this plugin.
Solution
Hello !
A solution I found to avoid this popup :
- Scan a tag (popup appears)
- Long press on the unwanted app
- Choose disable
- Enjoy the plugin
You can also go to your apps list and search "tags" and disable it
Hopefully pent does something with NFC in the next version of Tasker so we can be rid of this unsupported plugin.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Hoping someone is still using this plugin and can answer my question...
Do I have to have two tags if I want an on / off tasks? For example, I have hue lights and I would like to turn off the bedroom light on / off with the same NFC tag but not sure if that is possible
No.. Just use the check box for repetitive scan
Ignore: Haha I accidentally posted in the wrong thread.

This can't be this difficult...

So I have some tags, and what I want to do, is make a NFC Facebook check in for my bar. So when someone comes in, they can scan the NFC and it checks them in. Easy? lol
I can easily make the tag with NFC task launcher, however when I test it with a phone that does not have NFC task launcher, it doesn't work. But, it works fine with mine.
How can I write a tag that will allow users to scan a tag and check in?
I have tried several NFC writing apps, and none seem to be able to write a tag that can do this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
that my dear friend will be the magic sauce. a lot of things are possible when you have custom programming but its just that custom.
I am pretty sure what needs to happen is FACEBOOK ITSELF needs to support this. IE they need to have facebook on the phone and that app needs to support "checking in" via NFC.
then you can make a universal tag that anyone can "tap" as long as they have the facebook app.
no matter what SOME custom program will need to be installed unless its built into the OS
i think i got it to work
what i did was take the URL from our facebook page and wrote that to the nfc tag.
my issue with that was the URL was https://www.facebook.com/stuff/mores_stuff
once i changed it to http:// it started working
also doing it that way works great because the page it brings you to not only allows you to check in, but you can also like the page, tag your friends, etc.
now i just need to have more people with different devices test it out.
then i'm going to make NFC drink specials and menus
That is an awesome idea! This is the kind of ingenuity that will hopefully prompt more manufacturers to implement nfc in their devices and more companies to use nfc in their establishments.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium
Cool idea and thanks for sharing the solution - good info to have when people ask!
Sweet, glad I found this. Though I still had problems through NFC Task Launcher, I completed using NFC Writer.
At the business I am creating these tags for, I do have some questions. (Hope this thread isnt too old to dig up)
I'd like to also write 4sq, google, twitter check ins. I saw this capable with NFC Task Launcher, but again anyone whom taps the tag without the app will be directed to the store. Or would it be better to write a tag for each?

Categories

Resources