Write NFC tags that do not require other users to have the app used to write the tag. - NFC Hacking

I have a done a bit of looking but all I've come up with is mainly 'use trigger' or something like it. But my question is: Is there a way with Trigger to write a tag that anyone can read? Or is there another NFC tag writer app that I should use?
The thing I want to do is make a tag for friends to tap when they call over that will connect them to my wifi network, but if they have to go and download trigger first then no one is going to use my tag.
Sorry if this is a re-posted question, I looked and didn't see it anywhere here and when I put the title in there was no recommended threads that had what I was asking.

I've tried different apps, and it looks like connect to wireless is not one of the default actions that is included in Android. I've only found connect to bluetooth.

Hi, you can use NFC Tools for that.
All records on "write" tab is compatible with other NFC device.

daniel_loft said:
I've tried different apps, and it looks like connect to wireless is not one of the default actions that is included in Android. I've only found connect to bluetooth.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I am new to NFC and I am a little confused about what NFC can do. I have the nfc-tool App and I can read many NFC tags that I have.
But for an Android phone with NFC support, without installing any 3rd party App, what can it do? Is NFC enabled by default? Are there native NFC apps that can trigger action, open URL, etc?
Also, since each NFC tag already has a unique identifier, it seems to me writing data to NFC tag isn't all that useful when only 1 phone is using it. As you could have just programmed the command to the phone. The same applies to multiple phones if you can program the phones through some other means. Am I missing something here?

As I was saying, looks like what you want is only possible in Android L.
Have a nice day!

nookin said:
I am new to NFC and I am a little confused about what NFC can do. I have the nfc-tool App and I can read many NFC tags that I have.
But for an Android phone with NFC support, without installing any 3rd party App, what can it do? Is NFC enabled by default? Are there native NFC apps that can trigger action, open URL, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Android has native build-in support for some simple standard NFC activities, like reading a messages/contact, open URL/URI, launch application etc. .For more sophisticated activities you will always need an app to parse the tag content and handle the activities.
Also, since each NFC tag already has a unique identifier, it seems to me writing data to NFC tag isn't all that useful when only 1 phone is using it. As you could have just programmed the command to the phone. The same applies to multiple phones if you can program the phones through some other means. Am I missing something here?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, fully agree. Have a look at NFC ReTag

ascsa said:
Android has native build-in support for some simple standard NFC activities, like reading a messages/contact, open URL/URI, launch application etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm a newbie here. I have a phone running 4.2.2. How do I make it read an NFC tag and take action without installing additional app? Just tap?

So I finally found an official NFC tag in mall. When I place my phone on it, it asks me to choose between stock Browser and Chrome. I guess if I have already chosen a default, it will just open a webpage. Now I wonder if there are security concerns. What if the URL is malicious? What if it downloaded a lot of data when the user is roaming?
I wonder what other functions an NFC tag can trigger without installing additional Apps? If I buy writable NFC tags, like the Samsung TecTiles, can it be programmed just like the mall NFC tag?

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!

[APP] Locale/Tasker NFC Plugin

About the app
This is a plug-in for Locale and Tasker that extends them with NFC-functionality. It works by reading the UID (Unique Identifier) of a tag. Actions can then be associated with this UID and will be executed when the tag is scanned.
This allows you to reuse old discarded NFC-tags/cards that you might have lying around. Maybe you have some old access-cards or commuter-cards that you can use. It currently supports all NFC-standards that are supported by the Android system.
How to use it
Add a new situation
Add a new condition
Choose Locale NFC Plugin
Scan the tag
Add settings of your choice
You have now registered the tag with the phone and associated it with the desired actions. The next time you scan the tag the actions will be executed.
How do I get the app?
Please note that it's only a plug-in so you MUST have Locale or Tasker already installed on your device for it to work!
Follow the link to Google Play Store
Or scan the QR-code with your phone.
I'm happy to answer any questions that you might have.
reserved
reserved 2
I was under the impression tasker already had this functionality built in?
Evostance said:
I was under the impression tasker already had this functionality built in?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What I know Tasker dosen't have this functionality built in. At least I haven't been able to find it. However I do believe that NFC Task Launcher + Tasker makes a similar combination.
The difference between Locale NFC Plugin + Tasker and NFC Task Launcher + Tasker would be that, with NFC Task Launcher you will have to write to the tag what it is that the phone should do once the tag is scanned. This means that you will have to buy tags that you can write to.
With Locale NFC Plugin you won't have to write anything to the tag. Hence you can reuse old NFC-tags/cards that you might have lying around.
Edit: strike the following as it's now showing as compatible (now purchased!). Not sure what happened but it's all good now.
Market / Play Store says it's not compatible with my device - a GSM GNex running AOKP (4.0.4 / build 32) and Franco kernel #135. I'm guessing your plug-in appears for devices that haven't been messed around with quite so much? It sounds very handy!
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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?

[Q] Basics

I have a Samsung Galaxy SIII and just made my first NFC-steps using some Samsung TecTiles tabs.
After trying a few NFC apps from the Google play, I have a few basic questions.
While basic functions like p.ex. switching Bluetooth are available in all apps, other functions like p.ex. showing a pop-up, text-to-speech or calendar functions are only available in only in one particular app.
Is there a predefined set of nfc-functions for any given android version or the app-author is basically free to program any function he can think of?
I tried to import a tag in one app which i previously have written with another app. This didn't always succeed. I could understand that there is a problem with importing special functions which are unknow to an app, but at least the basic tag and the basic functions should be recognised by all nfc-apps.
As the nfc-apps progress, will we see new functions/possibilities or will it stay about at the present level as the available functions are limited by android?
My device is locked, mainly because it was mandatory by a VPN installation.
Is there a way to unlock it 'automatically' thru NFC? I know this can be a security issue, but it would be so handy just p.ex. to put the phone in the car-holder and it would automatically go to the home screen or the car screen, and also during driving its annoying when the device has a time lock and needs to be unlocked in the middle of an intersection......
What is the power consumption of the nfc-module in the S3?
Thanks for your input.
Rgds
sansibar said:
I have a Samsung Galaxy SIII and just made my first NFC-steps using some Samsung TecTiles tabs.
After trying a few NFC apps from the Google play, I have a few basic questions.
While basic functions like p.ex. switching Bluetooth are available in all apps, other functions like p.ex. showing a pop-up, text-to-speech or calendar functions are only available in only in one particular app.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think, I know which app you mean
Is there a predefined set of nfc-functions for any given android version or the app-author is basically free to program any function he can think of?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is a set of predefined nfc-functions, (like open a webpage, vcard, open an app..) but this set is very very limited and even the mentioned Bluetooth function is not included .... in fact, bluetooth needs a little hacking, because the official api does not support to turn on bluetooth without asking the user .....so basically a developer can (/ has to!) implement every function he wants, but in reality a lot of functions are blocked on non-rooted devices, because android defined them as security related....
I tried to import a tag in one app which i previously have written with another app. This didn't always succeed. I could understand that there is a problem with importing special functions which are unknow to an app, but at least the basic tag and the basic functions should be recognised by all nfc-apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As mentioned the basic set is very limited.... it´s based on the nfc forum specifications and using nfc to control your device, is something these guys never had in mind ....so, sure you could use some standard nfc writer and write a webpage on a tag..... and this should be something every nfc device (not only android, but also blackberry, windows phone etc...) could handle .... but if you want to control your device, you need a more sophisticated app .... and there is no way to import a tag from one app to another ...
As the nfc-apps progress, will we see new functions/possibilities or will it stay about at the present level as the available functions are limited by android?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The functions are limited by android .... and my feeling is, that with every android update it get´s more limited! --> on Gingerbread, nfc was enabled while screen was off --> a function they skipped with ICS (ok, again, on a rooted device you could change the NFC.apk, to re-enable it) ... the last JB update declared the airplane modes as a security feature ... so no luck with airplane mode since 4.2 ...only to mention 2 examples ...don´t get me wrong, I don´t think it will stay at the present level, but it´s definitiv not in googles focus yet .... personally, I have a lot of new functions and use cases on my ToDo list, so I would say it´s just the beginning
My device is locked, mainly because it was mandatory by a VPN installation.
Is there a way to unlock it 'automatically' thru NFC? I know this can be a security issue, but it would be so handy just p.ex. to put the phone in the car-holder and it would automatically go to the home screen or the car screen, and also during driving its annoying when the device has a time lock and needs to be unlocked in the middle of an intersection......
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yep, but again some hacking is envolved ... root your phone, change the nfc.apk, etc. ...I think there are several threads regarding this topic available ....
EDIT: Link added: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1853721
What is the power consumption of the nfc-module in the S3?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Forget it .... it doesn´t make a significant difference, if you have NFC enabled or disabled ....
Thanks for your input.
Rgds
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no problem

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