Chinese Audio NFC App Developer Lands RMB 3 Mln Funding
36Kr, 1/07/13
Beijing-based app developer Apple Pie Technology (which operates under the "139.ME" brand) has announced that the company's "Cricket" (Ququer) "audio Near Field Communication" product has received a RMB 3 mln investment from an unnamed listed US company. According to 139.ME spokesperson Zhu Lianxing, a number of handset manufacturers have agreed to use 139.ME's "Cricket" short-range data transfer technology to replace NFC technology in their handsets.
"Cricket" is a close range data transfer product that uses audio waves to communicate between mobile handsets and PCs, as opposed to NFC technology which uses radio waves, a form of sound wave, to transfer information. The product can be used to transfer documents, makes electronic payments, and transfer other information.
According to Zhu, 139.ME has begun applying for patents for the technology used in "Cricket" and has also launched a "Cricket" software development kit (SDK) on Chinese internet company Sina's (Nasdaq: SINA) cloud computing platform. The "Cricket" SDK supports Android, Windows, and Android platform incorporation.
Editor's Note: Marbridge tests of 139.ME's "Cricket" technology found that at least some of the data transferred via "Cricket" takes place at audio waves audible to the human ear.
Keywords: 139.ME first-round Zhu Lianxing Apple Pie Near Field Communication funding wireless e-payment contactless payment
Sending
