I recently discovered the power of NFC tags and how they can transform your smartphone experience, especially if you're using a Samsung device. NFC, or Near Field Communication, is a technology that allows your phone to communicate with other devices or tags when they're in close proximity. It's not as flashy as UWB or as integral as Wi-Fi, but it's an incredibly useful tool that can streamline your daily tasks and make your life easier. In this article, I'll share my personal journey of turning a $6 pack of NFC tags into superpowers for my Samsung phone, and I'll also discuss why NFC tags are underappreciated and underutilized.
The Power of NFC Tags
NFC tags are incredibly cheap, with a pack of 10 costing just $6. They're even cheaper in the US, where you can get a stack of 50 for under $9. What's fascinating is that when paired with the right tools, these tags can accomplish a myriad of tasks. While some Android apps can use NFC to trigger various actions, Samsung's Modes and Routines app really kicks this ability up a notch. Setting an NFC tag as a trigger allows you to perform a series of sequential tasks, saving you minutes of faff every time you use one of these automations.
Why NFC Tags Are Underappreciated and Underutilized
Firstly, you'll need some spare NFC tags, which don't need to save information as they're merely triggers for your use case. Then, you'll need a Samsung phone. While you can use any Android device with an automation tool like Tasker or MacroDroid, this article focuses on Samsung devices. NFC tags are incredibly cheap, but when paired with the right tools, they can accomplish a myriad of tasks.
One thing that immediately stands out is the versatility of NFC tags. They can be used to trigger a series of sequential tasks, such as starting your morning routine, enabling work-from-home settings, preparing for outdoor exercise, and even cooking. These tags can be placed in various locations, such as your coffee machine, desk, or front door, to trigger specific routines.
My Morning Routine
As someone who struggles to wake up in the morning, I rely on a third-party alarm clock app called NFC Alarm Clock. By placing an NFC tag beyond my bedroom, I can scan it to stop the alarm. This tag also triggers a Samsung routine that adjusts my display brightness and enables Eye comfort shield to help protect my retinas. I then use Google Calendar and Google Keep to review my schedule and organize my day, and Kagi News to catch up on the news while I'm still in bed.
My Work-From-Home Routine
To get a jump on the workday, I have a routine that enables some of the less obvious settings on my phone to ensure battery longevity, preserve my eyesight, and minimize friction. This includes keeping my phone unlocked, setting Battery protection to 85%, and enabling Link to Windows. I also use the Pomodoro method, so I boot up my app of choice, Tomato, to help me stay focused and productive.
My Pre-Outdoor Exercise Routine
I've been pushing myself to spend more time outdoors, and I've grown to enjoy taking long walks in the mornings. To ensure I leave the house with everything I need, I have a routine that triggers Location services, adjusts Bluetooth audio volume, and opens Podcast Republic. I also use an NFC tag to remind me of items I must take along and automatically message my fiancée when I leave the house.
My Android Auto Routine
This routine inspired this entire article. The initial problem I sought to solve was to more easily connect and disconnect my and my fiancée's phones to Android Auto. This involves two tags and a similar pair of routines on both phones. One tag enables the connection, and the other severs it. Depending on who wanted to connect to Android Auto, we'd tap the respective NFC tags, and boom! A virtual Android Auto connection button!
My Cooking Routine
I love cooking, and I keep the majority of my saved recipes on Samsung Food. This routine centers on launching it in an app pair with Google Clock to ensure I set timers when baking. I also have an NFC tag attached to my fridge that opens Google Keep, where I keep a master grocery list.
My Bedtime Routine
The last Samsung Routine I trigger sets my device up for bed. It launches CareSleep, a white noise app I've grown surprisingly reliant on during quiet nights. I then review my memos in Google Keep and ensure Battery protection is boosted up to 95%, while Eye comfort shield and Extra dim are activated and set near maximum.
Conclusion
This is just a sample of what's possible with a bunch of NFC tags and Samsung Modes and Routines, but it isn't an exhaustive list. I'm always looking for more ways to use NFC tags in this way, so if you've crafted specific routines centered on these little chips, do showcase your use cases and recipes to the community and me in the comments section below. Personally, I think NFC tags are an incredibly underappreciated and underutilized technology that can greatly enhance your smartphone experience. What makes this particularly fascinating is the creativity and personalization that can be applied to these little chips. From starting your morning routine to preparing for outdoor exercise, NFC tags can help streamline your day and make your life easier. So, if you haven't already, I encourage you to explore the world of NFC tags and discover the superpowers they can bring to your Samsung phone.
