Windows Phone 7 getting NFC payments in next update?

[wraggster]

Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 is still catching up to the competition in terms of apps (http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/app-store-milestones-windows-phone-7-hits-5-000-as-android-pass/) and basic features (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/htc-hd7-finally-gets-nodo-wp7-users-revel-in-the-splendor-of-co/), but when it comes to mobile payments it might not be left in the dust --Bloomberg has two anonymous sources who say that Microsoft will outfit the next version of Windows Phone 7 with software support for near-field communications (http://www.engadget.com/tag/nfc), and bake NFC tech into WP7 smartphones as early as this year. As we heard earlier this week, Google's reportedly working on a similar plan (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/27/google-teams-with-mastercard-and-citigroup-for-nfc-payment-demo/), complete with partnerships in the credit card space, RIM may or may not be arguing with carriers (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/18/carriers-at-odds-with-rim-over-nfc-payment-data/) over its Bank of America trial (http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/26/rim-bank-of-america-partnering-up-for-mobile-wallet-nfc-trial/), and the general consensus around the water cooler is that Apple won't be pursuing contactless payments (http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/14/iphone-5-wont-have-nfc-according-to-insiders-at-uk-carriers/) this year. Yes, it's an exciting time to work in industries that rely solely on money changing hands.

http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/29/windows-phone-7-getting-nfc-payments-in-next-update/