You may have heard of HotKnot, and you may still be wondering what it is and how you can use it. In fact, HotKnot is a cutting-edge feature prevalent in MTK gadgets such as Infinix phones, which could be even more effective if you know how to use it.
In this article you will see what it is, what it is for, and much more about this technology with similarities to NFC...
What is HotKnot? How does it work?
Hotknot was developed by Chinese touch screen company Goodix in 2013., the developer of the remarkable fingerprint detection.
Hotknot allows the touch screens of smart devices to be interconnected, a feature that gives you the ability to quickly exchange/share data just like NFC. When two screens are close to each other, they work in such a way that one acts as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. That easy.
What is NFC?
La NFC is a fast, simple and secure way to connect devices. It's becoming the standard for mobile payments, tickets and access, and much more.
In this article we will explain everything you need to know about NFC technology, from what it is and how it works to real examples of how companies are using NFC technology to improve customer experience.
What is NFC technology?
NFC (Near Field Communication) is a functionality added to mobile devices that allows users to transfer information to other NFC-enabled devices over short distances. While RFID (radio frequency identification) uses radio waves to send and receive data, NFC uses the same short-range proximity method as Bluetooth. NFC is a set of standards for smartphones and other devices to establish radio communication when touched or brought close (approximately 4 cm or 1,6 inches).
How does NFC technology work?
NFC systems use something called inductive coupling to achieve communication between two devices. One device creates an electromagnetic field that generates a current in the other device when they approach each other.
The two devices then exchange data using modulated electromagnetic waves.
For example, two devices could exchange data by creating an electromagnetic field and then modulating current and voltage based on the digital information.
Where is NFC used?
NFC was originally used to make payments at the point of sale. Now it has evolved and is used for much more. These are just some of the uses of technology NFC:
- Payments: A very common use of NFC technology is making mobile payments for everything from groceries to utility bills.
- Tickets: NFC technology is also used to scan tickets, redeem coupons, and access buildings. It can also be used to store pass information on your phone.
- Business cards: You can store contact information from someone's business card on your phone via NFC technology. This makes it easier to track that person.
- Events: You can use NFC technology for events or concerts. This allows you to quickly check the details of an event and access your ticket.
- Door unlocking: You can use NFC technology to unlock doors. This makes it easy to access your home or other buildings without having to carry keys.
- Health- Used in healthcare, allowing patients to track their health information and manage medication.
What is HotKnot for?
HotKnot is a technology similar to NFC that can help you:
- Exchange multimedia files such as photos and videos.
- Share contacts and information such as telephone numbers, web addresses, social networks, etc.
- Share information from applications that allow it.
- Assist mobile payments easily.
- Share video game trailers.
- Activate Bluetooth paring, WiFi networks, and different procedures.
Advantages of HotKnot over NFC
HotKnot is a technology that has its cons, but also a series of quite interesting advantages and what you should know:
- You can transfer files very easily and faster than with other technologies.
- Not only does it share files, it is also capable of sharing other types of information, and even establish WiFi access points through touch screen contact of the 2 compatible devices.
- You can also use it to play, without needing any network traffic, in video games that support this technology in multiplayer mode.
- In mobile payment apps you will have more convenience than with NFC technology, since both devices will only need to be less than 2 cm away for a secure payment. This means an improvement in transmission security compared to NFC due to distance.
- It is a cheaper technology than NFC.
- It has the support of Mediatek, one of the largest in the field of chips for mobile devices.
- Others such as Lenovo, Oppo, WeChat, Tencent, Alibaba Group, etc., have also been interested in the technology developed by the Chinese company Goodix.
Will HotKnot be able to prevail in the market? Will it achieve what NFC has not achieved? There are still many unknowns around it, but time will tell...
How to use HotKnot on your mobile device
If you have a mobile device that supports HotKnot, then you can enable this technology to start using it very easily. You just have to follow these simple steps:
- Go to Settings on your Android device.
- Then enter the HotKnot menu.
- Turn on Allow data sharing when the screen touches another device.
- Now, when the two device screens are close, information can be shared easily. Remember that they must be less than 1-2 cm apart, otherwise data cannot be shared.
- All you have to do is click on the share button through HotKnot as you would to share via Bluetooth, etc.
Now you know what HotKnot is and how you can use HotKnot on Android mobile devices.