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The Nokia 6212 Classic is obviously not about the looks. And with a 2-megapixel camera, 2-inch TFT screen, 3G connectivity, built-in FM radio and MP3 player, it’s hard to say that it’s rocking high technology inside too. But what it does have that separates it from the gajillion other mid-level market handsets out there is the fact that it has integrated NFC or Near-Field Communications technology, which enables it to connect to other NFC-enabled devices and make content transfers easier than ever.

NFC-capable handsets such as the Nokia 6212 classic, according to Jeremy Belostock, the Head of Near Field Communications in Nokia, are set to change the way mobile phone users interact with devices and services in their surroundings. Other than being an NFC-enabled handset that can exchange files like photos and MP3’s with other NFC-enabled devices by being near then and just one touch, you can also make payments with it by having it scanned by a sensor of sorts. And while I’m sure this will save some time for more than a few people, it’s a whole new kind of technology that the not-so-tech-savvy are going to have to learn to appreciate. Which could be bad news, depending on how you look at it.

The Nokia 6212 Classic is set to be released by Q3 2008 for about $320 USD. And with other features like support for MicroSD cards up to 2GB of memory and Nokia’s well loved UI, it’s a safe bet for your next budget handset.

Product [Nokia]

What if you could use your cell phone as your credit card? It’s convenient enough as everyone has a cell phone, and nowadays, no one leaves home without it. Well, Nokia, Cingular, Citibank and Mastercard have announced that they are going to do a trial of a credit card based cell phone system in New York City.

Skeptics have already said that it will be easier for thieves to get the phone out of your pocket (than to steal a credit card alone) and there have also been reports of security flaws in the system reminiscent of the Paypass Mastercard system currently available.

Signing up will be on a selective/limited basis but if you do get picked, you’ll get a trendy NFC (near field communications) phone to tap into your bank account when you start spending. To sign up, go to www.nyctrial.com by December 20th. You must be a Cingular subscriber and a Citibank account holder.

Read [Gear Log]