Keeping abreast with the latest technology developments, many smartphone manufacturers are adding Near Field Communication (NFC) feature to their devices. Now, Samsung has improved its TecTile application to version 3.0 for the company's NFC-enabled devices.

Samsung TecTiles are smart NFC tags that users can programme to do various things.

"Using the free Samsung TecTile application, you can create TecTiles to change settings on your phone, launch applications, check-in to places, update social status, or even make phone calls or send text messages automatically. Once you create a TecTile using the TecTile app, place the Tile in a convenient place, then tap your phone to the TecTile to perform the action stored in the TecTile. Each package comes with 5 TecTile programmable NFC sticker tags," indicates Samsung's Web site.

On Oct. 24, Samsung announced the update to the TecTile update which will bring enhanced features to Samsung's NFC enabled devices.

"As the clear leader in NFC-enabled smartphone deployment in the United States, Samsung is committed to developing and advancing this promising mobile technology," said Kevin Packingham, chief product officer of Samsung Telecommunications America. "Samsung TecTile tags combined with the TecTile 3.0 application simplifies the way consumers interact with their mobile device and greatly enhances the overall user experience," indicates the press release.

The update brings tag history with which users can see data logged and saved for future use and reference. Samsung has also addressed privacy issues in the update, which give users an option to create tags that can be read by the owner alone.

TecTile 3.0 also offers new settings like integration with Google+, Google Talk, Google Places, and Glympse (location sharing), which lets a user to update their status and presence simply by connecting with a tag.

Another new feature includes the option to share or edit an electronic business card, forward a call, or send a pre-written e-mail to a specific address. The tags can be enabled to toggle between play/pause settings on a device's music player, or play specific tracks.

By contrast, Samsung's arch-rival Apple is yet to embrace the NFC technology in its smartphones. With the increase in usage of NFC technology, it is anybody's guess if Samsung's smartphones have an edge over iPhones.