Touchatag
Touchatag was a near-field communication (NFC) based system designed for simplified task automation and interaction with computers and other devices. It utilized NFC tags (small, passive chips) that could be affixed to objects or surfaces. When a compatible NFC reader, typically a smartphone or a dedicated Touchatag reader connected to a computer, came into close proximity with a tag, the tag's unique identifier was read.
This identifier was then used to trigger a pre-defined action or sequence of actions. These actions were configured through the Touchatag software platform. Examples of actions could include launching a website, opening a specific file, sending an email, executing a program, or even controlling home automation systems through integration with other services.
The Touchatag system aimed to provide a simple, physical interface for interacting with digital devices and services. It found applications in various areas, including home automation, office automation, inventory management, and access control. The user could, for example, tap a tag to turn on the lights, check into a meeting, or launch a specific presentation.
The Touchatag service was discontinued in 2015. While the original cloud-based service is no longer available, the underlying concept of using NFC tags to trigger actions remains relevant and is implemented in various other NFC-based automation solutions.