Circle Adds NFC Support for Its Android App, Offering Free Bitcoin at CES

Circle, which officially launched its wallet/payment solution in September, has unveiled near field communications (NFC) support for its Android app.

Users will be able to securely transfer bitcoins by bringing their mobile devices within close proximity, without having to rely on the mobile network or the internet.

The launch comes two months after BitPay announced its “Bitcoin Checkout” which also uses NFC technology for secure Payments . In bringing NFC to bitcoin, the companies join a growing trend in the payments industry, most notably adopted by Apple Pay shortly before the BitPay launch.

The solution can be ideal for in-person payments in brick and mortar businesses accepting bitcoin.

Circle is one of the exhibitors at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from where it has tweeted that visitors can stop by its booth and receive $5 worth of bitcoin for free.

Circle, which officially launched its wallet/payment solution in September, has unveiled near field communications (NFC) support for its Android app.

Users will be able to securely transfer bitcoins by bringing their mobile devices within close proximity, without having to rely on the mobile network or the internet.

The solution can be ideal for in-person payments in brick and mortar businesses accepting bitcoin.

Circle is one of the exhibitors at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, from where it has tweeted that visitors can stop by its booth and receive $5 worth of bitcoin for free.