“Conceptually, empowering consumers with their own handheld readers counterbalance some privacy concerns related to RFID. Presumably consumers could use the reader to detect tags present and act accordingly.
Practically, the Nokia handset technology and NFC don’t really factor into this equation. NFC uses VHF RFID operating at 13.56 mHz based on Philips Mifare platform and ISO 14443a. This flavor of RFID has no compatibility with the ePC-based RFID contemplated by Wal-Mart and the other former Auto ID Center members. Also, this RFID has a very short read range – less than one meter. That changes the way it will be used.”
Peter Winer’s Radio Frequency Blog is an excellent but (sadly) infrequently updated source for industry commentary. Winer is one of Big Chief Software’s managing partners.