MetaSepia unveils NFC rival solution ScreenBeam

Optical transaction technology specialist firm MetaSepia has launched a new solution acting as an alternative to mobile near field communications (NFC) services.

The new product, ScreenBeam, does not rely on transformer-based radio frequency (RF) fields to couple devices unlike typical NFC solutions.

ScreenBeam authenticates visually, displaying and capturing authentication data using the devices’ display screens and onboard cameras and it uses the same interface to provide “instant issuance” of a transaction e-receipt.

“ScreenBeam is a radical evolution of the QR code model that provides secure, fast and two-way device authentication to compete with mobile NFC,” comments David Watkins, CEO, MetaSepia. 

“ScreenBeam uses light-emissive codes which scan quickly and in all manner of conditions. Since device auto-pairing occurs optically, the privacy and security risks associated with radiating a spherical RF field are removed from the pairing process. 

“Barriers to widespread adoption are small; ScreenBeam is lightweight software, deployable across all smartphones and operating systems, including older models with a single directional camera.”

ScreenBeam’s NFC pairing system supports a variety of use-cases including: in-flight device pairing (aeroplane mode), data sharing, offline P2P wallet transactions including cryptocurrency payments, the ability to jumpstart apps and to authenticate automatically via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi gateways.

“The range of use-cases for optical NFC is compelling,” continued Watkins. 

“In the payments world, we’re particularly excited about the potential for this technology to enable offline face-to-face crypto payments, especially since individuals and micro-merchants can issue e-receipts and loyalty or promotional materials as part of the transaction, providing a new level of non-repudiation in their digital wallets. These are all attributes that are not catered for by conventional mobile NFC.”

A ScreenBeam technology prototype will be demonstrated at DELTA Summit 2019 (2nd – 4th October). 

MetaSepia is seeking to to expand its R&D capability through avenues such as investments,  licensing, IP acquisition or technology partnerships.

Watkins concluded: “Most NFC tokens are between 15kb and 50kb. As a pairing interface, ScreenBeam’s UX is already uniquely visual and tactile. 

“Looking ahead, our development roadmap is clear: ScreenBeam will easily rival mobile NFC speeds and open up a variety of new commercial possibilities for service providers.”