Now however it seems Sony Ericsson is also stepping up to the plate, with the company recently closing a deal with semiconductor producer NXP. The deal will see the company's PN65 NFC solution come to future Android-based Sony Ericsson smartphones.

NXP's software is an open source solution on the Android platform and is compatible with the Google Wallet application. The solution includes an NFC radio controller and NFC software, with an embedded secure element enabling NFC to be utilised in mobile transactions.

According to SE, the PN65 solution also utilises advanced cryptography to offer the highest level of security for transactions, with the technology already being used in contactless banking cards, e-passports and secure access systems.

"Building on Sony Ericsson's leadership in Android and mobile gaming, the integration of near field communication into our Android-based Xperia portfolio is another step in delivering the most entertaining smartphones," said Jan Uddenfeldt, chief technology officer at Sony Ericsson. "NFC offers our consumers the ability to broaden their communication experience beyond the phone, and we are poised to drive the development of new, exciting and creative entertainment experiences."

No time frame has yet been given for when we can expect to see NFC-enabled Xperia arc's appearing locally, but it's good to see other manufacturers embracing the emerging technology. One of these days financial transactions will be as simple as performing a touch gesture, and we can't wait.