Its goal is “to lead the U. S. payments industry from cards to mobile phones.”

The other big NFC issue, apart from how payments will be processed, is security. For instance, what’s to stop a thief from digitally pickpocketing you? “We’re still not at the point where an attacker can just brush against you in a crowd and steal all the money out of your phone,” says Jimmy Shah, a mobile-security researcher. “Users may also be able to set transaction limits, perhaps requiring a password to be entered for larger purchases.”

Still uneasy about this digital-wallet business? Keep in mind that if you lose your smart phone, it can be located on a map and remotely disabled. Plus, your phone can be password protected. Your wallet isn’t.

1. What is predicted to happen in the U. S. ?

A. The expansion of cellphone companies.   B. The boom of pay-by-phone business.

C. The disappearance of credit cards.       D. The increase of Starbucks sales.

2. The NFC technology can be used to¡¡¡¡¡¡.¡¡

A. ensure the safety of shoppers       B. collect transaction fees easily

C. make purchase faster and simpler    D. improve the quality of cellphones