Comment This is new? (Score 1) 383
Its not in Japan.
FeliCa is used in ICoCA, Suica and PiTaPa train passes in Japan and there's even a creditcard version (Edy) that lets you make cash payments at any convenience store in the country without so much as opening your wallet. Pin number entry is optional (if using a mobile phone). You can also tie it to point cards for various department stores and electronics retailers (BIC camera, Yotsubashi Camera).
Apple are in a good business position to push this to the rest of the world but its not a new tech and as far as I'm aware, the Sony system has yet to be cracked but its based on 3DES so strong but I wouldn't bet on it being that way in 10-20 years.