Google recently announced the new version of Android at it's I/O developer conference.

The new version, called Android Sandwich, will make it possible for developers to build applications for both tablets and smartphones , rather than having to make a custom version for each device. Additionally, new features will be added to the NFC, which was first supported in the Gingerbread update.

NFC is primarily a way to make contactless payments for retail items with your smartphone, but it also has the possibility to be used in a number of different ways. You can read our NFC guide by clicking here.

Google announced a number of ways that Sandwich will use NFC beyond paying for items.

The first of which is that NFC will be used to share files between phones merely by placing them back-to-back. So you could easily send a photo, web-link or phone number without needing to pair the device or exchange passwords like you would have to with Bluetooth.

A neat use was also unveiled with the Stick Notes application which enables you to write notes on a friends notes page by putting your mobiles back to back. Additionally, you can make video calls with Google Talk Portal the same way.

Another great new way to use NFC is to play multi-player gaming. You can just put your mobiles back to back and play your favourite game against your friends, rather than having all hassle of connecting via  Bluetooth or WiFi.

NFC will continue to be supported by more and more applications with Google Sandwich and of-course the contactless payment aspect will also continue to be supported and improved.