FAQ

CHROMAKAIROS makes it easy for you to share digital experiences via physical objects. You don’t need to know anything about technology to do it; we’ll handle the tech and fabrication so you can focus on the experience you want to cultivate. But if you’re curious to learn more, here’s a primer to how it all works.

How it Works

Your object becomes a programmable shortcut you can share for Android and iPhone: no batteries, no special apps, no technical complications.

1. Choose your form

Each piece is crafted with care in Milan. Choose from our collection of forms, or collaborate to create a custom piece that reflects your event, brand, or message.

2. Configure the experience

Decide what happens when recipients tap: directions to your venue, exclusive content, secret messages, or any digital action that start them on your journey. CHROMAKAIROS can configure your editions so that they’re ready to go as soon as they arrive.

3. Deliver the magic

Your audience receives a beautiful physical object that creates an instant, effortless connection to your experience. Custom packaging is available to complete your edition, tailored to your design preferences and budget.

What you bring
  • Your image, artwork, or text
  • The URL you want it to open
  • Any other ideas you have to bring your vision to life!
What we handle
  • Fabrication of your special edition
  • NFC programming to your chosen URL
  • Optional gift packaging
What is NFC?

NFC stands for near field communication, and it uses radio waves to send data over small distances. An NFC chip is a tiny piece of memory. When you scan an NFC chip with your smartphone, the phone can access the information stored inside. Most smartphones are capable of reading NFC chips without downloading any special apps.

Can my phone read NFC?

NFC works with iPhone (iOS 13+) and most Android devices—no app needed.

For companies, we can provide consultation for integrating with your analytics platforms, CRM systems, or custom digital infrastructure.

What is the minimum order for a custom edition?

We fabricate custom limited editions of magnets, keychains, and pendants starting at just 50 pieces. We can also produce NFC stickers starting from 100 pieces. For custom projects, let’s discuss.

Do I have to download an app?

No! One benefit of NFC is that there is no need to download any application to read an NFC chip, as long as your phone has an NFC reader. All iPhones released since 2018 and the majority of Android phones have an NFC reader.

What can I do with an NFC chip?

When used for personal use, NFC chips can be programmed to work as physical shortcuts to just about anything you can do on your smartphone! It’s like having a magic wand that can make phone calls, set the mood with music or smart lights, log notes, and much more.

If you want other people to be able to access your experience, you should stick with sharing a web link. There’s lots you can do: open directions, share your contact info, stream videos or songs, access an AR experience, and more.

Do my NFC objects need to be charged?

Nope! We use passive NFC technology which does not require charging or batteries. Basically, the device is dormant until scanned by an NFC reader. It’s the reader, not the NFC, that provides the tiny amount of power needed to read the data stored on the chip.

You don’t have to worry about draining your phone’s battery either. The exchange uses extremely little power, much less than Bluetooth, wifi, or GPS.

Can I reconfigure my NFC chip to do something different?

It depends! The NFC chips themselves do permit reconfiguring what’s stored in memory. 

However, it’s possible to set up an NFC to prevent reprogramming or use password protection. If you buy or receive a chip set up this way, you might not be able to change its configuration.

That can be a good thing: if you’re creating a special experience or commemorative item, we use these features to ensure that your signage or gift always does what it’s designed to.

Is NFC safe?

Yes. NFC is a kind of RFID technology, which has been in widespread use since the 1970s. You’ve almost definitely already used it yourself: modern passports, city transit passes, anti-theft tags in stores, credit cards, and wireless cell payments all utilize RFID or NFC technology.

There’s been a lot of research on its safety. NFC allows the exchange of data through radio waves only at extremely short distances. These waves are actually millions of times weaker than visible light! And the chips do not transfer any radio waves at all except for during the actual moment of reading (less than one second). The rest of the time, it lies dormant, neither transmitting nor receiving any kind of signal.

Ask us!

Have another question? Specific or broad, we’re happy to answer. Drop us a line here or give us a call.