Samsung has been building Near Field Communications (NFC) features into a number of its phones for quite a while, and now it has finally released an accessory that takes advantage of their NFC capabilities. The new TecTiles Programmable NFC Tags let users automate a variety of functions on their smartphones with just a single tap.

Hidden among the chaos of Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference keynote and announcement of iOS 6, the company also started selling a new Smart Case accessory for the iPad today. The Smart Case is similar to the Smart Cover introduced with the iPad 2, but it also includes a polyurethane back that snaps in place over the iPad itself.

RIM has unveiled a new version of its BlackBerry Music Gateway peripheral that lets users stream music from their BlackBerry handset to an external audio system. The new version still uses Bluetooth technology to handle the media streaming, but it allows owners of NFC-equipped BlackBerry smartphones to just tap their device on the Music Gateway to initiate pairing. The NFC pairing features are similar to what Nokia offers in a number of its Bluetooth accessories. The new version of the BlackBerry Music Gateway is due to arrive in June and will cost $49.99.

During a meeting with press this week, HTC showed off some potential case designs for the One X smartphone. The cases would give owners that aren't fans of the black or white color options of the phone a way to brighten up their devices while protecting them from damage at the same time.

The Wireless Power Consortium has announced that the Qi wireless charging standard now supports charging of devices over distances as great as 40mm. Previously, devices that used the Qi charging standard needed to be within 5mm of the charging pad. The added distance means that Qi-compatible chargers can now send power to 5 watt devices through most tables and counter tops. The Qi standard provides interoperability for wireless charging between various devices and manufacturers. The new specification for the standard includes twelve new designs that give manufacturers more freedom of transmitter placement in their devices.

UK bank Barclays has announced the new Barclaycard PayTag, an NFC-equipped sticker that instantly gives any phone mobile payment capabilities.

RIM has announced the availability of the long-awaited BlackBerry Mini Keyboard for the BlackBerry PlayBook tablet. The BlackBerry Mini Keyboard offers PlayBook owners a full QWERTY keyboard and trackpad, though it doesn't come cheap.

One of the the iPhone 4/4S's features is its exquisitely designed glass and metal hardware. As a result of this, many owners take steps to protect the front of their iPhones with various films and screen protectors. To satisfy that need, prolific accessory maker Moshi offers the iVisor AG, a unique take on the traditional screen protector. I've been testing one on my iPhone 4S for the past week or so, and here are my thoughts.

Latest Beats Product Offers AT&T Customers the Ultimate Experience in Sound Quality

The Verge has received official word that Corning is expected to have Gorilla Glass 2 mobile devices in consumers hands by April or May of this year. The company also indicated that its Gorilla Glass 2 is already shipping to manufacturers.