NFC and NFC tags have been around for several years now, making transfers in short distance ranges a simple and fast task. However, despite their availability and usefulness, they kept their geek halo and never made it into mainstream usages. Enter Dimple and Cliq, two crowdfunded projects that aim to make NFC more accessible while also solving a problem of modern smartphones: the lack of physical buttons.

Both Dimple and Cliq use NFC tags embedded into buttons that are always attached to your phone. When pressed, these buttons communicate with a preinstalled app that is used to program specific actions into them. Both projects aim to streamline the process of getting NFC tags, finding an app to “write” them, then tapping your phone to them to get the required response.

However, it is important to remember that as with any NFC trigger, these buttons can’t work unless the phone or tablet’s screen is on and unlocked. Android doesn’t currently allow NFC to work when the device is off, it’s a limitation of the OS, unless you root your device and install Xposed modules or a custom ROM on it to keep NFC working when the screen is off.

Dimple

Dimple (pictured right above) launched earlier this month on Indiegogo, and consists of a band-aid shaped sticker that is half a millimeter thick, with 4 “dimpled” buttons that you stick to the back of your phone or tablet. Once pressed, these can start an action — like taking a photo, controlling music, calling a contact, or changing settings — and a sequence of actions, a Tasker preset, or even open a selection menu that you have previously designed. The team is promising more app features later on, as well as more colors and even a case option as stretch goals once the campaign reaches a certain total amount.

The Dimple can be pre-ordered at $17 for the mini sticker with only two buttons, and $27 for the four-button one. The campaign is completely funded with 25 days to spare.

Cliq

Unlike Dimple, Cliq (pictured at the top of this post) isn’t a universal sticker that you can attach to any device. The buttons are built into the back of a snap-on case, and there are only three of them. They can trigger different actions — quite the same as Dimple — based on short and long presses, giving you the equivalent of 6 additional buttons on your phone. While Cliq may seem slightly less powerful and universal than dimple, it is more convenient and looks less weird on your phone.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fSWuGuklNM

The Cliq is available for the Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, Moto X, Nexus 5 and LG G2, and can be preordered starting $25 with shipping. The project started a few days ago, and is still making its way to funding, with 32 days left on the clock.

What do you think of these NFC buttons? Would they solve a problem for you by adding more shortcuts to your phone, or do you prefer the Pressy approach or apps like QuickClick?