NFC seeps into bloodstream of Mobile World Congress

At MWC 2013, NFC is everywhere. Check out the slideshow to get a glimpse of how it's being used at the show as well as how companies want you to use it in the future. While most think of NFC as solely a new payment solution, companies are constantly finding new ways to implement it. A good example would be using your NFC-enabled smartphone to check into a flight. Instead of printing a boarding pass and even having your e-ticket scanned, you'd simply have the info on your phone, hold it close to an NFC senso,r and you're in. As long as your credentials are correct, of course.

Gemalto enables Audi's industry-first embedded 4G LTE infotainment system

Gemalto announces that its Cinterion range of automotive-grade M2M technology is providing 4G connectivity for Audi’s industry-first, embedded LTE infotainment system. Enhanced “Audi connect” services available in the Audi A3 vehicles will enrich mobile lifestyles for both drivers and passengers offering high-speed, low latency connectivity, and a suite of advanced features including mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, Internet radio, Web services and an improved navigation system.
With the Gemalto-enabled, LTE-ready Audi connect, users can enjoy simultaneous voice and data services, advanced navigation with street level imagery streamed to the vehicle, multimedia streaming and downloads, plus a mobile Wi-Fi hot spot for up to eight devices. Connectivity is optimized to leverage high-speed LTE/4G networks first and then maximize 3G speeds when 4G isn’t available, enabling peak data rates comparable to advanced home and office Internet services. Gemalto’s unrivaled Cinterion automotive M2M technology was developed to deliver top performance in rugged conditions unique to the high-paced, innovative automotive industry. In the custom solution for Audi, Gemalto transformed consumer-grade LTE technology, enhancing it to fulfill specific industrial and automotive requirements.

KPN, banks plan NFC pilot

Dutch operator KPN is to work with leading local banks ABN Amro, ING and Rabobank on a pilot of NFC mobile payments starting this summer in the city of Leiden. The pilot, which will also involve the city’s municipality and MasterCard, will use 1,000 KPN subscribers who also hold an account with one of the three banks. The three banks have established a new group called Mobile Payment Netherlands for the pilot which will run until the end of 2013. The banks will then decide how they wish to proceed with NFC on an individual basis.

Oberthur Technologies Certified by Mastercard for the New NFC Embedded Secure Element

Oberthur Technologies, one of the world’s largest providers of security, identification solutions and services based on smart card technologies, today announced successful completion of the MasterCard Certification for the newly released PEARL Secure Element 800k Classic, a state-of-the-art NFC embedded secure element, which can host the most secure NFC payment application.
The PEARL 800k Classic is the first multi-application embedded secure element, complying with the most advanced Global Platform 2.2 and JavaCard 3.0 specifications. The large-memory embedded secure element is also the first of its kind to be certified by MasterCard with Mobile PayPass M/Chip 4™, and enables NFC-based payment application hosting, which typically requires the most stringent security levels.
For complete compatibility with various types of mobile devices, Oberthur Technologies proposes different form factors to fit devices space constraints. “Oberthur Technologies is a historical supplier of secure smart cards that host applications for financial institutions, mobile network operators, transit operators, retailers and governments”, said Vincent Guitard, Marketing Director M2M & OEM at Oberthur Technologies. “With PEARL 800k Classic, Oberthur Technologies has developed and industrialized the most advanced and secure large-memory embedded secure element. This additional trusted element in the NFC ecosystem will facilitate the deployment of numerous services while enhancing their security level”.
“As a company shaping how commerce is conducted today and tomorrow, we are proud to partner with Oberthur Technologies on new payment solutions,” said James Anderson, Group Head, Converged Product Development at MasterCard. “The certification of Pearl 800k Classic is another step forward for MasterCard Mobile PayPass and will allow more consumers to access mobile payment services. It brings speed and reliability required by users, combined with the world class security level expected from MasterCard.”

Printronix Shatters $1,000 Price Barrier with T2N Thermal Bar Code Printer

Printronix, Inc., a worldwide leader in business-critical printing solutions, today rolled out the T2N series and created an opportunity for distribution, logistics, manufacturing, retail and healthcare companies to adopt thermal bar code printing technology at the lowest cost available. Priced below competitive models, the T2N series comes standard with Ethernet connectivity and design features that enable faster installation. The T2N provides the best value in the market, aggressively priced less than $1,000 USD for the 203 dpi model.
Printronix created the T2N series to bring thermal bar code printing to budget-minded buyers who don’t want to sacrifice quality. In this entry-level industrial printer segment where Printronix did not compete previously, the T2N registers as a “best value.” Its outstanding performance and standard features usually are not found in this price range. Printronix designed the T2N to meet the needs of customers in a wide variety of industries and complements Printronix’s successful line of midrange and high-performance bar code printers.
Printronix’s new T2N industrial barcode printers will begin shipping in March 2013 and are available for ordering now. The series includes direct thermal and transfer thermal printers with print speeds of up to 6 ips and offers PGL, ZGL and EGL emulations. Serial, USB and Ethernet connectivity comes standard, as does 32 MB SDRAM and 8 MB flash memory; a SDMC slot is available for memory expansion as well as to add the optional Andale or DBCS fonts. The T2N features 450M (1,476 feet) side-loading ribbon capacity.

'Smart' War Memorials Gain QR Codes To Tell The History Of WW1

Special panels have been installed at First World War memorials enabling the public to use their smartphones to learn about the history of the service personnel who lost their lives. More than 100 information panels are being put up by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at memorials across the UK as part of a campaign to provide more information to the public as the 100th anniversary of the First World War approaches.

One smart card for metro, bus, MMTS

In yet another initiative to make the Hyderabad Metro Rail truly a world-class metro rail system, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd has decided to introduce the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system for the convenience of commuters. The ticketing system will be integrated with APSRTC city buses and MMTS trains. Users can access all modes of public transport on a single smart card.

TagMaster Awarded Contract by Alstom to Develop and Supply RFID Solution

TagMaster, a producer of RFID solutions for rail applications, has been awarded a new contract by Alstom Transport S.A. in France to develop and supply RFID systems to Alstom’s signalling division. TagMaster and Alstom Transport have signed an agreement that will see TagMaster develop a customised version of its well proven Heavy-duty (HD) RFID Reader which together with HD ID-tags will be used to provide positive train detection functionality as a sub-system in the Alstom Urbalis CBTC signalling system.
An initial contract, worth in excess of €1 Million for TagMaster, covers the development phase and the supply of equipment for use on a re-signalling project in Lille, France. Alstom was selected by Lille Métropole to renew Lille’s Line 1 automatic metro to provide an integrated system which includes an automatic driver system and new metro train-sets in order to address the expected increase in traffic over the coming years. The new system will be less costly to maintain and more flexible to run.
“Following their detailed and intensive evaluation and qualification process, TagMaster is very pleased to be selected by Alstom as a supplier for this important development and supply project. The aim of our agreement is to create a long-term partnership between our companies, which will lead to further supply projects for this new solution over the coming years,” commented Richard Holt, Director of Sales - Transportation at TagMaster AB.

Port Logistics Group and TAGSYS RFID Announce Strategic Partnership

Port Logistics Group, the nation's leading provider of gateway logistics services, and TAGSYS RFID, a global provider of item-level inventory management systems that streamline the supply chain, today announced a strategic partnership to enable RFID solutions for Port Logistics Group customers at their U.S. gateway facilities.
The companies will partner on development and deployment of TAGSYS RFID solutions, integrated to Port Logistics Group proprietary EventTracker WMS, to support the increasing demands from retailers and manufacturers for RFID capabilities throughout the supply chain. In particular, the companies will focus on RFID applications for shippers with high value apparel and consumer goods.
The companies will jointly deploy TAGSYS RFID solutions to support item-level receipt of goods and outbound order verification, as well as inventory management and cycle-counting.

Barcode scan error blamed for Bendigo council election voter confusion

A Victorian Electoral Commission (Australia) investigation has found the incorrect scanning of voting envelope barcodes caused 950 Bendigo council election voters to be sent 'apparent failure to vote' notices in error. Acting electoral commissioner Liz Williams said the 950 Greater Bendigo voters identified who had received an ‘apparent failure to vote’ notice in error could be confident their votes were counted.
“These returned envelopes were received, but the envelope barcode was not correctly scanned as having been returned,” she said. ''Once affected voters made contact, the origin of the error was able to be identified.''

Burberry Personalizing New Collection With RFID Chip Content

Personalization just got a whole lot smarter thanks to a new initiative from Burberry, which is launching as part of its London Fashion Week show. The British heritage brand is embedding radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips that will unlock bespoke content in a bid to entice consumers to pre-order bags and coats from its new season, immediately after they hit the catwalk.

JetBlue Airways Introduces Mobile Boarding Passes with Refreshed App

JetBlue Airways makes traveling even easier with the introduction of mobile boarding. Customers in eight of the airline's largest cities can now download electronic boarding passes onto their cell phones using the newly re-launched version 2.0 of the JetBlue mobile app and save time and paper at check-in, security, and during the boarding process.
Customers can now take advantage of mobile boarding by downloading JetBlue's new 2.0 version of their app onto their iPhone or iPod touch devices and check in for their flights. Each paperless boarding pass is displayed as an encrypted two-dimensional barcode along with customer and flight information that TSA security officers can scan to validate the authenticity of the boarding pass at the checkpoint. Customers can present the same digital pass at the gate for streamlined boarding. Those who purchase Even More Speed , the airline's expedited security offering, will see that reflected prominently on their mobile device to fly through security at the airport. JetBlue plans to add this new feature to its Android app in the coming months.

Barcode and real-time technologies allow immediate access to critical patient data

Zebra Technologies Corporation today announced it will offer insight on the expanding role new technology is playing in the dissemination of real-time information in the healthcare industry to improve both patient safety and the patient experience in the upcoming webinar Connecting the Dots Between Patient Experience and Safety.
The webinar, co-sponsored by Zebra and Cynergy, will explore how innovations in mobile, barcode and real-time technologies are providing immediate access to information that is empowering doctors, nurses and technicians to eliminate manual processes and ensure optimal patient care, beyond the fulfillment of the EHR.
Approximately 160,900 adverse events occur in U.S. hospitals annually because of patient identification errors. Innovations in technology, such as barcoded labels and wristbands and mobile printing, help prevent these types of errors, driving patient safety and satisfaction.

Dundee students test smartcard

Bus travel in Dundee is to take a step forward as National Express launches smartcard travel. A number of students from Dundee College are to test out an innovative electronic ticketing system using their National Entitlement Cards to buy student weekly tickets.

M2M offers hackers a new frontier for mischief

Cybercriminals have a new attack vector that security watchdogs are worried about -- the growing number of devices that routinely use the Internet to function. Machine-to-machine (M2M) security is closely connected with what's known as "The Internet of Things" and involves a host of devices that use mobile modules to connect to the Internet. There's the vending machine, for example, that communicates with a distributor when supplies get low or the E-ZPass toll-paying system. "It's not a huge target yet, but it's potentially a huge target," said Lawrence M. Walsh, president and CEO of the 2112 Group, a research and consulting firm in New York City.

Yuma Palms Regional Center Launches New Mobile App

Inland Continental Property Management Corp. today announced the launch of a new mobile application designed to enhance customer engagement with retailers at Yuma Palms Regional Center, a 1 million-square-foot shopping destination in Yuma, Ariz. Named after the center, the Yuma Palms Regional Center mobile app, designed and implemented by Venuing, Inc., aims to provide rich, interactive content and promotional offers to engage local consumers.
Yuma Palms is the preferred community gathering place and magnet for local shoppers, residents, community leaders and visitors. Well-positioned to benefit from this vibrant and active population, the mobile app features advanced tools that enhance the shopping experience and allow customers to engage directly with retailers on a recurring basis.
For retailers, the advantages of the digital app over traditional direct marketing include coupon offers which can be made valid for specific dates only or extended upon demand, easy promotion of in-store events and new product offers and the ability to create store-specific deals on-demand.
The Yuma Palms mobile app is available on the iPhone, iPad and Android. Consumers can download the app by searching “Yuma Palms” in their preferred app store or by scanning the QR code found hanging in the local retailers’ windows,

Toshiba Launches Ultra-Small Package CCD Linear Image Sensor for Barcode Readers

Toshiba Corporation announced that it will launch a new CCD linear image sensor for bar code readers in September 2013. The new sensor, TCD1256GAG, shrinks package size to one-seventh that of Toshiba's current product, TCD1254GFG, and has an ultra-small package very close to the silicon sensor die size. It will minimize scan engine dimensions and expand the bar code reader application field.
TCD1256GAG emulates the basic performance and functions of Toshiba's current product, including the electronic shutter function that captures a stable video signal without saturation under ambient light conditions. On-chip sample and hold circuit makes simplifies analog signal processing and reduce layout area.
 

Socket Mobile Gaining Momentum in Mobile Tablet Point-of-Sale Market

Socket Mobile, Inc. announced strong momentum for its cordless barcode scanners in the mobile tablet point-of-sale (POS) market. More than 100 business application software developers who specialize in retail have registered in the Socket Mobile Developer Program, and many have begun integrating support for Socket Mobile barcode scanners into their tablet-based POS solutions. These developers come from 19 countries in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, with 77% focusing on Apple iOS, 45% on Android, and many supporting both. Many of their solutions are either currently available or in the process of getting approved for sale on the Apple App Store or Google Play, with several already actively in use by retailers around the world.
Sales of mobile POS solutions tend to be strongest from late February to September each year as retailers prepare for higher sales during the holiday shopping season. A major retailer in Japan has already ordered 3,200 Socket Mobile barcode scanners for use in mobile POS with Fujitsu Android tablets.
Socket Mobile also had a strong presence at the National Retail Federation's annual convention in January, where several of the top tablet POS providers featured the company's barcode scanners in their booths, tightly integrated with their software applications:
"Socket Mobile barcode scanners are becoming the de facto standard for tablet-based POS solutions, and global POS leaders and independent developers alike are joining our developer program to embed support for our scanners into their applications as retailers look to displace traditional cash registers and bring a value-add sales solution to their business," said Mike Gifford , Executive Vice President of Socket Mobile.
"The strong traction of our products among mobile POS developers shows the excellent fit of our products in mobile retail applications in terms of ease of use, ease of connectivity to mobile tablets, and stylish look and feel for image-conscious retailers. Additionally, each scanner model works with multiple operating systems, giving end users the flexibility to choose their favorite device," Gifford added.
The company's barcode scanning Software Development Kit (SDK), known as SocketScan 10 SDK, includes support for Apple, Android, BlackBerry and Windows devices and is available to members of the Socket Mobile Developer Program.

RFID's been around but finds little use in tires

The Automotive Industry Action Group, a standards-setting body for the auto and tire industries, issued the first interim tire tracking standard for RFID early in 2002. Since then, a number of tire makers and technology companies have announced various projects involving RFID. Safety Research & Strategies Inc., the Rehoboth, Mass.-based consumer safety group, champions RFID as a solution to what it sees as a badly flawed tire recall system.

RFID Parcel Sensor Knows If Your Delivery Has Been Dropped

A British invention company called Cambridge Consultants has developed a sticky radio tag that will spill the beans on dodgy delivery firms. Called DropTag, the gadget combines a battery, a low-energy Bluetooth transmitter, an accelerometer and a memory chip. Stuck on a parcel as it leaves an e-commerce warehouse, it logs any g-forces above a set risky shock level that it experiences. The idea is that when the courier puts it in your hands, you turn on Bluetooth on a smartphone running a DropTag app and scan it before you sign for it.

Traceability via RFID

Balluff’s portfolio of industrial identification products now includes high-temperature High Frequency (HF) and Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) RFID tags. In addition, the rugged line of HF and UHF RFID readers designed for harsh operating environments has been expanded to allow more connectivity options and expanded read ranges.
The new systems provide a flexible traceability solution for manufacturing in difficult environments similar to the semiconductor industry or in paint-spray lines and drying ovens in the automotive sector.
Balluff offers not only the entire spectrum of LF, HF, and UHF-RFID systems and components, but also a variety of stationary and hand-held bar-code readers, which provide an economical traceability solution on a high technical level. When a clear line of site is available and information on the tag is minimal, bar-code identification is a viable method of identifying objects and providing visibility into a process. Bar-code technology is commonly applied in transportation and logistics or less harsh environments and allows for accurate location tracking of materials.

Identive Announces Radiation Resistant RFID Tracking Labels for Medical Industry

Identive Group, Inc., a provider of products and services for the identification, security and RFID industries, today announced new radio frequency identification (RFID) labels for the medical industry that are specially designed to withstand the radiation processes commonly used to sterilize medical devices, equipment and supplies. Unlike standard RFID products that lose their memory content when exposed to radiation, Identive’s new radiation-resistant labels enable critical identification, usage and tracking information to reside on medical components and storage containers throughout their useful lives.
RFID technology offers superior convenience and performance to many other identification technologies, such as barcodes, but is just beginning to be adopted for medical applications. One barrier has been the challenge of adapting the technology to operate in harsh and demanding environments, such as sterilization using X-rays or gamma radiation. As an innovator of RFID applications to solve complex problems, Identive has created the new labels to address the stringent manufacturing and operating requirements of the healthcare industry. Identive’s new RFID labels are resistant to radiation, offer read/write functionality and have a memory capacity of up to 256 bytes.

Make way for the internet of things

Growing interest in the interoperability of household appliances and the difference this could make to our everyday lives, is leading to calls for new "standards" to be introduced to accelerate the way to the internet of things. Much like those used in other areas of industry where technology sharing is important, such as the telecoms sector, innovators in the consumer electronics sector and other hi-tech industries believe that the use of Europe-wide "standards essential patents", could help to protect innovators' routes to market and encourage research and development (R&D) investment.

Using RFID to Help Track Guns

American Tactical Imports (ATI) and AmChar Wholesale are using RFID technology to track firearms as they are entered in their facilities, placed in locked storage, and sold to retailers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), wholesalers and distributers of firearms are supposed to have and carry impeccable records of all weapons entering and exiting their facilities. Sales and other record keeping have traditionally been done manually via spreadsheets or notebooks, but due to the increase of inspections minor recording errors can lead to hefty fines and other disruptive penalties.

Casino Reduces Purchasing & Labor Costs With RFID Inventory System

Four Winds Casinos has selected InvoTech’s Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Multi-Property Uniform Tracking System. The InvoTech system increases profitability for clients. InvoTech enables Four Winds Casinos to centrally consolidate uniform inventory, tracking, and purchases for all properties to reduce labor and purchase costs. 
Four Winds Casinos properties use InvoTech’s Multi-Property RFID Uniform System and White Conveyors' U-Pick-It delivery system to automatically deliver uniforms to employees’ hands. Four Winds properties include Four Winds New Buffalo, Four Winds Hartford, and Four Winds Dowagiac, which is scheduled to open in 2013. InvoTech centrally tracks uniform use, controls inventories, monitors laundry cycles, and consolidates purchasing for more than 10,000 uniforms. The New Buffalo and Hartford properties currently have the InvoTech system installed. Four Winds also plans to implement the system at its Dowagiac casino. InvoTech’s expertise in complete UHF RFID system integration delivers 100% control of linen inventory, 100% protection of non-theft related losses, and 98% protection of linen losses.

Brazilian carrier TIM piloting NFC mobile payments

Brazilian wireless carrier TIM has announced that it is beginning a mobile payment pilot using NFC. The company is partnering with Brazilian bank Banco Itaú, card brand MasterCard, POS-maker Redecard and digital security provider Gemalto. The pilot will involve a small group of beta-testers and 100 restaurants in Rio de Janeiro and São Paolo. According to TIM, the main objective of the test is to gain knowledge about NFC, train internal employees, and look at the challenges of a larger rollout.

RFID-equipped iPhone case wants to replace your keys

Many cars come with wireless keys that you don't even have to pull out of your pocket, yet most homes are protected using door lock and key technology from the 17th century. This iPhone case brings your home's locks into the 21st century where it belongs with embedded RFID chips that unlock your door with a simple tap.

RFID applications for retail to display at EuroCIS

Enso Detego GmbH, specialists for RFID solutions, announced what it said are new possibilities for the use of RFID in fashion retail ahead of the EuroCIS technology trade fair in Duesseldorf, Germany from Feb. 19-21.
Detego will present a software solution featuring a range of analysis functions allowing efficient inventory management at the individual item level, the announcement said. Together with höltl Retail Solutions, a provider of IT solutions for retail, Enso Detego will present a live demonstration at EuroCIS to show how RFID can be used at every stage of the retail supply chain, covering aspects such as printing RFID tags, incoming goods, recording the movement of items from the warehouse to the sales floor, stocktaking, checkout processes and EAS.
"With these innovations, we have made RFID even more profitable. The technology for the contactless identification and tracking of individual items will continue to rationalize the entire flow of goods from production to the point of sale," said Tom Vieweger, key account manager at Enso Detego. "New software tools offer fashion retailers new possibilities when it comes to carrying out evaluations and analyses."

The next step in tourist information

Finding one’s way around a buzzing new city can be a difficult task, especially if you don’t speak the language; however visitors to Rio de Janeiro are now able to learn more about the city and its positive traits using their smart phones and tablets. The city began installing a series of QR code patterns onto its pavements on Friday 25 January in preparation for the 2016 Olympics, starting at Arpoador by Ipanema Beach.

JCPenney Puts the Brakes on RFID Rollout

A well-publicized announcement last year by CEO Ron Johnson set JCPenney on a course to become the poster child for item-level RFID. In an interview with Forbes magazine, Johnson said JCPenney would be virtually 100% RFID enabled in its stores by February 1, 2013. Not any longer. The aggressive deadline Johnson announced has been rescinded, according to a letter sent to suppliers. The letter, which was reported in a SupplyChainDigest story on 1/29/13, sharply modifies the plan and scales back the ambitious 100% goal.