Gain ICs' Solution for Making RFID Tags as Cheap as Bar Codes

A few days ago, I had a conversation with Christopher Wright, the chief operations officer at Gain ICs, an integrated circuit design company based in Colorado. He was all fired up about Gain ICs' technology that, if added to a passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID chip, promises to dramatically increase wireless data transmission speeds, read range and tag sensitivity, as well as enable RFID tags to be as inexpensive to deploy as printed bar codes. The technology was invented by the company's CTO and cofounder, Jed Griffin, an engineer formerly with Intel. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/blogs/rfid-journal/entry?10856#sthash.TUFLlztk.dpuf

Best Practices On NFC Mobile Payments Issued In Hong Kong

Near field communication (NFC) mobile payment services are on the rise in Hong Kong, and are offered in many retail outlets as a payment method. To facilitate the growth of such technology whilst balancing the security concerns of the public, the Hong Kong Association of Banks (HKAB), in consultation with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), has recently issued a Best Practice on NFC Mobile Payments in Hong Kong (Best Practice). The Best Practice is intended to provide the minimum security requirements and other best practices for the development of NFC mobile payments in Hong Kong.
NFC mobile payment services are already offered in Hong Kong by, amongst others, HSBC, Hang Seng Bank and the Bank of China. The Octopus Group is also set to introduce NFC mobile payments as an alternative to its widely popular Octopus card, and Jetco recently announced that it will team up with several banks to build an NFC mobile payment platform. With the growing popularity of NFC mobile payments, concerns have arisen as to the security and infrastructure of this new payment method.

TSL Arms the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader

Technology Solutions UK Ltd (TSL) introduced a new wrist mount and belt holster accessory for the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader, facilitating fast, accurate and cost-effective tracking of products, assets and data in such applications as retail, logistics, warehousing and distribution. The 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader from TSL is designed to communicate wirelessly with a variety of Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, including enterprise handhelds, consumer phones, touchscreen MP3 players, tablets and PCs. Using the new MC40 Wrist Mount and carrying the 1128 Bluetooth UHF RFID Reader in the Belt Holster, data can be captured and transmitted completely hands-free via automatic RFID scanning.

Colorado Readies System for Monitoring Marijuana

Hundreds of recreational marijuana shops are slated to open in Colorado on Jan. 1. Once that happens, every package of buds or processed products, such as marijuana-laced brownies, will have an RFID tag attached to it, intended to help the state regulate product and ensure that it comes from authorized sources. In July 2011, Colorado's Department of Revenue issued medical marijuana regulations requiring that the pot plants' and products' status and whereabouts be recorded throughout the supply chain. The agency also indicated that the state will eventually require the use of EPC Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags to authenticate and identify each product or plant.

Feig Expands U.S. Operations, With an Eye Toward NFC

Feig Electronics a manufacturer of RFID readers, antennas and passive RFID tags, expects major growth in the electronic-payment market in the United States, following a trend already underway in Europe. To that end, the company is preparing for the growth to follow by relocating its U.S. headquarters to a new, larger facility—dedicated to sales, marketing and technical support—and by increasing its production capacity in Europe. The German company manufactures low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF) and ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) passive RFID tags and readers for supply chain management, retail, health-care and payment applications, and has seen some growth in all of those area.

QR codes help track lost school property

When Spencer Sheedy's son lost his $250 school blazer, it was the last straw. Fed up with his two kids constantly losing their school possessions, he and wife Rita have set up My Lost Property. But these are not just stickers and iron-on labels. As well as the child's name, they also contain the unique innovation of a QR (quick response) code which can be scanned, logging the item and its location and texting the parents to arrange pick-up. Mr Sheedy initially created the stickers for his two children. Soon, he was making keyrings, stickers and labels for friends before the idea for a business struck

Alien Technology completes RFID patents licensing

Alien Technology Corp., a California-based technology firm with an office in Dayton, has entered a comprehensive licensing agreement with Round Rock Research LLC, company officials announced Monday. The licensing of Round Rock radio frequency identification (RFID) patents allows Alien to provide licensed RFID tags and readers to its clients, free from Round Rock RFID patent infringement assertions, officials said in a media release.

How Do I Deactivate an RFID Tag?

What you would need to do would depend on the type of tag it is. If it is a passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tag based on the Electronic Product Code (EPC) standard, then the tag has a kill function. If you know the security code that you need to transmit to the tag, you can send that code and deactivate it. If you don't have the code—or if it is a passive high-frequency (HF) or low-frequency (LF) tag—then the best way to deactivate it is to zap it with electricity. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/blogs/experts/entry?10845#sthash.Jy3Gwa9w.dpuf

Trackwell solution puts QR codes on the menu

Certification of origin is one of the key factors within the seafood industry and it is important for the safety assurance and quality to be able to trace a specific product to its origin. QR codes have been used in the food industry to add details of the product, but Trackwell has launched a solution where it is also possible to use this technique for traceability purposes and for quality control. An Icelandic start-up company Icelandic Fish Export,which is the first customer to use the traceability solution, supplies fresh Atlantic cod and other species caught by longliners from the Vestfjords. The fish is sold directly to top-quality restaurants in Reykjavik and in the UK.

Report: Most Consumers Don’t Trust NFC

It’s basic human nature to fear or distrust that which isn’t known or well understood. As a result, many consumers continue to exhibit a lack of faith or trust in near field communications technology – specifically, NFC payments. YouGov’s “The Future of Mobile Digital and Contactless Payments” report indicates that 35% of UK adults are aware of NFC-enabled mobile devices, but fewer than one in ten (9%) mobile and smartphone owners know that their device is NFC-enabled. Even worse, only 22% of these individuals ever use it to make payments.

Avery Dennison Signs RFID Licensing Agreement with Round Rock Research LLC .

A subsidiary of Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) has entered into a licensing agreement for radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, labels, and readers with Round Rock Research LLC to facilitate further adoption of item-level RFID by U.S.-based apparel retailers and brands.
Avery Dennison's Retail Branding and Information Solutions business (RBIS) is a specialist in RFID-enabled solutions for the apparel and retail industry with more than 800 patents and applications, global manufacturing capabilities that have produced over 3 billion RFID tags and labels, and an industry-leading solution development team that supports retailers and brands from business case development to complete solution roll-out.
"RFID adoption in the apparel industry is accelerating around the world due to the strong investment case and fundamental advantage it affords retailers to better manage inventory and serve customers," said Shawn Neville, president of Avery Dennison RBIS. "This license agreement, along with our significant investments in RFID innovation, manufacturing capabilities and market development, positions us to lead the accelerating adoption of RFID in the U.S. and around the world."
"Item-level RFID in apparel retail significantly improves inventory visibility and accuracy, which results in higher inventory productivity and better enablement of omni-channel retail, and improves the overall consumer experience," said Francisco Melo, vice president of Global RFID, Avery Dennison RBIS. "We are fortunate to partner with leading retailers and brands around the world to improve their overall performance through RFID-enabled solutions."

MasterCard launches new application focused on QR Codes

Quick response codes have long been a powerful marketing and consumer engagement tool. As the codes become more popular, their use in mobile commerce is beginning to grow. MasterCard, which has a relatively strong interest in mobile commerce, has taken aim at QR codes, hoping to make them more attractive and suitable for mobile ventures. MasterCard has launched a new application called QkR, available for iOS and Android devices. The application is capable of scanning any quick response code that a user may come across.

Technicians tasked with setting up RFID system at Kaesong complex

Technicians have entered North Korea to set up wireless data transfer systems that can facilitate the movement of people and materials to and from the inter-Korean factory park in Kaesong, the government said Monday. The six-member team crossed over the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries earlier in the day and are checking sites that can be used to set up the radio frequency identification tag (RFID) system.

China Mobile picks Fime NFC-RF test bench

China Mobile Limited, the leading mobile services provider in Mainland China, has purchased Fime's EMV contactless analogue test bench. Additionally, FIME will offer consultancy services and carry out pre-certification vendor handset testing. Following a competitive tender, advanced secure chip testing and tool provider FIME will provide the test equipment to China Mobile and undergo a period of consultancy in order to support the deployment and continued management of the tool. Pre-certification handset testing will take place at FIME Asia's laboratory where it will also provide near field communication (NFC) handset certification consultancy, expediting the testing cycle and overall time to market.

IBM tackles MRSA and other healthcare infections with RFID-enforced hand washing tech

It’s crazy, but one of the most dangerous things you can do is visit the hospital. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly two million hospital patients contract a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) every year, and 90,000 of those HAIs result in death. These infections — superbugs such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C. diff) — are caused by bacteria being transferred from patient to patient, usually via a doctor or nurse. Hand washing is by far the simplest solution to these 90,000 unnecessary deaths, but getting healthcare professionals to reliably wash their hands has proven to be difficult. This is where IBM and its low-power mote technology (LMT) comes in.

Researchers use shopping cart to put mobile, NFC payment theft on wheels

Using a shopping cart turned into an antenna, security researchers captured sensitive data from contactless payment cards, and concluded the wireless theft gear could easily be concealed in a backpack. In a recently published paper called Eavesdropping near-field contactless payments: a quantitative analysis, the researchers assessed eavesdropping attacks on contactless payment transaction for ease and success rates. They specifically made their easily concealable antenna using low-cost electronics.

Boston Ad Agency Experiments With RFID-enabled Marketing Strategies

At advertising agency Allen & Gerritsen's two East Coast offices, the traditional pencil-and-paper game of tic-tac-toe has been transformed into a virtual, two-city contest using digital displays and featuring images from staff members' Instagram accounts, along with Xs and Os, via RFID readers and tags. The company has been testing radio frequency identification technology as one strategy to bring new consumer engagement to the world of marketing. But while its goal is RFID-enabled marketing strategies for its clients, the firm's own employees are having fun with it in the meantime. The company's research-and-development unit, A&G Labs, launched two years ago, has been experimenting with RFID and other technology innovations.

QR code stamps let senders attach video content to physical mail

Croatia’s Hrvatska Pošta scheme has already leveraged QR codes on stamps to help the country’s postal service track the whereabouts of mail. Now the Australia Post is making the technology useful for consumers, enabling them to attach a recorded video message to the physical envelopes they send through the Video Stamp.

Motorola Sled Reader Adds Low-Cost RFID Functionality to Mobile Computers

A variety of companies, ranging from mines to bakeries, are currently trialing a new, low-cost Motorola Solutions EPC Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID reader in the form of a sled that snaps onto a Motorola mobile computer with a built-in bar-code scanner. For Motorola Solutions, the RFD5500 sled reader—which fits onto the company's existing MC55, MC65 and MC67 family of handheld computers—represents the first new RFID-based product the firm has offered in many years. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?11203#sthash.s57gyFfs.dpuf

5 Reasons QR Codes May Not Be As Dead As We Think

It’s always difficult to admit when you are wrong about something, especially when you have spent a lot of time publicly railing against it. In this case, while I’m not quite going so far as to admit that I’m wrong about the death of the QR code (I waxed poetically about this several months ago), I am willing to take another look at the technology. In fairness to my original assertion that QR codes were dead, I was clear to pin a majority of blame on marketers and their misuse of QR codes versus the technology itself. I also spelled out several reasons why QR codes hadn’t succeeded.

N.J. Trash Collector Uses RFID to Pay Customers Who Recycle

Sanico, a provider of recycling and garbage-collection services in northwestern New Jersey, has seen a rise in the recycling rates of its customers, thanks to the use of a radio frequency identification system that rewards participating residents by reducing their waste-removal bill. The company is employing an Aviant Systems solution consisting of passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags affixed to recycling canisters, a reader on each of its recyclables collection trucks, and an onboard computer that interprets read data and then forwards that information to Aviant's server via a cellular connection. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?11187#sthash.y3YejejZ.dpuf

Trumpf Adds RFID to Its Laser Cutting Machines

When manufacturing companies use laser machines to cut through pieces of sheet metal, the maintenance of such devices falls in the hands of the machine operators. Cutting through metal requires a very precise laser beam that passes through a lens to ensure it is directed properly. If the lens is dirty, worn or damaged, things can go wrong during the metal-cutting process. Trumpf, which has provided laser cutting machines for sheet metal since 1979, is incorporating RFID technology into its products to help end users track how long and how often a particular lens has been used, as well as when it was cleaned, in order to ensure that the lens receives the maintenance it requires and is not being utilized past its lifespan, which could result in bad cuts.

Zebra Launches Zatar 'Internet of Things' Service for RFID Readers, Networked Devices

Several companies are currently testing a new application from Zebra Technologies, known as Zatar. The new app, according to Zebra, enables the firms to manage printers, RFID readers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and other networked electronic devices remotely. Although businesses can already purchase software to receive and display data from wireless devices—such as RFID readers or printers, forklifts or thermostats—such software can be costly and is typically installed at a single site rather than shared across multiple locations that may be in separate countries or on different continents.

Datalogic Boosts Efficiencies With 200 High Speed Barcode Readers

Datalogic, a global leader in Automatic Data Capture and Industrial Automation markets and producer of bar code readers, data collection mobile computers, sensors, vision systems and laser marking systems, is boosting efficiency and precision for a major sports and apparel manufacturer’s Chinese logistics center in Jiangsu Province, one of the largest logistics centers in Asia.
The company’s logistics center was established in 2011 and operates as a giant central processor. The sorting and management of all the goods depend on powerful digital information acquisition and handling capabilities, including a 9km conveyor belt, order picking machines, automated warehouse management systems etc. The logistics technology and equipment make the center one of the best in the world for allocative efficiency and throughput capability.

Production of 2D and 3D Barcode Printing and Reading using Lumenera’s High-performance Digital Cameras

Industry leaders are using Lumenera's high-performance industrial digital cameras in the manufacture and verification of complicated 2D and 3D barcode labels, which employ symbols instead of bars or parallel lines as in the case of conventional 1D barcodes. Barcode labels have found use in a myriad of industries, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, grocery, retail, automotive, and manufacturing. The technology is developing and extending for cell-phone users to see information such as coupons and ads instantly. To help these industries, Lumenera provides user-friendly USB 2.0 imaging solutions and a Software Development Kit (LuSDK), which is customizable for any specific application.

Finnish Dairy Company Tracks Products Via Carts With RFID-tagged Wheel

Valio, a Finnish company that manufactures dairy consumer products, as well as powdered milk and other ingredients for the food industry, is piloting an automated solution for monitoring products as they move through packing and shipping processes, via RFID-enabled wheels on carts, also known as trolleys, that transport the goods. Aksulit supplied the RFID solution, which features Tagwheel—a plastic wheel with a passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tag built into it. The wheel, developed for this deployment by RFID tag and services provider Wisteq, fits onto a trolley on which goods are transported. The solution also includes software developed by Aksulit, as well as readers provided by Impinj, according to Asko Puoliväli, Aksulit's CEO. - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/articles/view?11179#sthash.rFoV1mG4.dpuf

Australia Post introduces QR code 'video stamps'

Australia Post has introduced a video stamp which when used with a mobile application lets senders record a 15-second video for a recipient. The postal service has printed more than 3 million of the stamps for the holiday season, which can be affixed to domestic Express Post or Express Courier International packages. The QR code stamps cost no more than regular ones but could eventually turn into a revenue source.

Rabobank preps commercial Dutch NFC m-payments service

Rabobank is preparing a full Netherlands-wide commercial launch of an NFC mobile payments service next year. The bank's customers with NFC-enabled handsets will be able to apply for 'mobile payment cards' online which will let them make low-value payments through their phones at stores with contactless POS terminals.

These Human RFID Tags Can Connect with Your Phone

For those would-be cyborgs and biohackers who aren’t quite up to the challenge of stitching a rather large box under their skin, biohacking company Dangerous Things may have the solution. The company, which boasts a range of “custom gadgetry for the discerning hacker,” started an Indiegogo campaign on October 28 to raise money for their latest product, the xNT NFC implant, and have already surpassed its $8000 funding goal. In the project description, they describe the xNT as “the world's first NFC compliant RFID implant,” and say they’ve already successfully beta-tested four prototypes.

Visualead ushers in a new generation of QR codes

QR codes are beginning to evolve to meet the needs of consumers and businesses that have a strong interest in dynamic digital content. The codes have become a staple in the marketing field, but are often criticized as being too ugly or boring. This critique is not falling on deaf ears, however, as Visualead, a pioneer in the interactive technology field, works to bring new life to QR codes and change how they are perceived. Visualead gained renown through the creation of so called Visual QR codes. These codes forgo the traditional black and white blocky patterns of conventional QR codes in favor of a more aesthetically pleasing design.

PayPal Using QR Codes To Play Nice With Big Retailers

Forget using a debit card that next time you’re at one of the Big Box stores of the world. PayPal has a new trick up its sleeve. Traditionally used as an alternative way to make and receive payments online, PayPal now offers consumers with a way to use its service in stores. That’s right: Soon you will be able to use your PayPal account to pay for things offline.

SMARTRAC reaches comprehensive solution for pending RFID patent dispute

SMARTRAC announced that it has entered into an agreement with Round Rock Research LLC to resolve a RFID patent dispute.The RFID license agreement with Round Rock provides a solution for end users including retailers, brand owners, customers and RFID supply chain partners, for undeterred RFID deployments. The agreement is further designed to facilitate dismissal of pending litigation between Round Rock and retailers and brand owners based on follow-on individual agreements. The licensing agreement is non-exclusive.
End users, such as retailers and brand owners that implement RFID solutions using SMARTRAC licensed RFID tags, which may be processed, supplied, or distributed through SMARTRAC's customers and supply chain network, and used in combination with Motorola Solutions' fixed and handheld readers, are free from Round Rock RFID patent claims.

QR Code Startups Continue To Be Hot

By now, everyone has seen a QR code, those little square dots arranged in a seemingly haphazard pattern against a square white background–as they seem to be cropping up in some of the strangest places. Whether they’re on a real estate ad, a coffee cup, or splattered across the front of a t-shirt, the QR Code is gaining ground the globe over. And it is not surprising that start-up companies continue to form with the hopes of cashing in on this two-dimensional barcode’s versatility and popularity. While some detractors say that QR Codes have reached their plateau, there is compelling evidence to the contrary.

Keltron may take up RFID-enabled project

The Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation (Keltron) has come forward to assist the Road Safety Authority for implementing the Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID)-enabled punching stations in selected locations in the city. In the first phase, the existing punching station at Elathur will be made ready for the trial run. On completion of the experimental phase, it will be extended to seven other locations. Regional Transport Officer Rajiv Puthalath, who is also a member of the Road Safety Authority, said, “Keltron is now ready with a proposal of Rs.13 lakh to complete the first phase installation, which will include exclusive servers and other computer facilities.”

QR Codes Are Now A Fashion Statement

Consider, if you will, the long, tumultuous history of the necktie. In the 70′s, the Disco Era, you had ties so wide they could double as lobster bibs. In the much cooler 80′s, they went skinny, which in itself was a revival of 50′s fashion. Then of course, there always the threat of competition with bowties, which occasionally enjoy a resurgence of popularity in certain circles, especially when a Time Lord wears one. So, what does the 21st century have in store for the next stage in necktie evolution? How about combining the necktie with two hot concepts, namely QR Codes and Kickstarter? Yes, we’re talking about fashionable neckties with QR Codes printed on them.

ACS Awarded NFC Forum Certification for ACR1252U

Advanced Card Systems Ltd. (ACS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advanced Card Systems Holdings Ltd., SEHK: 8210), has received the NFC Forum Certification for its ACR1252U. The ACR1252U is a next-generation USB NFC reader and one of the first NFC Forum-certified readers in the industry. This contactless reader builds on 13.56 MHz and ISO14443 contactless technologies, which are among the most widely adhered to standards in the industry.
Being authorized to use the NFC Forum Certification Mark proves that the ACR1252U can truly perform the three NFC modes: card emulation, reader and peer-to-peer (P2P). The ACR1252U performs these by mimicking an NFC card/tag, reading an NFC card/tag and interacting with other NFC mobile phones/devices, respectively.
Together, these technical features mean that the ACR1252U is good not only for traditional network security and loyalty applications, but also for some interesting and creative NFC applications, such as smart posters, mobile payments, and file exchange with other NFC devices.
The NFC Forum Certification is also an industry gold standard of compliance that guarantees a level of interoperability with other NFC devices. Given the foreseen upsurge of NFC devices and applications, this interoperability makes devices more versatile and widens options for users.

RF Technologies Releases Enhancements to Help Alert Wireless Panic Button Solution

RF Technologies, a provider of RFID and RTLS safety and security solutions, has released version 2.1 of its Help Alert Wireless Staff Duress Solution, which provides priority-based alerts, universal device access through HTML5, and a simple desktop application.
Help Alert uses discreet mobile panic buttons, or pendants, as a proactive, cost-effective solution to protect staff, patients, teachers, students and guests. When pressed, pendants broadcast a silent alarm that can be configured to alert security teams, first responders, or local police through a computer or mobile device.
"The increased need for safety in places like schools, hospitals and hotels means facilities are looking for a simple, yet multi-functional duress solution. Help Alert is as easy to use as it always has been, now with more features that help get a fast response when it's needed most," said Bill Bulzoni, vice president of business development, PinPoint.
Instead of having a system that only summons onsite support or calls the police, both types of duress calls can be made from one button on the Help Alert pendant with the multi-mode feature. Pressing the button once will generate a normal alarm. If the button is pressed and held, or pressed multiple times within a short period, a priority alarm is generated.

Super-precise motion tracking system uses projected barcode light patterns

Motion-tracking systems like Wii and Kinect have certainly changed the way we play video games – among other things – but some people still complain that there's too much of a lag between real-world player movements and the corresponding in-game movements of the characters. The creators of the experimental Lumitrack system, however, claim that it has much less lag time than existing systems ... plus it's highly accurate and should be cheap to commercialize.

Internet of things: stop debating terminology, start talking money

The term the Internet of Things was conceived when the Massachusetts Institute of Technology set up the Auto ID Center in 1998. It focussed on applying an electronic tag (RFID) to all items, effectively connecting them to a wider network - the internet. Automated monitoring en-masse throughout the value chain could make logistics faster and more cost effective, reduce theft and counterfeiting and provide other benefits such as no stock-outs in shops. However, this ambitious project took time to take off - developing the technology, standards and then finding the first financially successfully applications. The UHF RFID industry moved through the hype cycle of visionary dreaming; huge investment; disappointment in early sales, performance and user pull, to a pragmatic and now increasingly profitable approach today.

How Can I Track the Mileage of a Chassis Via RFID?

Unfortunately, there is no such off-the-shelf system currently available. I believe it could be done, but it would involve some customization. I think the way to do it would be to track the mileage of the cab to which a particular chassis was hitched. In 2011, we wrote about an RFID system deployed by Avis Car Rental. A device called a Motor Vehicle Asset Communicator (MVAC) is installed in a car, powered by the vehicle's battery. The MVAC receives and transmits RFID data, and also controls the car door's locking mechanism, tracking the vehicle's mileage and fuel consumption (see Avis Uses RFID for Remote Location Rentals). - See more at: http://www.rfidjournal.com/blogs/experts/entry?10789#sthash.1f0OOJ4m.dpuf

This little box adds NFC mobile printing to recent HP LaserJet, Officejet printers

HP wasn’t the first to embrace near-filed communications (NFC) as a way for printers to keep up with the mobile world—Brother gets that prize—but it’s catching up fast. On Tuesday, the company announced the 1200w Mobile Printing Accessory, a little box that attaches to a printer’s USB port to bring NFC capability. The 1200w works with 2008-era and later LaserJet and Officejet printers (and it assumes that the rear USB port is free, because most business printers use ethernet or another connection). When it ships in early December, the 1200w Mobile Printing Accessory will have a promotional price of $40, a nice discount from its regular price of $50.

Proof Obamacare Requires All Americans to Be Chipped

For the past few years, I have been receiving e-mails from outraged Americans who want to know why the Affordable Care Act (a.k.a. Obamacare) requires them to be implanted with a radio frequency identification transponder. Sometimes, they want to know how to deactivate it, and sometimes, they just assail me for supporting this technology. I write back to these people and assure them that I have read the law, and that it requires no such thing. I try to be respectful and share with them the facts

QR codes to provide HCC self guided tours

Hutchinson Community College has now launched a new self guided tour program that uses QR codes and the smartphones and tablets of visitors in order to provide visitors with instant information while they work their way around the local college campus. The announcement was made during the college’s 85th anniversary celebration last weekend. The Hutchinson Community College will now have QR codes positioned at various buildings located all over the campus. This gives visitors the chance to use their mobile devices to scan the barcodes – using any free scanner app – so that they will be able to learn more about the relevant building, architectural feature, or individual.

SQRL: A new method of authentication with QR codes

Steve Gibson is a known security enthusiast and is behind many projects online such as ShieldsUP! and the Security Now! podcast. He can be a controversial figure, but in the past few weeks, he has introduced a brand new authentication system which is starting to gain traction, and approaches the login issue from a completely different way. It's called SQRL, or Secure QR Login. From the user's side, it couldn't be easier. A site that implements this system would simply present a QR code, and anyone who wants to log in would scan it with a phone app, or a desktop app, and then the site would log them in. No username, no password, nothing to type in.

QR codes may store human data for 1 million years and beyond

QR codes are often considered simple marketing tools and are quite effective in advertising around the world. The codes typically go unnoticed by consumers that are not specifically interested in using them, but they could have a major role to play in the longevity of humanity. Scientists from the Human Document Project believe that QR codes could be used to store information concerning the history of human civilization. More importantly, scientists believe that the codes can store this information for over one million years.

IBM taps into NFC with new dual-factor authentication tool for mobile

Odin Launches New RFID-Enabled Asset Tracking and Management System

ODIN Technologies, a Quake Global company, announced the introduction of a new RFID-enabled process automation system for inventory items. Branded as Check It, the new ODIN solution improves inventory accuracy and also saves time and money by automating the check-in and check-out process. The RFID system automatically captures information on each tagged asset and can associate the item to the person responsible, as it moves in and out of storage. This gives asset managers real-time visibility into the location and status of equipment. The system also provides reporting tools for analysis of asset usage. Check It reduces inventory loss, increases asset security and provides an automated audit trail for critical assets such as tools, test equipment and weapons.
The fully customizable Check It solution can be integrated seamlessly with the facility’s existing IT platforms and infrastructure. It is designed to be easy to use with very little operator training.

New Breast Implants to Include RFID Chips

Establishment Labs has started marketing breast implants with a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip built in. While this may concern women about the privacy issues, the company claims the RFID chip will provide information about the "Ergonomix breast implant" to a patient and her doctor years later. Establishment Labs will not disclose its first customer, an unidentified chain of U.K. plastic-surgery clinics.

Get a free smoothie for an NFC tap

Up to one million Jamba Juice smoothies will go to Isis mobile wallet smartphone users later this year, when Isis takes its NFC-ready technology to the national stage. The free smoothie will be available to users of Near Field Communication-enabled smartphones equipped with a special SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) from an Isis joint venture partner -- AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless. The user needs to download the Isis Mobile Wallet and use the phone to pay a bill at a Jamba Juice outlet by tapping the phone at an NFC payment terminal.

Tool coding using Industrial RFID

Tool identification using Industrial RFID increases efficiency, as it makes incorrect tool allocation or missing tools a thing of the past. All the tool-relevant data are stored without contact on a data carrier embedded in the tool holder. Tool identification using Industrial RFID increases efficiency, as it makes incorrect tool allocation or missing tools a thing of the past. All the tool-relevant data are stored without contact on a data carrier embedded in the tool holder.

Commonwealth Bank to deliver true NFC tap payments

Commonwealth Bank has announced its latest app update, with a uniform app interface rolling out across iOS, Android and, for the first time, Windows Phone 8. The updated offering enhances the general interface but also sees the arrival of true NFC integration for certain Android smartphones.
Angus Sullivan, executive general manager of Cards, Payments, Analytics and Retail Strategy, said that supported Android handsets will be announced soon and that integration will deliver true embedded NFC contactless payments for the first time.