Alibaba Invests Big in Israeli QR Code Startup

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba has added to its global list of investments by reportedly injecting capital into Israeli QR code developer Visualead. Though both companies haven’t commented on the amount, sources said to be close to Alibaba told The Wall Street Journal that the infusion was less than $10 million. Currently, the deal is for Visualead to use the funds to work on the next wave of QR technology, while Alibaba will use the patents and technology from the startup across its business holdings, especially e-commerce.

Directv Uses RFID to Cut Inventory Time From Years to Weeks

Broadcast satellite company Directv is implementing a radio frequency identification system to track 200,000 pieces of equipment at three broadcast centers, as well as nearly 200 smaller facilities. The system is intended to reduce inventory tracking time tenfold, the company reports, while also boosting inventory accuracy from 75 percent to 97 percent. The solution, provided by RFID Global Solution, allows Directv to conduct inventories of servers and other equipment, via a combination of handheld and cart readers. The equipment, which is being tagged with passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) EPC Gen 2 RFID inlays, includes video compression equipment, amplifiers, routers, switches, decoders and antenna-related systems.

Retail Giant Macy’s Expands RFID to Fashion Categories

Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s to help launch Apple Pay; same-day delivery to be piloted in fall 2014; new POS technology and customer service enhancements in testing; new apps, web functionality and mobile wallet launched; RFID being expanded to fashion categories. “Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s remain committed to operating at the forefront of innovation, as well as fostering a locally relevant shopping experience in every store. We will continue to test, to learn, and to proceed aggressively with new ideas that excite our customers and that make shopping more convenient and fun. Our goal remains to help our customers shop whenever, wherever and however they prefer, and to use the entire inventory of the company to satisfy demand,” said Terry J. Lundgren, Macy’s, Inc. chairman and chief executive officer.

Mobile Payments To Be Hot Topic at Mobile World Congress 2015

NFC mobile payments will be hot at Mobile World Congress in March. Since Apple Pay launched, every US bank wants in and the market in Europe is ready. 2015 will be the year of massive adoption of NFC mobile payments. Since the introduction of Apple Pay every bank in the US is interested in deploying the system. Several manufacturers will be showing new handsets using NXP's PN66T module for secure NFC card emulation. While Apple Pay has not arrived in Europe yet, the old world has the highest penetration of contactless POS terminals, and the market is ready.

Zego packaging boldly recasts allergen-level QR code

The energy bar’s redesigned packaging integrates an allergen-level prompting Quick Response code front and center as a branding asset and adds an NFC shelf talker at retail. Go big rather than stay home is the food safety proposition taken by Zego, San Francisco, related to a change to the messaging and delivery of the allergen content of the ingredients used in its organic energy bars. 

Ubuntu wants to be the OS for the Internet of Things

Canonical has revealed what I reckon is its biggest announcement in years: Ubuntu is about to invade the internet of things with a minimal version of the Linux distribution that it hopes will provide a standardized platform for connected devices from drones to home hubs. “Snappy” Ubuntu Core came out of Canonical‘s mobile efforts (which are yet to go anywhere) and was made available on Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure and the Google Cloud Platform at the end of 2014. Now it’s available for smart devices, and Canonical has already got players such as the Open Source Robotics Foundation (OSRF), drone outfit Erle Robotics and connected hub maker NinjaBlocks on board.

Forget the Internet of Things, here comes the Industrial Internet of Things

The concept of the the Internet of Things (IoT) is gradually taking hold in the consumer world, and now a new report is looking at how the same concepts can be applied in the business world too.

The so-called Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) could see the emergence of new services and business models based on intelligent connected devices and machines, according to consultants Accenture, and could boost growth in mature markets. However, these gains are at risk because companies and governments are not taking sufficient action to see wide adoption of digital technologies, it warns. By 2030, capital investments in the IIoT and the productivity gains "that should follow" are expected to add $6.1tn to the US's cumulative GDP, Accenture said.

Enhancing RFID to Improve Safety and Productivity in Potentially Hazardous Areas

As organisations look for new ways to improve operational efficiency and workforce productivity without compromising on safety, the use of RFID technology within the workplace is becoming more prevalent to quickly and accurately identify equipment, tools, parts/spares, locations, and even people.

Also, UHF RFID technology advancements over the past few years to improve performance in/on metal, improve ruggedness, reduce the tag size, and increase on-board memory size has brought this technology firmly in the frame for hazardous area projects. In fact, many see this technology as the future automated identification standard within hazardous areas since it offers more flexibility for the lifetime tracking of equipment both within a site and across supply chains.

However, in hazardous areas, some users still struggle with PDA devices which are large and poorly balanced, with protruding "bolt-on" UHF RFID readers and antennae which are difficult to use, awkward to carry, and can easily be snagged on plant equipment and infrastructure such as ladders -- potentially creating a safety incident.

And, over the lifetime of an RFID-tagged item of equipment, the tag needs to be read from close range when the equipment is inspected and from long range when the equipment is moved. Until now, the use of UHF RFID tags on adjacent equipment has carried the risk that the wrong equipment was scanned, and the inspection details were recorded against the wrong item of equipment. Reading smaller RFID tags which are embedded in metal or mounted on metal has also been a challenge.

With the recent introduction of the intrinsically-safe UNI900 UHF RFID reader/writer for ecom's i.roc Ci70 -Ex, these concerns can now be relegated to the past. Based on ecom's 12 years of experience delivering replaceable RFID heads, the UNI900 has designed-in protection to operate safely in hazardous areas. And, the unique flexibility of the UNI900 to read UHF RFID tags from both close range and long range means you can use it without restriction for any application. Improved antenna performance also allows reading of small RFID tags embedded-in and mounted-on metal.

Connected to the i.roc Ci70 -Ex, PDA as an integrated head module, the UNI900 head retains the same streamlined and well-balanced features of the i.roc® Ci70 -Ex, avoiding the use of any protruding "bolt-on" modules. Setup of new devices is also fast and simple using the automated 'Scan N Go' capability.

For existing Ci70 -Ex users, the UNI900 head can be easily retrofitted onto your existing devices -- giving you the future proofing you expected when you purchased your device. There is no need to buy a new Ci70 -Ex PDA, saving you time and money.

Typical applications for this device include plant audits/surveys, equipment/tool management, field inventory management, supply chain logistics, operator rounds, inspection/maintenance/repair, emergency mustering, and plant security checks.

And, the benefits include: reduced user fatigue and improved user experience; improved real-time visibility and control of containers, equipment and tools; improved accuracy of the item's cradle-to-grave history; reduced safety non-compliance risk; improved decision making and accountability; and higher profitability.

From What Range Can RFID Tags Be Interrogated?

We are asked this question often, but the answer is complicated. Active tags typically have a read range of up to 1,000 meters (3,281 feet). Last year, we wrote about a California RFID technology startup called Iotera that was launching a new active radio frequency identification tag that could transmit location- and sensor-based data at a distance of up to four miles. The tag—part of Iotera's Wireless Sensing and Tracking Platform—includes a GPS unit, a temperature sensor and an accelerometer so that it can transmit its longitude and latitude to a reader, along with its temperature or movement status (see Iotera Develops Active RFID Tag With 4-Mile Read Range).

Supply Chain RFID Tagging: Tackling the Challenges

Successful RFID cases are proliferating in the retail industry, with more fashion and apparel retailers adopting and expanding technology rollouts. As their RFID tagging volume grows, these retailers are beginning to push the tagging function back to their suppliers. This trend greatly increases the potential for non-reading or underperforming tags to enter the supply chain. There are immediate technical solutions to this challenge, and industry standards are being developed to deliver RFID source tagging best practices to retailers, brands, global producers and RFID tag and service providers. To move forward confidently with source tagging, it's important to consider the risks and rewards from a variety of angles.

Train company accused of rip-off smart card ticket prices

A major rail company that runs the country’s least reliable train service has been overcharging some passengers by up to 80 per cent. Customers have said that a Southern “smartcard” can make fares vastly more expensive as it does not offer a super off-peak ticket. Southern claims the travel card, which allows passengers to pre-book journeys, makes travelling easier and quicker. However, Chris Baber-Davies, 27, who commutes from Haywards Heath, West Sussex, to London, said the cards make some train fares as much as 79 per cent more expensive.

Gilbane Tests Out RFID System to Document Workers' Hours

Gilbane Inc., a real estate development and construction firm with more than 50 office locations worldwide, is piloting an RFID-based remote attendance solution for managing construction subcontracted workers at a building site spanning 1 million square feet. The system not only helps Gilbane's customer (the site's owner) identify each worker, but also creates an electronic record of how many hours that individual has worked onsite, and tracks whether that person represents a small business or lives locally (either category qualifies the site owner for tax breaks). The system, provided by mobile solutions company Serialio, consists of ID badges containing a built-in passive high-frequency (HF) 13.56 MHz RFID tag and a small RFID reader, linked via a Bluetooth connection to a tablet PC running cloud-based software used to track who enters and leaves the site, as well as when this occurs.

Lawmakers raise security doubts on using RFID technology

Government plans to introduce more secure Hong Kong smart identity cards from 2018 have received a hostile reception. Lawmakers on the Legislative Council panel questioned the security of the ID cards using radio-frequency identification (RFID), which can allow people - or hackers - to retrieve personal data and information from a distance. Legal-sector lawmaker and Civic Party member Dennis Kwok sought reassurances that there could be no "misuse of the technology" and whether anyone with a suitable device could "easily" access personal data on the card.

Bluetooth Beacons Bring Services, Info to SeaWorld, LA Zoo Visitors

The Los Angeles Zoo and SeaWorld have both recently launched a solution provided by The Experience Engine (TE2) that brings data to visitors via their smartphones, by providing an app that they can download, and offering information specific to a location identified via new Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons deployed throughout the parks. At the LA Zoo, guests can use their phones to take a guided tour of the recently opened Rainforest of the Americas exhibit, while SeaWorld has installed beacons throughout its park in Orlando, Fla., so that its existing Discovery Guide smartphone app now has the ability to present information based on a particular visitor's location.

CheckPoint unveils RFID labels for large-scale retailers

CheckPoint Systems, a leading global supplier of merchandise availability solutions for the retail industry, has launched new RFID labels that are certified by ARC at the Auburn University RFID Lab for four apparel categories, in order to streamline source tagging at NRF’s annual convention and expo.

The new RFID labels have integrated UCODE 7, Gen2 RFID chips that offer high performance and features for use in the most demanding RFID tagging applications from NXP semiconductors, and come with optimal read/write sensitivity for accurate counting and quicker encoding. With a wide range of apparel applications, they are ideal for retailers deploying large-scale implementations, the company said in a statement.

How Could IKEA Use RFID?

There have been no studies yet conducted to assess the return on investment (ROI) for this retail category, to my knowledge, so it would be difficult to know for sure how radio frequency identification could benefit a retail chain such as IKEA. Based on my experience, IKEA does not have an out-of-stock or inventory-accuracy problem as serious as that faced at most apparel retail stores. This is because the inventory is not as complex. A fabric armchair might come in a single color or a couple of colors, but shirts often come in five sizes and 10 colors (creating 50 separate stock-keeping units that must be managed). So the ROI at a store like IKEA would likely be different than for a store like American Apparel.

That's Maths: How barcodes and QR codes work

Virtually everything that you buy in your local supermarket has a curious little zebra-like pattern the size of a postage stamp printed on it. Barcodes, originally devised about 40 years ago to label railroad cars, are now universal on consumer products. But how do they work, and how can we be confident that they are scanned accurately and that we are charged the correct amount for our trolley of groceries?

Ugg Australia trials RFID smart mat to digitise its stores

Ugg Australia is trialling a smart mat system which allows shoppers to view more products electronically via an interactive screen. The retailer is testing a radio-frequency identification (RFID) smart mat in two stores in the US to extend its product line to include online stock. Using the Demandware content portal, the customer can place an RFID-tagged Ugg boot onto the smart mat. The mat recognises the product and sends additional information to the 10-foot screen in front of the customer.

QR codes give Broward tourists self guided nature tours

Visitors to this Florida county can now use smartphones to take eNature tours through quick response codes. Broward County Parks and Recreation Division have announced that three of the natural areas that they manage will now be equipped with QR codes that can be scanned by visitors to the regions so that they can take self guided eNature tours.

SK-Electronics Unveils Ant-Size RFID Tag

Japanese technology firm SK-Electronics has developed a passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tag that is less than 0.5 millimeters by 0.5 millimeters (0.02 inch by 0.02 inch) in size—small enough to fit on the back on an ant. For SK-Electronics, the fact that the tag can effectively transmit data (albeit with a maximum read range of about 2 millimeters, much shorter than the typical range of larger tags) means that the new Fine Tag, as it's called, could be applied to small products moving through the supply chain, for example, or requiring anti-counterfeit verification at a store.

Verifone’s new future-proof NFC terminal supports all mobile payment platforms & devices

While an increasing number of retailers are adopting smartphones and tablets as mobile payment terminals, the deployment process can often prove to be expensive and time consuming as the sizes and form factors of devices continue to change. Leading NFC terminal maker Verifone aims to solve that problem, announcing today a new mPOS terminal that supports all mobile payment platforms and devices. Verifone’s upcoming PAYware Mobile e355 should be an extremely valuable option for retailers looking to deploy a mobile POS system without being locked into a single ecosystem.

Checkpoint Systems Enables Retailers to Use Same RFID Label for Four Apparel Categories, Including Footwear, to Streamline Source Tagging

Checkpoint Systems, Inc. announced at NRF's Annual Convention & EXPO new RFID labels that are certified by ARC at the Auburn University RFID Lab for four apparel categories, including footwear, in order to streamline source tagging.

The new RFID labels have integrated UCODE 7 chips from NXP Semiconductors, and come with optimal read/write sensitivity for accurate counting and quicker encoding. With a wide range of apparel applications, they are ideal for retailers deploying large-scale implementations.

According to Uwe Sydon, Checkpoint’s senior vice president of innovation, “Several major apparel retailers have expressed an interest in our new labels, particularly those with broad product lines that include footwear and have large-scale deployment needs. With retailers devoting more inventory space to footwear, inventory management becomes even more critical, and our new labels answer their challenges.”

RFID uniquely identifies each product and attribute, providing retailers with greater inventory control and visibility, enabling them to reduce out-of-stocks, increase shelf availability and drive more sales. Additionally, using RFID tags can help retailers better manage shrink by identifying items that may have been stolen so they can be replenished, further improving inventory accuracy and shelf availability. Source tagging shifts the tag application process from a manual labor-intensive process at the store to an automated process at the point of manufacture, increasing accuracy and allowing store associates to focus on servicing shoppers rather than applying tags.

The Zephyr 3, offered with a label size of 50x30mm, has been optimized for performance with all of Checkpoint’s RFID solutions, including its RFID EAS Overhead Solution, the EVOLVE Exclusive E10 pedestal, and other Merchandise Visibility solutions. It has received certification from the Auburn University RFID Lab’s ARC program for the newly created M category in North America, which includes denim, polybagged apparel, hanging apparel and footwear. This allows retailers to use the same tag across much of their merchandise, streamlining their source tagging operations. Meanwhile, Checkpoint’s Breeze label offers the same capabilities and is offered in an extremely small form factor of 42x16mm to meet special requirements.

Tyco Retail Solutions Acquires Creativesystems, a European RFID Solution Provider

Tyco Retail Solutions has reached an agreement to acquire Creativesystems, a provider of advanced RFID solutions with primary operations in Portugal. Creativesystems supplies integrated RFID solutions and professional services that improve operational efficiency for retailers and manufacturers.

The combination of Creativesystems and Tyco Retail Solutions will accelerate delivery of RFID-based inventory visibility applications for retailers globally. Creativesystems is recognized for its flexible software development and easy-to-implement RFID solutions that effectively address specific needs of retailers and manufacturers. The company's technical and professional services capabilities will complement Tyco Retail Solutions' existing global RFID infrastructure and facilitate expansion of Tyco's TrueVUE Retail Platform and associated item-level inventory visibility applications.

"We are excited to be a part of the Tyco Retail family," said João Vilaça, CEO, Creativesystems. "Together, our aligned, customer-focused approach will offer unprecedented value to our retail and manufacturing customers."

GS1 Expects Tagged-Item Performance Protocol Guideline to Boost RFID Adoption

Standards group GS1 US has released its Tagged-Item Performance Protocol (TIPP), a guideline that includes a scale for grading the performance of EPC ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags when used on specific products and in specific environments, as well standardizing the testing conducted to identify that grade. The TIPP guideline—a set of four documents developed by GS1 US's Item Level RFID Workgroup—is intended to make it easier for both retailers and suppliers to test and identify the best tag for use with each product and use case. That, predicts Melanie Nuce, GS1 US's VP of apparel and general merchandise, could pave the way for more universal adoption of item-level RFID tagging of apparel and other goods.

QR codes bring mobile marketing to traditional television

A company from Arizona called SymbolShifters has now patented a new method of bringing traditional television broadcasting into the digital environment through the use of QR codes that can be displayed on TV screens and scanned by mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. In this way, marketing over television and online will work with each other instead of being seen as counterparts. The QR codes have been seen as an opportunity to be able to greatly expand the marketing opportunity that is available through a standard television commercial.

Kayne Partners backs Atlas RFID

Atlas RFID announced that Kayne Partners has invested in the company to support the growth of its Auto-Identification-based materials tracking and management solution for the construction industry focused on Oil, Gas and Chemical (“OG&C”), Power and Mining markets. Kayne Partners is the growth private equity group of Kayne Anderson Capital Advisors, L.P., an approximately $29 billion alternative investment firm.

“The Jovix solution designed by Atlas RFID couples third-party hardware with its proprietary software to provide a fully integrated solution. We believe Atlas is well positioned to take advantage of the growth potential in the market and we continue to be impressed with the Atlas management team.”

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Atlas helps large-scale construction firms save time and money by accurately monitoring the status and availability of materials for capital construction projects. Founded in 2007 by Robert Fuqua (Chief Executive Officer), Atlas provides auto identification tagging and monitoring services on global projects with capital expenditures of at least $500 million.

Atlas RFID sells its proprietary mobile material control solution to Engineering Procurement Construction (“EPC”) companies as well as to the owners of OG&C, power and mining construction projects. Utilizing technologies such as GPS, RFID and barcodes (“Auto-Identification” or “Auto-ID”), Atlas digitizes and automates jobsites, providing unprecedented visibility into the complex industrial construction supply chain.

USDA Embarks on 18-Month UHF RFID Pilot for Tracking Cattle

The U.S. government's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has launched a nationwide pilot of ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID technology for use in tracking cattle at ranches, feedlots, auctions and slaughterhouses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) agency began providing UHF RFID tags to pilot participants last month. APHIS' goal is to determine the feasibility of employing UHF RFID to identify cattle moving from one location to another, including the ability to read tags on multiple animals as they are loaded onto trucks or being observed by veterinarians or other individuals. The UHF technology could be an alternative to low-frequency (LF) RFID, as well as ear tags printed with ID numbers that are read visually.

Bitcoin wallet Circle launches NFC powered tap-to-pay in its mobile app

Bitcoin wallet Circle now lets customers pay in-store with bitcoins using its mobile app. Circle users can now use their phones to pay with bitcoins wherever the cryptocurrency is accepted. Circle joins BitPay in leveraging near field communication (NFC) enabled Android phones to spend bitcoins. BitPay lists 44,000 merchants that use its software to accept bitcoins, though how many of them accept the cryptocurrency in store is anyone’s guess. But there are grassroots efforts to bring Bitcoin to more physical outlets, like Snapcard’s attempt to make San Francisco the Bitcoin capital of the world.

GS1 publishes new retail RFID guidelines

GS1 US has released a new guideline called the "Tagged Item Performance Protocol" (TIPP) to help the retail sector consistently define, test and verify the performance level of Electronic Product Code (EPC)-enabled Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags. Developed by retailers, suppliers and technology solution providers, TIPP offers a standardized system to benchmark the performance of RFID-tagged items in multiple environments. According to the organization, implementing an RFID program with enhanced tagged-item performance enables retailers to maximize the benefits of RFID, including greater inventory accuracy, improved point-of-sale, decreased out-of-stocks, improved loss detection, enhanced stock conversion reporting, increased full price sales and expedited returns.

Firms are selling the Internet of Things hard

At this year’s International CES — the consumer tech industry’s annual Las Vegas confab -- you can’t go more than a few steps without hearing someone talking about a way to connect something new to the Internet. But as companies rush to create apps and embed chips in everything from your blankets to your shoes, it’s unclear whether consumers are as hot on the “smart everything” trend.  After all, people probably don’t need an alert on their phone to tell them when their toast is ready — the bread popping out is a pretty good clue. But as companies rush to create apps and embed chips in everything from your blankets to your shoes, it’s unclear whether consumers are as hot on the “smart everything” trend.  After all, people probably don’t need an alert on their phone to tell them when their toast is ready — the bread popping out is a pretty good clue.

CYBRA to Showcase EdgeMagic RFID Solutions for Retailers at NRF 2015 Conference

CYBRA Corporation, the developer of EdgeMagic RFID Platform Software, will be demonstrating RFID solutions for retailers in two partner booths at the National Retail Federation 104^th Annual Big Show Convention, January 11-13 at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

Responding to the retail marketplace need for proven ultra-high performance RFID solutions, Oracle has chosen CYBRA's EdgeMagic RFID Platform Software as the RFID engine inside Oracle Store Inventory Management (SIM) 14.1. The Oracle RFID-enabled SIM solution will be on exhibit at the Oracle booth (#2521).

Another strategic CYBRA partner is Impinj, makers of UHF RFID products including tag chips, reader chips, fixed readers, and RFID innovations that support complete solutions. EdgeMagic will be powering Loss Prevention solutions in the Impinj booth (#1570).

CYBRA offers retailers field-proven software and hardware that are engineered for the retail supply chain. From high volume DC operations through store requirements for the back room, POS, and Loss Prevention, CYBRA has successfully integrated Impinj RFID hardware at leading retail accounts.

Athens Public Transport to Issue Smart Cards

In 2016 commuters in Athens will be able to use smart cards in order to move around the city using public transport. The Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) signed a deal with the consortium LG-Terna for the creation of a new ticket system that will be used from 2016 in the Greek capital’s public transport. The new system will be based on a contactless smart card that can be preloaded with credit ahead of time, or loaded with weekly and monthly fares (travelcard). The cards will be swiped over electronic readers at the moment of entry into a public transport vehicle and then once again when the commuter disembarks.

Who Provides Tech Support for the Internet of Things?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a funny phenomenon. While the phrase connotes “interconnectedness,” the truth is that these new gadgets, applications, interfaces, and systems aren’t nearly as interconnected as we expect them to be. Sure, the “things” we’re using to accomplish those tasks work well individually (for the most part), but how many of them work well together and do so consistently? Who can help us make that happen? Who will help when any or many are not inter-operating as expected?

Taiwan operators roll out NFC-based mobile payments

Taiwan’s mobile operators have jumped on board to support the country’s largest mobile commerce platform, which has the backing of 32 banks, three payment processing institutions and EasyCard. It also has had the support of Visa and Mastercard since early December. Chunghwa Telecom this week was the first operator to launch mobile payments using the NFC-based system. Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone and Asia Pacific Telecom are expected to roll out the service soon.

Photonics and the Internet of Things

A recent Forbes magazine article looks at the history of IoT, with references back to 1932 of how technology would enable be the mechanical 'slave' of the future that would control our thermostat, light our pathway, and start our car. One of the first examples of an IoT application was an early 1980s smart Coke machine installed at Carnegie Mellon University whereby the Internet-connected machine could keep track of how many bottles were dispensed and their temperature; today, however, these capabilities are easily expanded to using the machine for marketing and sales purposes. That is, an Internet-connected device could yield usage information--what types of soft drinks are selling better than others; at what times of day are they selling; and what locations are preferred in a geographical area. All of this 'smart' information benefits the soft drink vendors, improving product sales.

Imec prints sub-one volt RFID chip on flexible plastic

Imec has announced a breakthrough in the race to develop RFID chips to enable the Internet of Things (IoT). Imec's low voltage RFID chip will be targeted at the nascent Internet of Things - Source: Imec Internet of Things  On 17 December, it unveiled a thin-film transistor (TFT) circuit mounted on a 25µ thick foil. The chip operates off just 0.55V, consuming 0.25µW of power.

things Samsung pledges over $100m to make an open Internet of Things finally happen

Samsung’s chief executive BK Yoon promised more than $100m in funding for developers and to create an open system to kickstart an Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. Samsung sold 665m devices last year, many of which already have internet connectivity. But Yoon promised that by 2017 90% of those devices will plug into the IoT ecosystem, and 100% in five years. “I’ve heard people say they want to create a single operating system for IoT, but these people only work with their own devices. We can deliver the benefits of IoT only if all sensors can talk to each other,” said Yoon in his opening keynote for CES in Las Vegas where he laid out Samsung’s vision for the future of IoT.

Impinj Is on the Move

During the development of its xArray reader in 2013, Impinj realized that it had outgrown its research and development space. The xArray reader was being designed to identify the locations of merchandise throughout a store or other open space, providing real-time tracking of items via passive EPC Gen 2 ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) tags. The RFID company, residing on a single floor of an office building in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood, felt that it would require additional space in order to be able to fully test and measure what the xArray would be able to do as it was being developed.

Chunghwa Telecom launches NFC-based mobile payment service

Chunghwa Telecom Co., Taiwan's largest wireless carrier, now supports mobile payments for digital credit cards using the NFC (near field communication) features on select smartphones. The service launched Tuesday in cooperation with Taiwan Mobile Payment Co. issues virtual cards through over-the-air downloads to 3G or 4G smartphones that have NFC transmitters.

RFID Outclasses Manual Furniture Inventory System at USC

The University of Southern California (USC) housing office knew its housing facilities, on and off campus, had upwards of 60,000 pieces of furniture and appliances. But until the student housing office deployed a radio frequency identification system, tracking which items were at what locations, as well as which were broken, missing or due for replacement, required exhaustive manual inventories. Those inventory counts, typically conducted during summers, required the hiring of temporary workers and many hours of labor to catalog what was where.

How a Canada-based Company Uses RFID & Logistics Practices from Industrial Supply Chains to Help Hospitals

A significant number of hospitals and healthcare institutions currently ignore automated processes by using their ERP’s data modules or financial systems to manage their central inventory stories and distribution warehouses; these inefficient processes were designed for tracking and financial purposes and not for building process automation and optimization. To solve this problem, Quebec-based Logi-D have partnered with WMS providers to help hospitals manage online receiving, directed put-away & cyclical inventory and wireless picking.