Telkomsel launches NFC mobile payments and loyalty service in Indonesia

Mobile network operator Telkomsel Indonesia has launched an NFC mobile payment and loyalty service in partnership with Verifone Mobile Money and financial services provider Finnet Indonesia to allow more than 140m subscribers to tap and pay with their mobile device at participating merchant locations.

Can Active RFID Tags Be Read From Long Distances?

Active RFID tags have a read range of 1,000 feet or more. These are battery-powered tags that broadcast a signal, rather than harvesting energy from a reader and reflecting back a signal. The requirements depend on what your application is and what you are trying to track. Typically, active tags are based on the Dash-7 air-interface protocol, but there are proprietary systems as well.

Dtylish RFID wallet full of 3D printing gadgets now on Kickstarter

The future is here… and there’s an RFID tag embedded in it. Now that such a large number of ID and credit cards are making use of radio-frequency identification technology, owners of those cards are able to go through a range of identification checks with minimal effort. However, with ease comes danger: RFID chips, often full of sensitive data, are vulnerable to a particular form of data theft known as RFID skimming. Thieves can obtain RFID readers, which are able to read the RFID information stored in your wallet, without making any physical contact. Once the data is in the wrong hands, well… it’s best not to imagine what comes next.

New app ‘nect’ launched, leveraging iBeacon and gamification

KUALA Lumpur-based Hyperion Labs Sdn Bhd said it has launched its ‘nect’ app for the Android and iOS platforms, allowing consumers to harvest points at physical shops – without needing to touch their phones – and letting them redeem specials using the accumulated points. The app also complements retailers’ marketing efforts to encourage consumers to be physically present at their outlets.

MasterCard aims to link wearables, payments and the Internet of Things

MasterCard on Monday said it has partnered with a variety of hardware makers to transform everyday objects -- from key fobs to jewelry -- into Internet-connected payment devices. Essentially, MasterCard plans to utilize the connectivity and security features commonly found in digital payments in an attempt to tightly weave commerce with the Internet of Things. The idea is bold (a key fob for payments?) but seeing as it's rooted in the basics of IoT, the technology required to make it all come together is definitely doable.

Medical device firm wins with barcode labeling software

From small medical device assembly projects to complete medical device outsourcing, Minneapolis-based Quality Tech Services (QTS) provides medical device packaging, assembly, kitting, and other services. Its facility includes ISO Class 7 cleanrooms, an engineering lab, inspection suite, and warehousing area. As the company’s business grew, however, it needed to improve its workflow process and reduce risks. To accomplish that, QTS turned to TEKLYNX Intl., a global developer of barcode labeling software.

Taiwanese tea leaves to be monitored using RFID

Aletheia University said it hopes its application for radio frequency identification (RFID) technology can help alleviate consumer concern over hand-shaken soft drinks, following revelations some chain stores are using mixed tea leaves. According to school of management professor Hong Chao-fu (洪朝富), there is no question concerning the quality of Taiwanese tea leaves, but the profit made using mixed leaves is too great.

Gnoments Product Launch Brings Romance to the Tech World

More than a romantic gift made to pull at one's heartstrings, the gnomes behind Gnoments are a tech-savvy duo designed for the 21st century. This innovative creation harnesses the convenience of modern technology and pairs it with two adorable gnomes to connect loved ones and encourage the thoughtfulness we all need in a relationship.

Through the gnomes embedded NFC Chip (Near Field Communication), couples are able to program a variety of special messages using NFC-enabled smart phones that their loved one can scan and read.


From their long pigtails and beards, to their giant noses and handy backpacks where handwritten notes and small gifts can be hidden, every detail is meant to bring a smile to one's face and an excited tingle to one's belly in anticipation of what the secret message will be. Whether the user programs a message onto the chip or puts a note in the back pouch, they must hide the gnome where the significant other is sure to find it. Once discovered, the partner will surely feel loved as they either open the back pouch to reveal the surprise inside or scan the chip to retrieve the message.

France-Based ELA Innovation to Begin Exporting RFID Tech to Canadian Market

Following ELA Innovation’s participation in reference fairs in the US market (CES 2015, RFID Journal Live 2015), they are targeting the North American market as their main growth drivers. “Our ultimate goal is to achieve 50% of our sales abroad” said Willy Le Mercier, head of ELA Innovation International Sales. Willy met in early October a dozen of Canadian companies in order to set up distribution and integration partnerships. ELA Innovation will also participate for the second time to the CES 2016, in January at Las Vegas, in the EURAKA Park, area reserved to the most innovative companies.

Harting's Roadshow Truck Takes RFID for Ride

Harting Technology Group, a manufacturer of industrial connectors, cable assemblies, backplane assemblies, Ethernet switches and radio frequency identification solutions, is giving its U.S. and Canadian customers and distributors, as well as potential new customers, the opportunity to view its products in person, via the company's Roadshow Truck. The 33-foot-long vehicle is packed with RFID-enabled displays of Harting products.

IoT standards groups get ready to rumble at CES

Like prizefighters in intense training, two groups trying to define the Internet of Things are headed for a big showdown in Las Vegas early next year. Visitors to the International CES in early January should get to see products certified by the AllSeen Alliance and the Open Interconnect Consortium. Each group is promoting its own approach to making connected devices and the applications running on them work together. 

Teradata releases the power of IoT data

The number of connected devices is increasing rapidly and producing large amounts of data. Extracting value from that data and gaining useful business insights from it though is a complex process. Big data applications company Teradata is announcing two new software products that empower business users to uncover and operationalize the insights hidden within Internet of Things (IoT) data

IDTechEx Research finds RFID market exceeds $10bn milestone in 2015

RFID is thriving, reaching total sales of $10.1bn in 2015 with a large scope ahead for continued roll-out in many established markets and growth in new markets. However, companies must consider their positioning as many new players enter the market while the value chain consolidates, finds IDTechEx Research in the new detailed report, RFID Forecasts, Players, Opportunities 2016-2026 which covers the entire industry. 38% of the 2015 market value is for the tags themselves - totalling 9.1bn tags begin sold in 2015, up from 7.8bn tags in 2014.

SEPTA’s Smart Card System Could Be Rolled Out By End Of Year

SEPTA says it’ll know soon whether riders will see the launch of its electronic fare system this year. So will the smart card system called ‘SEPTA Key’ be operating by New Year’s Day? SEPTA GM Jeff Knueppel says over the next two weeks the subcontractor, Xerox, will continue pilot tests for reliability: “It really depends on if the last couple of items in their testing get handled this month. Then, there is the possibility of some start of the rollout of this fare collection system by the end of the year. If not, it should be early in the new calendar year.”

U.S. move to EMV technology makes card transactions safer

The Smart Card Alliance estimates that around 120 million Americans already have received one of these new cards, which is called an “EMV” card for Europay, MasterCard and Visa. By the end of 2015, there will be about two of these new cards issued for every American. Using these cards is just a tiny bit different than the “swipe” we’ve all gotten used to. You can either “dip” them or “wave” them. When you dip, you place the part of the card with the chip into a card reader for a bit longer than it takes to swipe. When you wave, you hold it close to the reader without touching it.

Cape Breton company first to offer RFID chip technology in local sporting events

Local race organizers have been turning to a homegrown company over the past year to keep accurate time for competitors. Limitless Race Timing is the only provider of radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip race timing and measurement services in Cape Breton. Jeris Abbass of Sydney is the man behind the venture. The 27-year-old works as a financial analyst for the Nova Scotia Health Authority.

Century Link America Opens Doors for RFID Partners

Hangzhou Century Link Technology Co. is bringing its RFID technology to North America with a new office in Schaumburg, Ill., aimed at offering better service and support to its partners—systems integrators in the region. Century Link America will include a sales team that will work with companies using Century Link products in their RFID-based solutions. One partner is Universal Surveillance Systems (USS), which makes custom RFID and electronic article surveillance (EAS) solutions for its clients—which, according to the company, are most major U.S. retailers.

California Governor Vetoes RFID Tags In Driver's Licenses, Chooses Security Over Convenience

California Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill that would have seen an option for radio frequency identification tags in driver's licenses. RFID tags would have been voluntary, but they would have also opened up situations in which licenses with tags are expected, making them mandatory. The problem with RFID tags is that they could be the target of hacks and security breaches, and the idea of including them in licenses has alarmed privacy advocates ever since the bill was proposed.

Milwaukee Cylinder Announces New RFID Technology for Tie Rod Cylinder Identification and Maintenance Tracking

Milwaukee Cylinder, a leader and innovator in the hydraulic and pneumatic actuation field, announces its new RFID solution for easy identification and maintenance tracking of tie rod cylinders. The RFID tags come pre-loaded with cylinder identifying information and maintenance kit information, allowing for simple preparation of maintenance activity. Once maintenance is complete, the date and work comments can be recorded to the tag, making it easy to track a cylinder’s history and set-up an optimal maintenance schedule.

Milwaukee Cylinder built its RFID solution around rugged, high frequency (HF) RFID tags made by Balluff, and the Milwaukee Cylinder proprietary RFID tag mounting system. The selected Balluff RFID tags are highly durable, made for industrial applications. The Milwaukee Cylinder proprietary RFID tag mounting system allows an RFID tag to be mounted anywhere on a tie rod, on any side of the cylinder. This flexibility allows placement of the RFID tag for easy access, even while the cylinder is mounted in a machine. 

Are Eventbrite's RFID Wristbands The Death of the Concert Ticket?

Even the most exciting, perfectly executed event has its headaches. Whether it's a small tech conference or an EDM concert, there's seemingly no way around the long lines, limited toilets, and need to carry around a bunch of cash (or else get hit with exorbitant ATM fees). But what if we could at least get rid of paper tickets and the long lines they create? Eventbrite, the ticketing and event management platform, is taking a crack at this paperless future. The company announced a new option for people planning events through Eventbrite: RFID bracelets.

FreeCharge launches top-up for Mum Metro smart card users

Snapdeal-owned digital payments platform, FreeCharge today launched top-up facility for the smart card users of Mumbai metro. With this new integration, FreeCharge will enable smart card recharges on its website, Android, iOS and Windows operating systems, allowing users to recharge on the go, it said in a statement. Customers only need to enter their unique smart card number which will lead to the payments gateway.

Information on boarding pass barcodes poses personal security risk

You probably don't realize it, but the data stored within the barcode at the bottom of your airline boarding pass can hold personal information that could be valuable to hackers, identity thieves or even stalkers. In a post on his blog, computer security expert Brian Krebs suggested that you might want to shred your old boarding passes - and definitely resist posting pictures of them to social media, no matter how jealous it'll make your coworkers.

Volkswagen AG Forges Ahead With Transparent Prototype

The aim of Industry 4.0 is to create an intelligent factory characterized by flexibility, resource efficiency, high ergonomics and electronic networking of all value-adding process partners. One key technological basis for this is the Internet of Things (IoT), which involves the idea that, in the future, objects will communicate independently with each other and with their environment.

The automotive industry has long been striving to optimize production and logistics processes. At the same time, the industry is also known for the high level of electronic networking between suppliers and vehicle manufacturers in the production process. However, it does not automatically follow that the automotive industry is in a position to handle all new requirements in relation to Industry 4.0—for example, cross-company communication.

Chevron to offer NFC mobile payments at the pump

Oil and gas company Chevron has teamed up with Visa to offer mobile payments at the pump at 20 locations in San Francisco and Silicon Valley from “later this fall”. The service will be compatible with any NFC mobile payment service including Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay, Visa says.

Scotiabank expands availability of NFC mobile wallet service

Canada’s Scotiabank has expanded the reach of its SIM-based NFC mobile wallet service to four additional mobile network operators by connecting to EnStream, the joint venture between carriers Bell Mobility, Telus and Rogers Communications that acts as a single connection point between the country’s card issuers and mobile network operators.

GIKS Mode to Open Seventh RFID-enabled Store

Belgian fashion retailer GIKS Mode plans to open its seventh RFID-enabled store in February 2016, according to Stefaan Allemeersch, the company's CEO and owner. The firm has already deployed a radio frequency identification system at its distribution center and six stores to track its inventory from the DC through to the point of sale (POS). GIKS Mode sells fashion apparel from a variety of brands at its stores located across Belgium.

Is RFID ready for a reinvention?

Back in the early 2000s, the tech term radio frequency identification (RFID) became much better known to people in business because big players in supply chains including Walmart and the U.S. Department of Defense were piloting RFID technology to track inventory. The thinking then was that with such major players pushing RFID, it would soon become a mainstay method of tracking goods in supply chains, perhaps even eclipsing the bar code.

Chrome OS devices can now act as programmable Bluetooth LE beacons

Business that use Chrome OS for signage and single-purpose kiosks can tap into new trick: Turning those devices into Bluetooth LE beacons to shoot web addresses to nearby potential customers. Google's Francois Beaufort notes that the feature is currently available in the Chrome OS Developer Channel for now, so it's not quite ready for prime time. It is a good time to experiment with beacons though.

Milwaukee Cylinder Announces New RFID Technology for Tie Rod Cylinder

Milwaukee Cylinder announces its new RFID solution for easy identification and maintenance tracking of tie rod cylinders. The RFID tags come pre-loaded with cylinder identifying information and maintenance kit information, allowing for simple preparation of maintenance activity. Once maintenance is complete, the date and work comments can be recorded to the tag, making it easy to track a cylinder’s history and set-up an optimal maintenance schedule.

Milwaukee Cylinder built its RFID solution around rugged, high frequency (HF) RFID tags made by Balluff, and the Milwaukee Cylinder proprietary RFID tag mounting system. The selected Balluff RFID tags are highly durable, made for industrial applications. The Milwaukee Cylinder proprietary RFID tag mounting system allows an RFID tag to be mounted anywhere on a tie rod, on any side of the cylinder. This flexibility allows placement of the RFID tag for easy access, even while the cylinder is mounted in a machine.

3D barcodes target counterfeit drugs and devices

A UK team has developed 3D barcodes that could help tackle counterfeiting of drugs, watches and other devices. The codes consist of a series of small indentations with precise, slightly different depths, allowing for billions of different combinations. They are deciphered by a device that "reads" the dents using beams of light.

Can RFID technology do for fashion what it has done for music festivals?

Digital is big business at Fashion Week. Catwalk shows are entertaining spectacles verging on theatrical performances, and the introduction of digital technology has enhanced the way designers display their collections as well as the audience’s experience – whether they’re sitting on the front row or in the brand’s Oxford Street store. So introducing new technology would not be difficult for any Fashion Week – these are people that embrace new trends and want to stay ahead of the masses in every way. Technology shows no signs of slowing down the fashion industry.

Ways Mobile Is Moving Beyond NFC

Competition is heating up among mobile wallet makers, but not everyone is racing toward the same goal. Many are starting to look past Near Field Communication-based contactless payments, championing newer technologies as well as reviving older business models.Despite being a clear success in mobile payments, Starbucks has never implemented an NFC payment process in its stores. Instead, the coffee chain is pushing ahead with cloud-based alternatives.

Global RFID in Healthcare Market: North America is expected to show high growth rate by 2020

Radiofrequency identification (RFID) refers to a wireless technology that uses radio-frequency waves to identify and track tags which attached to the objects. RFID system comprises of two components including tags and readers. In the process of identification of the object, RFID reader emits radio-frequency waves and receive signals back from the RFID tag. RFID technologies in healthcare help in patient tracking, surgery asset management, wait time monitoring, handwashing, asset management, parking and medication authentication and control. In addition, these technologies also help in facilities management, access control, inventory management, laundry management, document and file tracking and waste management. On the basis of RFID component, RFID in healthcare market can be segmented into RFID tags, RFID readers, RFID cabinets, RFID middleware and RFID printers.

New Kickstarter Campaign Launched For Urban Slim Wallet 2.0 RFID Protection Carbon Fiber Edition

Standard wallets have become unsafe. They have become a target by criminals who can read credit cards and copy the information without having to get their hands on them. Tens of thousands of people are subjected to credit card fraud due to not being protected by a RFID protection wallet. The special RFID protection that the urban slim wallet provides keeps credit card info and ID data secured against any thieves.

A new crowdfunding campaign has been launched on the Kickstarter platform by Victor Hung to raise $8,000 for a new Urban Slim Wallet 2.0 RFID Protection Carbon Fiber edition. The wallet is made out of premium genuine leather and 3K Carbon Fiber for more durability, style, convenience, and digital theft protection.

The new edition of Urban Slim Wallet is completely redesigned into a minimal, super thin, and flexible wallet that handles customers’ cash, cards, receipts, and much more. Unlike the fat and large traditional wallets that often cause frustration by exposing the wallet’s content, the new product is super slim, light and safe, which helps people to conveniently carry all their important items. A special pocket is added for quick access that can handle multiple cards and keep them well-protected with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology.

With this Kickstarter campaign, the manufacturer hopes to raise enough funds for manufacturing, packaging, and shipping of the new wallet’s line. Upon the successful ending of the campaign, the company expects to start shipping Urban Slim Wallet 2.0 on Dec 15th, 2015.

The History of the Bar Code

Every few years, the small town of Troy in Miami County, Ohio celebrates an historic occasion that for a few giddy weeks puts it on the world map of the grocery trade. At the time, National Cash Register, which provided the checkout equipment, was based in Ohio and Troy was also the headquarters of the Hobart Corporation, which developed the weighing and pricing machines for loose items such as meat. It was here, at just after 8 a.m. on June 26, 1974, that the first item marked with the Universal Product Code (UPC) was scanned at the checkout of Troy’s Marsh Supermarket.

India Barcode Scanners and Printers Market to Grow at Around 19%

According to recently released TechSci Research report, "India Barcode Scanners and Printers Market Forecast & Opportunities, 2020", barcode scanners and printers market in India is forecast to register a CAGR of around 19% during 2015 - 2020. This robust growth in the country's barcode scanners and printers market is expected to take place on account of expanding business of E-commerce companies coupled with increasing government focus on projects such as digitization of Public Distribution System (PDS) and using barcode technology for issuing ration cards and driving licenses. The usage of barcode scanners and printers is growing across various sectors such as automotive, pharmaceutical and healthcare, E-commerce and retail, warehousing and logistics, etc. In recent years, processes related to modernization of assembly lines, and inventory management in warehouses have also catalysed the usage of barcode scanners and printers.

Zebra Technologies, Honeywell, SATO, and TVS Electronics are few of the leading players of India's barcode scanners and printers market that operate through their respective distributor and dealer networks in the country. In 2014, the country's northern and southern regions collectively accounted for a majority share of the barcode scanners and printers market, and this trend is expected to continue over next five years. Growing number of multinational logistics service providers is one of the major factors expected to significantly contribute to the growth of barcode scanners and printers market in India.

RFID chips in driver’s licenses. What could go wrong?

Radio frequency identification chips are everywhere—in passports, library and payment cards, school ID cards, and even in NFL players' uniforms. So why not put RFID chips in driver's licenses? California Gov. Jerry Brown has a bill awaiting his veto or signature that would do just that. The states of Washington, New York, Michigan, and Vermont already have adopted the spy-friendly, voluntary program that links your license with the Department of Homeland Security. For the moment, the cards are designed to be used instead of passports at US land borders in a bid to speed up the entrance lines from Mexico and Canada.

Wearable Barcode Scanner Delivers Transportation Efficiency

As e-commerce drives a growing market for parcel shipments, carriers are leaning heavily on technology to shave precious seconds off of each transaction in order to keep pace with the growing demand. Forward-looking transportation and logistics companies are turning to wearable devices to give them an edge. KOAMTAC, a manufacturer of Bluetooth-enabled barcode scanners and mobile point-of-sale solutions, entered the wearables market with the KDC Finger Trigger Glove accessory. This commercial-grade, wearable barcode scanner links to a smartphone or tablet and can deliver efficiency gains for carriers and shippers.

At Kumho Tire Factory, RFID Drives First-In, First-Out Process

Korean tire manufacturer Kumho Tire is employing passive ultrahigh-frequency (UHF) RFID tags to track its consumption of the rubber materials that it uses to assemble tires at two of its factories. Qbit's RFID solution is enabling the company to boost its efficiency, better manage its rubber material and ensure that the rubber is used on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis, thereby allowing it to consume the material before it becomes stiffens with age or reaches its expiration date. The system has been installed at Kumho's plants in the South Korean cities of Gwangju and Gokseung, while several of its other factories may take the system live during the next two years.

Marketing Innovation And The Internet of Things

Innovation using Internet of Things technologies continues and is limited only by someone’s imagination. And what one person dreams up for one purpose may ultimately be adapted for other purposes, most notably marketing messages. For example, one startup company added smartphone-controlled lights into the shoulders and wrists of a jacket. GPS tracking from the phone automatically triggers the lights telling a bicycle or motorcycle rider which way to turn, while the lights on the shoulders notify anyone following which way the rider will be going.

So you don’t understand the Internet of Things? Don’t worry, you soon will

The next big thing always looks better than the last big thing, especially when that next big thing is the Internet of Things. If your eyes glazed over as you read that sentence, or if you’re not entirely sure what we’re talking about when we say Internet of Things, you’re not alone. A recent poll carried out in the US found that 90 per cent of consumers don’t have a notion what that phrase means. But they will soon. If its proselytisers are to be believed – and they probably are – the consuming world is about to live through the greatest upheaval since the industrial revolution.

Android Pay doesn't work on rooted devices

Google may have stepped on the toes of a few Android “power users” — i.e., those who root and ROM their devices — when they decided to exclude rooted devices (along with everyone outside the US) from joining in on the mobile payment party. The part that rustled feathers was the fact that, before Android Pay was introduced, Google Wallet was handling mobile payments just fine and played nice with all NFC-equipped Android devices whether you were stock, rooted, or running a custom ROM. So why not Android Pay?

Global radio frequency identification (RFID) smart label market set to grow according to forecasts

Global radio frequency identification (RFID) smart label market is to reach $4924.4 million by 2019 owing to increased demand in retail inventory tracking and pallet tracking. According to the new market research report “Global Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Smart Label Market by Type (Low Frequency RFID, High Frequency RFID, Ultra High Frequency RFID), by Application, and by Geography - Analysis and Forecast to 2019”, the global RFID smart label market is estimated to grow from $2.2 billion in 2014 to $4.9 billion by 2019, at a CAGR of 17% from 2014 to 2019.