These Fridges Won't Dispense Filtered Water Unless You Pay Extra for 'Official' Filters With RFID Chips

Unlike many fridges that just warn you with a light that you need to change your fridge’s filter, users say GE’s newer models actually stop you from getting filtered water or ice—unless you pony up the $50+ for a far more expensive GE-sanctioned water filter. The GE website claims the RFID system is designed to help “prevent leaks,” and is quick to note that users receive a bypass plug (which you may have thrown away but can pay $25 to replace) that graciously lets users consume unfiltered water. The company did not respond to inquiries asking why any of these restrictions are necessary.

Janam Offers Contactless Self-Credentialing Solutions With NFC

Janam Technologies, a provider of rugged mobile computers designed to capture data and communicate wirelessly, unveiled its latest contactless ticketing technologies. The company's XT3 rugged touch computer and Guardian GT1 entry pedestal are designed to allow individuals to gain access to an enterprise by digitally self-certifying their identities, Janam reports. With the XT3 or GT1 devices, Janam indicates, businesses in multiple industries can provide a "tap-and-go" experience to move customers through the identification process quickly and securely.

QR Code payments gaining popularity across India, South East Asia

QR Codes could be the next big thing in the digital payments space and Asian banks and FinTechs are already banking on it. Thailand’s oldest bank Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) has partnered with blockchain technology and digital asset firm Ripple to create a QR code enabled low-cost cross-border payment mechanism. Developed in Japan Developed in Japan in the mid-nineties, QR (Quick Response) code payment is a contactless payment method where payment is performed by scanning a code, containing thousands of alphanumeric characters, for facilitating payment. In a blog dated January 8, 2020, Ripple mentioned that it has partnered with SCB to help bring the company into a digital age and provide a cross-border payment facility to the latter’s over 16 million customers.

Italian Postal Service Targets SMBs With QR Code Payments

Italian postal service Poste Italiane is introducing a new payments technology in an effort to attract more domestic small businesses, according to a report by Reuters. Poste Italiane’s new technology will be based on QR codes, which let buyers pay for things using their phones without the use of a POS terminal. Italy has been fairly adamant about the introduction of cashless payments; just last month, the country said it will give bonuses to people who eschew cash for electronic payment services.

APR installs 50th SupplySentry RFID system

All Printing Resources (APR) has announced the installation of its 50th SupplySentry RFID inventory management system at Oak Creek, WI-based Südpack USA. Südpack, a multi-national packaging group with headquarters in Germany, specializes in flexo, rotogravure and digital flexible packaging applications. APR installed the SupplySentry system in October of 2019 to help Südpack's monitoring of frequently used consumables. Südpack plans to expand the types of consumables the SupplySentry will monitor. In addition to streamlining the way companies manage inventory and consolidate purchasing, APR's SupplySentry RFID inventory management dystem also means converters don't have to apply personnel to the task of monitoring inventory.

Zebra Technologies’ RFID Tech Will Track Super Bowl LIV Action

RFID specialist Zebra Technologies Corp. will hold a press conference on Jan. 29 to showcase key data collected during the past NFL season, and set the stage for how Super Bowl LIV contestants Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers match up for the big game on Feb. 2.

As the Official On-Field Player-Tracking Provider for the NFL, Zebra will be represented by John Pollard, vice president of business development for Zebra Sports. He will take attendees inside the best-in-class player and ball tracking technology behind the NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Matt Swenson, vice president of emerging products and technology for the NFL, will also speak about how the data benefits the league, teams, broadcasters and fans.

This past summer, Zebra inked a renewal of its partnership with the NFL, which extended the company’s role through the 2021 season. To enable the data collection, Zebra attaches RFID tags in player equipment and footballs, transmitting real-time location data to receivers positioned around the stadium that gather metrics such as player speed, distance traveled, orientation and acceleration.

Retailers Deploying New Omnichannel Functionality With RFID

Technology company Checkpoint has released a new version of its HALO Internet of Things (IoT) software platform to support in-store fulfilment of omnichannel orders, including a feature known as "task management" and updated omnichannel-based functionality in an app used in stores. The software automatically routes online orders to the appropriate stores based on inventory availability, and store associates can automatically receive and then fulfill "buy online pickup in store" (BOPIS) orders, as well as ship-from-store purchases. Companies such as Spanish fashion brand Desigual are using the latest version of HALO to streamline their omnichannel services.

California Notices Emergency Cannabis Regulations Requiring QR Code Certificate

The California Bureau of Cannabis Control (Bureau) provided notice to the public of proposed emergency cannabis regulations that would make it mandatory for cannabis businesses to post their unique Quick Response Code (QR Code) certificate in storefront windows and carry it with them while transporting or delivering cannabis. The move is designed to help consumers identify licensed cannabis retail stores, assist law enforcement and support the legal cannabis market where products such as vape cartridges are routinely tested to protect public health and safety. The proposed regulations, which have been posted to the Bureau’s website, would require licensed retailers to print and post their unique QR Code in storefront windows or near entrances, to help educate consumers about the importance of supporting and purchasing products from the legal cannabis market.

NFCScreenOff mod enables scanning NFC tags when your Android phone is locked

Have you ever wanted to be able to scan NFC tags when your phone screen is off? That’s not a possibility as there are security risks in doing so – imagine if someone could trigger a mobile payment from your smartphone while the screen is off? There are other security risks as well, but the bottom line is that it’s not possible to activate and read NFC tags while your smartphone screen is off anyway. That is, without root access. NFCScreenOff by XDA Member lapwat is a Magisk Module that you can enable on your phone to always read NFC tags even when your screen is locked.

ITL Launches New RFID Solution

ITL Group launched 360RFID, an integrated RFID solution that ensures a seamless adoption process and continues to generate maximum benefits for the retailer throughout their RFID journey.

“ITL’s 360RFID Solution is a concept that we’ve been building on for some time now. We identified that to run a successful RFID program, retailers need three critical components: the RFID tags, the hardware to scan them and the software application to communicate between the labels, the hardware and the data," ITL Chief Operating Officer Chris Currie said. "Our 360RFID Solution bundles all three of these components to create a single integrated solution, providing control, efficiency and a single point of contact for the retailer from a single RFID partner."

Advanced barcode reader from Dynasoft is here

Dynamsoft has introduced its Dynamsoft Barcode Reader version 7.3 software development kit for advanced barcoding that intelligently restores physically missing parts of barcode images and that improves on the difficulties of scanning crumpled barcodes. The new SDK version also adds optical character recognition capabilities for processing text that may accompany a barcode. The SDK is ideal for app developers in retail and other sectors where barcode use is heavy. In many scenarios, a physical barcode can be incomplete. For example, sometimes a corner of one might be missing due to poor printing or damage from shipping. Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK now can auto-restore (or auto-complete) missing portions of a QR Code or a Data Matrix code.

Transit's smart card payment system to be completed next month

Winnipeg Transit expects to finally complete its smart card payment system next month. The project has been underway for several years, beginning in 2013, the year it was originally expected to be completed. Now officials say the automated fare collection system should be finished in February 2020. Kirk Cumming, Winnipeg Transit’s manager of information systems, said the challenges that slowed down the project over the years aren’t unique to Winnipeg.

How to scan a barcode with your iPhone using a third-party app

While you can use your iPhone's Camera app to automatically scan QR codes by just holding the camera in front of the QR code and taping a pop-up, traditional barcodes are a different matter because there's no app built into your phone that can do this for you. That's okay though because there are third-party apps available in the App Store that can get the job done. There are a number of various apps in the App Store that can read barcodes, as well as QR codes.

Socket Mobile, Inc. Introduces Contactless Membership Card Reader/Writer

Adding the S550 to a merchant app identifies customer membership for loyalty/reward benefits, gift cards, coupons/offers and event tickets by tapping their mobile phone, watch or contactless card. The S550 platform scales with growth as customer identification can be stored locally in the card for a simple implementation, while a link to a record in the cloud or a pass stored in a mobile wallet can be used for a larger implementation. A light ring and sound board under app control, enrich the customer experience based on their membership.

"In 2020, kiosks will play a major role in innovating the in-store digital experience. Leading brands use self-checkout to improve customer experience and maximize loyalty onboarding. Socket Mobile's S550 allows us to introduce a frictionless way to connect consumers to our client's brands," said Roy Ganor, CEO from Newline, participant of Socket Mobile's Beta Developer Program.

"Core logic in the S550 is configured using the Companion service to retrieve card payloads unique to that merchant, tools are available to generate and distribute passes for the customer and our Capture SDK simplifies app integration. The solution is complete," said Vincent Coli, S550 product manager.

The S550 incorporates Bluetooth 5 technology to simplify the terminal connection (iOS, Android, Windows) while providing mobility for pop-up shops. The reader is compliant with the latest generation of contactless cards and mobile wallets used for transportation, payment or identification, including NFC Forum tags and most ticketing and RFID labels. If your application requires security, the key can be imported into the integrated Secure Element and or mounted in the SAM Slot to provide safe and secure standalone operation without relying on a network connected web service. Keeping the S550 current with new technology is automated, using the S550 Maintenance application running on the same terminal as the application. Additionally, there is no transaction fee; you own the business model and your data.

The S550 will be available for general release Q2.

Smartrac goes green

Smartrac, a global leader in RFID technology, is continuing to innovate authentication and retail for brands through their RFID tags. Their latest RFID tag offerings not only help brands fight counterfeiting efforts through the authentication process, but also helps retailers engage consumers by allowing them to use their smartphones to scan tags and be taken to brand websites with content to help them learn about the products. At the National Retail Federation conference this year Smartrac debuted what they are calling their first initial answer to sustainability. Smartrac is offering RFID tags that are purely sustainable, 100 percent plastic free, 95 percent waste reduction, and up to 90 percent carbon footprint reduction.

Transport Companies in Miami, Philadelphia Opt for Contactless Payments

The city of Miami, Fla., has announced that contactless payments will now be accepted on its bus services. The Miami-Dade County Department of Transportation and Public Works has launched contactless support across its Metrobus fleet, enabling passengers to use contactless cards and NFC mobile phones to pay for bus and train fares in Miami, one of the most densely populated cities in the United States. As a result, public transport users can simply utilize their American Express, Visa or Mastercard cards, or their contact-enabled digital wallets, to pay directly to Metrobus fare boxes and at Metrorail gates.

This Cannabis Entrepreneur Says He’s First To Use NFC-Embedded Labels

A new brand PearlCBD is offering a sleekly packaged, hemp-derived lotion, cream, oil tincture and capsules. The roll-out would have been just one more CBD line entering an already-crowded market but for the NFC tags embedded in the brand’s labels, which its inventor claims is an industry first. The use of the tags are also the focus of Davis’s patent-pending technology enabling users to access in-depth product information from manufacturers’ data bases.

Transact taps Google Pay to introduce NFC-enabled mobile credential

Arizona-based software firm Transact has introduced native NFC contactless mobile IDs for college students. The technology, Transact Mobile Credential, leverages Google Pay on Android phones to enable students make payments and access facilities around the college campus. The move eliminates the need to carry multiple credentials while navigating around the campus. Following the roll-out, students can use their Android mobile phones with Google Pay at NFC-enabled readers to conduct transactions.

Sugi NFC crypto hardware card and wallet adds support for Ripple (XRP)

Sugi, an NFC crypto hardware card with wallet app, announced it has added support for Ripple (XRP). Users are now able to hold, send and receive XRP. With Sugi, users securely sign transactions by tapping the card to their NFC-enabled phone. Consisting of a card and mobile wallet app as its interface, the Sugi card communicates with the mobile wallet using NFC technology (contactless payments). The card holds a special key in the secure element that allows users to conduct transactions on multiple blockchain networks. The key is protected by a unique PIN known only to the cardholder.

Police issue warning about QR code fraud

The federal police have issued a new warning about an online fraud involving QR codes. The Quick Response or QR code is essentially an advance on the barcode, offering a square made up of black and white dots which are able to contain more information that the conventional barcode. The issue concerns anyone selling on the internet, for example on one of the many online second-hand markets. In order to receive payment, sellers commonly provide the buyer with a bank account number. The buyer is than able to transfer money to the account, and the transaction is complete.

Visa to let merchants accept contactless payments on Android NFC phones

Visa has unveiled Tap to Phone, a new software-only solution that enables merchants to accept contactless payments on Android NFC mobile phones, without the need for any additional hardware. The solution is currently undergoing pilot testing in seven countries with five more to be added “over the next several months”. “Today, billions of people expect the convenience of being able to pay with their cards wherever they shop,” Visa says.

Google Pay vs. Samsung Pay: Which mobile payment provider should you use?

In years past, forgetting your wallet meant you had no hope of exchanging money for goods and services—a true crime against capitalism. Today, you've got options as long as you've got a phone in your pocket. The ever-expanding availability of NFC has made it easier than ever before to pay with mobile devices, but Samsung, but Samsung Pay aims to support almost all payment terminals. Neither experience is perfect, though.

RFID Tracks Oil and Gas Equipment As It Is Rented and Returned

Redback Energy Services is reducing labor hours and improving efficiency as it assigns, ships and receives back the rental equipment that its oil and gas customers use, thanks to a recently deployed RFID solution. According to technology provider A2B Tracking, an inventory-counting process that previously took one week and had the potential for errors can now be accomplished within a single hour. The solution consists of UHF RFID tags epoxied to heavy equipment, a Zebra Technologies RFD8500 handheld reader and an app to enable data regarding goods being rented out or received.

Infinite Peripherals Introduces the Smallest Dual-Purpose UHF RFID and 1D/2D Barcode Scanner

Infinite Peripherals announced its latest mobile hand-held device for Oracle Retail Xstore Point of Service customers. Many retailers have invested in RFID-based supply chain processes to help ensure the accuracy of supply right through to store inventory counting.

RFID tags remain the largest product component within the RFID market, set to reach a projected US$17 billion by 2024 from an estimated US$8.2 billion in 2018, according to the latest RFID market report. The number of data capture mobile devices that retailers manage in-store continues to expand. “We set out to simplify barcode scanning and RFID data capture for retailers. MaglinQ, built on the OtterBox uniVERSE case system, is not limited to a specific form factor and can be used with most consumer smartphones or tablets. This enables retailers to consolidate devices, reduce costs and simplify workflows,” states Nick Schwarz, Infinite Peripherals Director of Retail.

The single device is small enough to fit in your pocket while scanning barcodes and reading UHF RFID tags. Reduce costs, consolidate devices and simplify your workflows. MaglinQ is a mobile RFID solution for today’s modern retail environment.

RFID Reading Drone Tested in Asia Warehouses

Drone company AeroLion Technologies has launched a proof-of-concept with automatic-identification solutions firm SATO to provide a passive UHF RFID inventory-tracking solution that can take to the air. The system consists of a high-powered RFID reader and antenna mounted on a compact drone that can fly through a warehouse, capturing inventory counts. The two companies developed the solution with the support of the Yamato Group Research Institute. Traditional UHF RFID tag reading requires a handheld or vehicle-mounted reader to travel through the aisles of a warehouse, capturing RFID reads from the ground level.

Baby Atacadão Boosts Sales via RFID

Baby Atacadão, based in Goiânia, Brazil, stands out for being the only store in Goiás, and possibly in the country, that provides audience separation by spaces: Pink World for girls and Blue World for boys. The company serves its customers with varied products, and with different prices and models to accommodate different budgets and tastes. Considered a multifunctional store, Baby Atacadão serves customers seeking such products as strollers, cribs, wardrobes, bathtubs and more. Despite being a street store, it remains open for business every day of the week, including on holidays, thus accommodating shoppers who have no time to shop during regular business hours.

RaceKit Pro Offers RFID Race Timing in a Box

While RFID has brought automated data to race timing for marathons and large track events, the technology's cost can be above the modest budget of many common, and considerably smaller, community 5K races. Timing system company Agee Race Timing and RFID technology firm SensThys are selling what they say is a solution for small- to mid-sized events and race-timing companies that enables users to quickly set up an RFID-based timing system out of a box. The RaceKit-Pro solution consists of a kit that users can carry to a a race, which includes four tripods, reader and antenna hardware from SensThys, and Agee Race Timing software to capture and manage the RFID tag reads of race participants.

Concept Store Delivers Product Content via NFC, RFID

Mall of America's shoppers are browsing through products at a new high-tech concept store known as the Modern Retail Collective, which serves as a bridge between digital and physical shopping. The concept store, provided by management consulting company McKinsey, and Mall of America, enables a series of retailers to promote and sell their products for limited times. With touch screens, a magic mirror and mobile "hot spots," the store also serves as a laboratory for new technologies. Near Field Communication (NFC) tags provide a link between digital shopping and the physical store, by delivering content to shoppers on site as they browse through goods.

Here’s A Clever Way To Turn Your Wi-Fi Network Password Into A QR Code For Better Security

Did you know that you could create and use a QR code to better facilitate using stronger security on your wireless network? A QR code is not in and of itself more secure than manually typing in a passcode, but if you want to use a long string of 63 characters and symbols, you would otherwise need an exceptional memory. Let's be real, who has time to remember a unique set of 63 characters? For the most part, it is not really feasible. At the same time, using a long passcode can help defend against brute-force attacks. The thing about WPA and even WPA2 is they are vulnerable to password cracking attacks, and the weaker the passcode, the easier it is crack.

Chinese fraudsters turn to QR codes to spread Trojans and viruses

QR codes, originally invented by Japan’s car parts maker Denso, have become so ubiquitous in China that even street hawkers now use them for electrical payments, as seen here in Beijing. It may look harmless enough, with its random pattern of tiny black squares on a white grid, but the next time you scan one of China’s ubiquitous QR codes, you could end up seriously out of pocket. Because the seemingly innocuous barcode may be hiding malevolent software ready to latch itself onto your smartphone and drain your bank account. A recent spate of scams involving QR codes – or quick response codes – has shone a spotlight on the issue of security in mobile payments and sparked calls for the authorities to do more to protect consumers.

Garanti BBVA Launches QR Codes For Business Banking Transactions

Garanti BBVA has rolled out a QR code service to facilitate transfers and cashless, cardless deposits and withdrawals for businesses, the company announced in a press release Thursday (Dec. 19). The new feature is on the Garanti BBVA corporate mobile app. Customers can click on the QR transactions option and use their smartphone’s camera to scan the code. No cards or account numbers are needed. The QR code can be used by business customers to quickly send and receive money. QR code recipients can send a payment by scanning the QR code in the app and finalizing the money transfer. There is no need to enter an IBAN number.

Discord adds easy PC logins via QR code and prepares to add Friend Sync for contacts

Discord is one of the most popular instant messengers out there. While the platform started off as an IM exclusively for gamers, it has evolved quite a bit over the years and now it’s quite popular among professionals as well. One of the main reasons behind its Discord’s popularity is the sheer number of features it offers. The latest update for Discord on Android brings a new QR code login feature which can be found in the User Settings. The option, called “Scan QR code” opens up a QR code scanner within the app and allows you to scan the QR code displayed during the setup process on any desktop version of Discord for faster logins. It works pretty much like the QR code scanner on WhatsApp that allows you to easily log into the web version of the messenger.

Contactless Payments Market to Witness Significant Growth Owing to Implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) Technologies Till 2025

The global Contactless Payments Market is estimated to touch US$ 2.23 trillion in price of business deal by the completion of the prediction period. The business of contactless payments is estimated to observe rewarding development above the period of prediction due to improvements in technologies for example Internet of Things [IoT], that performances such as a most important motivator of the market.

The market was appreciated by US$ 207.65 billion in the year 2016. It is estimated to develop at a substantial CAGR for the duration of the prediction. The most important motivators of this market consist of decrease in wait in line and time required for the transaction, improved suitability in creating the payments of less price, comfort of technology incorporation with present cards, improved normal transaction worth, superior customer visions, better distribution of services, and better chances of income.

The usage of smartphones is extremely augmented in everyday happenings. For example, people these days use smartphones to pay their bill at stores. Furthermore, inventions in wearables; for example payment rings and bands are likely to motivate the demand in the market above the period of prediction. Smart cards are likely to increase their stake in the market above the period of prediction as they are stress-free to practice as matched to PIN centered Euro MasterCard Visa [EMV] cards.

ATAR Pay Integrates Dash Enabling NFC Payments for Over 2.5 Million Brazilian Merchants

Dash Brazil has partnered with ATAR Payment Processor and Stratum exchange to enable Dash users to make purchases at over 2.5 million merchants in Brazil. ATAR has developed a mobile money wallet along with a hardware NFC (near-field communication) bracelet that enables consumers to make contactless payments anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which is currently at 85% of the machines (2.5 million merchants) in Brazil. Stratum is an online cryptocurrency exchange that enables consumers to buy, sell, and withdrawal cryptocurrency, as well as also top up their cell phones, pay utility bills in Brazil, and top up ATAR band bracelets.

Starting Some Time This Year, You Can Tap Into Metro With An IPhone

There’s a particular flavor of irritation reserved for the times when you walk all the way to the Metro gates in Washington DC only to remember that you left your SmarTrip card on your dresser, or in your other bag, or in the back pocket of yesterday’s jeans. Starting some time this year, though, you may never have to deal with this kind of inconvenience again. Instead, you’ll be able to use Apple Wallet to store your SmartTrip card and tap through the gates. WMATA announced the development in a tweet, teasing more announcements to come.

When AI Meets IoT

Individually, the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are powerful technologies. When you combine AI and IoT, you get AIoT—the artificial intelligence of things. To fully understand AIoT, you must start with the internet of things. When things such as wearable devices, refrigerators, digital assistants, sensors and other equipment are connected to the internet, can be recognized by other devices and collect and process data, you have the internet of things. Artificial intelligence is when a system can complete a set of tasks or learn from data in a way that seems intelligent. Therefore, when artificial intelligence is added to the internet of things it means that those devices can analyze data and make decisions and act on that data without involvement by humans.

American Airlines includes NFC passport reading in mobile app

Passengers flying on international American Airlines flights can now use an NFC passport checking function integrated into the airline’s mobile apps “to head directly to the gate for international flights without having their passports rechecked by a customer service agent”. “American is the first airline to offer passport chip scanning that securely transmits passport information directly from the near field communication (NFC) chip embedded in the passport,” the airline says.

Barcode app records medical device data

A local entrepreneur created a simpler way for health industry workers to record medical device manufacturer data. Through the patent-pending smartphone app SxanPro (pronounced scan-pro) designed by Ashlea Souffrou, users can scan a device’s barcode and capture data including the manufacturer, reference number, lot number and expiration date. The service is available for almost 3 million devices, and that number is growing, Souffrou said. The cloud-based software links the data from the app to a website so the user can view lists and create reports.

Malaysia delays VEP enforcement as many Singapore vehicles still without RFID tag

Malaysia has put on hold the enforcement of its Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) scheme as many Singapore vehicles have yet to install the required radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Only about a quarter of the Singapore vehicles registered for the VEP scheme – or 60,000 of more than 230,000 – have installed the tag, the Road Transport Department said. 'We are targeting to get the remaining balance (to install the RFID tag) within the first six months of the year,' the department’s director-general Shaharuddin Khali as saying by The Star.

Why Banks Should Care About Mobile Wallets

When Pew surveyed 1,200 American adults in 2018 it found most were still hesitant to adopt mobile payments. Many remained skeptical of the technology, had concerns about security, and were more likely to trust traditional payment methods like credit and debit cards. Since then, the 2019 announcement and launch of the Apple Card led to a rush of glowing predictions for mobile wallet usage. The Apple Card, most agree, has been a success so far, but has it really moved the needle for wallets overall? Some analysts continue to believe growth in mobile wallet usage will be slow for all but dedicated digital enthusiasts.

Digimarc explores new barcode territory

Digimarc, a company based in Beaverton, Oregon, created the Digimarc Platform featuring the Digimarc Barcode, which is a way to enhance objects and media of all kinds, including printed products, with a digital watermark that’s imperceptible to the human eye, but can be detected by smart phones, computers and barcode scanners. Digimarc Barcode is applied to print-ready, color-separated art files. The barcode is a patterned graphic treatment applied to individual color separations in the artwork. Like a traditional barcode, the pattern carries product data, which can be scanned by barcode scanners or smartphones through the Digimarc Discover app or a retailer app with Digimarc software.