The global transit cards market will reach US$ 107.3 Billion by 2028

The global transit cards market size reached US$ 69.9 Billion in 2022 and will reach US$ 107.3 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.4% during 2022-2028.

A transit card, or travel card, is a pocket-sized ticket or pass issued to the passenger to take unlimited or pre-defined bus, train or metro trips. The card is usually manufactured using polyvinyl chloride and consists of an embedded integrated circuit, a microcontroller and a secured memory chip.

It is primarily used for authentication and identification in public transportation systems and are available in contact-based, contactless, dual interface and hybrid variants. In comparison to the traditionally used magnetic passes and paper-based ticketing systems, transit cards are highly reliable, convenient to use and have minimal risks of fraudulent activities.

Significant growth in the transportation industry, along with the digitization of technologies used for public transportation, is one of the key factors creating a positive outlook for the market. With rapid urbanization and the increasing requirement for effective passenger mobility solutions, there is a rising demand for modern ticketing systems.

In line with this, the adoption of multi-application transit cards is also contributing to the market growth. Various product innovations, such as the development of tamper-resistant transit cards that can be accessed only through a personal identification number (PIN), are acting as other major growth-inducing factors. Product manufacturers are also developing advanced contactless transit cards that can be waved over a radio frequency identification device (RFID) for convenient passage of the users.

Other factors, including an extensive increase in the global population, along with significant improvements in the existing transportation infrastructure, especially in the developing countries, are anticipated to drive the market further.

Global RFID in Healthcare Markets to Reach $15.7 Billion by 2030

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The global market for RFID in Healthcare estimated at US$5.3 Billion in the year 2022, is projected to reach a revised size of US$15.7 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.6% over the analysis period 2022-2030.

Tags, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 16.2% CAGR and reach US$8.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Taking into account the ongoing post pandemic recovery, growth in the Readers segment is readjusted to a revised 12.4% CAGR for the next 8-year period.

The RFID in Healthcare market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.5 Billion in the year 2022. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$3.8 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 18.1% over the analysis period 2022 to 2030.

Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 11.1% and 13.4% respectively over the 2022-2030 period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 13% CAGR. Led by countries such as Australia, India, and South Korea, the market in Asia-Pacific is forecast to reach US$2.7 Billion by the year 2030.

Fears of new COVID outbreaks and China's already uncertain post-pandemic path poses a real risk of the world experiencing more acute supply chain pain and manufacturing disruptions this year.

Apple rolls out support for contactless payments acceptance on iPhones in Taiwan

Merchants in Taiwan have become the first outside the USA to be able to accept in-store contactless payments on iPhones using Apple’s Tap to Pay software point of sale (sPOS) feature.

The Tap to Pay on iPhone feature allows payment apps to accept contactless payments from contactless credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, Apple Watch, and smartphones with other digital wallets — right on iPhone and without any extra terminals or hardware.

Apple originally announced in February 2022 that it was planning to allow US merchants to accept contactless payments on their iPhone via a partner-enabled iOS app.

Internet of things market size to grow at a CAGR of 15.12% from 2022 to 2027

The internet of things market is expected to grow by USD 1,036.83 billion from 2022 to 2027.

The use of wearables to monitor human health and the environment is a new trend in the global IoT market. IoT wearables help consumers understand their healthcare needs, enable doctors to remotely monitor patients, and enable businesses to track the health and safety of their employees. This is especially beneficial for people working in hazardous environments.

Wearable devices have shown great potential in their fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. COVID-19 symptoms and disease progression can be detected, monitored, remedied, and managed with wearable devices such as smartwatches, smart bracelets, and patches. Therefore, increasing demand for wearable healthcare devices will increase demand for IoT solutions, driving the growth of the focus market during the forecast period. Click & get the Latest Sample Report within minutes!

The rise in industrial automation is notably driving the internet of things (IoT) market growth during the forecast period. The integration of physical and cyber systems in industrial manufacturing leads to increased efficiency, predictive machine maintenance, increased safety, and increased profitability. Industries are implementing Industry 4.0 to optimize material flows and detect errors early in a product's lifecycle. In the US, the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition (SMLC), founded in July 2012, is launching initiatives to promote the widespread adoption of smart manufacturing systems.

Industrial Barcode Scanner Market size to grow at a CAGR of 9.47% from 2022 to 2027

The industrial barcode scanner market size is set to grow by USD 2,076.98 million from 2023 to 2027, and register a CAGR of 9.47%, according to Technavio's latest market research report.

Factors such as evolution of Industry 4.0, rise in adoption of wearable barcode scanners in the manufacturing industry, and increased deployment of mobile workforce will offer immense growth opportunities. To leverage the current opportunities, market vendors must strengthen their foothold in the fast-growing segments, while maintaining their positions in the slow-growing segments. The industrial barcode scanner market is fragmented, and the degree of fragmentation will accelerate during the forecast period.

The market share growth by the manufacturing segment will be significant for the market growth during the forecast period. Barcode scanners are used to track quality control information and by scanning the barcodes of defective products, manufacturers can identify problems early and take corrective action. Barcode scanners play an important role in the production process in the manufacturing sector. By scanning barcodes on raw materials and finished goods, manufacturers can track inventory levels, component locations, and production progress, it helps ensure that the correct components are used at every stage of the manufacturing process. This technology is known to increase efficiency and reduces waste. Such factors will increase segment growth during the forecast period.

New Consumer Survey Signals Mobile Ordering and Payment in Bars and Restaurants is Here to Stay

As the hospitality industry returns to pre-pandemic norms, Union—a data-driven hospitality engagement platform—has released a new third-party survey detailing how consumers are adapting to new technology within bars and restaurants, such as QR codes and mobile payment apps.

Consumers have come around to QR codes, but wish they could order and pay through their mobile devices. When asked how they feel about QR codes to view menus at bars and restaurants, almost 44 percent of participants reported that they are okay with QR codes, but wish they could order with their mobile devices instead of a server. Not surprisingly, more than half of consumers surveyed said that when they see a QR code that allows them to order and pay, they use it.

More and more consumers are choosing to pay with apps instead of physical cards. When asked if they prefer to pay with apps such as Google Pay or Apple Pay versus physical credit cards, nearly 40 percent of respondents indicated that they prefer to pay with apps.

The survey showed that 42 percent of consumers are waiting about 10 minutes to get their drinks at bars and restaurants. When asked what action they are most likely to take when waiting too long at a bar or restaurant to be served, the majority of respondents (38 percent) said they reduce the tip. The next action they take is leaving the venue (22 percent). The study also reported that, on average, consumers at bars and restaurants wait 10 minutes for the bill, which could be a contributing factor for guests preferring to quickly pay with a mobile device and avoid waiting for the check.

McKinsey Names BlackBerry a Cybersecurity and IoT Convergence Leader

For the Internet of Things (IoT) to reach its potential as a fully interconnected ecosystem the convergence of cybersecurity and the IoT is critical, according to a new and independent report published by McKinsey, and cybersecurity must be embedded in the IoT as opposed to being a separate software category that is bolted-on.  

McKinsey states that few companies can converge enterprise IT cybersecurity solutions with IoT platforms, and BlackBerry is a company that is well-positioned to do so.  

BlackBerry today is organized around the two high-growth markets of cybersecurity and the IoT and is a leader in enterprise and embedded security.  The convergence of cybersecurity and the IoT is aligned with BlackBerry's capabilities, uniquely positioning the company to secure the interconnected IoT and expanding the company's differentiation strategy.  McKinsey has determined that the convergence of cybersecurity and the IoT, translates to an IoT total addressable market (TAM) of up to $750 billion by 2030, which is 50 percent more than current IoT market forecasts without convergence.

BlackBerry secures more than 500M endpoints including over 215M vehicles.  Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety and data privacy solutions, and is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, encryption, and embedded systems.  BlackBerry's vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust.

Drivers want contactless digital car keys

More than half of drivers worldwide are interested in using virtual car keys to access and start their vehicles (54%) and the global virtual car key market share is predicted to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 21.8% over the course of the decade, according to a Straits Research forecast.

The added security offered by virtual car keys and keyless entry systems, growing user awareness of the need to protect their vehicles, and the implementation of solutions using secure technologies including NFC, ultra wideband (UWB) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) are among the key drivers of this growth, the researchers say.

Due to the significant adoption of keyless entry systems in the US, primarily in passenger automobiles and light commercial vehicles, North America accounted for the second largest market with a share of US$500m in the global virtual car key market, according to the report.

R-CALF USA Urges USDA to Scrap RFID Rule

In comments submitted by R-CALF USA to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) regarding the agency’s proposed rule to require adult cattle shipped across state lines to be affixed with electronic radio frequency identification (RFID or EID) eartags, the ranch group said no.

The ranch group argues the proposed rule’s stated propose of enhancing the ability of animal health officials to quickly respond to disease outbreaks could not be achieved by the proposed rule because it only requires the participation of 11% of the nation’s cattle herd while the agency has repeatedly stated that a minimum participation level of 70% would be needed to achieve rapid and effective disease traceback capabilities.

The ranch group stated the agency’s omission of any scientific analysis explaining why an 11% participation rate was sufficient when the agency has repeatedly said at least 70% was needed renders the proposed rule arbitrary and capricious.

Increasing Demand for UWB-Based Real-Time Location Systems Boosts Growth

The global Location-Based Service (LBS) and Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) Market size is expected to grow from USD 22.3 billion in 2022 to USD 50.2 billion by 2027, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 17.6% during the forecast period.

By Application, the tracking and navigation segment to grow at the higher market size during the forecast period

The tracking and navigation application uses LBS and RTLS technologies for driver assistance, passenger information, and vehicle management. LBS is frequently included into auto navigation systems to help drivers and offer real-time traffic data. In order to give drivers real-time navigation support, Waze, a GPS navigation software app (owned by Google), crowdsources traffic and road information.

LBS and tracking methods are currently widely employed in logistic tracking and vehicle management. Applications that go beyond auto navigation and vehicle management have started to appear recently. For instance, applications to locate open on-street parking spaces, safety alerts, and multimodal have all been implemented.

In order to manage retail apps and provide a better customer experience, LBS and RTLS are crucial. The adoption of LBS and RTLS platforms in the retail industry eliminates the need of conventional methods to analyse consumer purchasing patterns and provides a secure digital environment for interactions between buyers and sellers. The retail industry is able to study client behaviour throughout the world and target the correct customers with the use of information produced by such apps.

For instance, the use of LBS and RTUS technology has altered the way that customers shop thanks to social networking sites like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. These technologies make it simpler to identify user interest and extend the right products through advertisements or campaigns that motivate customers and enhance their buying-selling experience.

LBS and RTLS help the retail vertical in numerous ways, including inventory, fraud detection, and pricing management. The growing adoption of eCommerce has driven the growth of LBS and RTLS platforms in this vertical.

Lithuanian supermarket chain rolls out contactless stores

The Lithuanian supermarket chain IKI has opened its second contactless convenience store in the capital Vilnius, enabling customers to check in at the store door by tapping their payment card, mobile wallet or retailer’s app.

IKI has rolled out the AI-powered sensor and camera-based technology at the IKI Express 24/7 store on Vilnius’ White Bridge following a successful pilot programme and plans to open a total of four contactless outlets by the end of the year.

Retail customers can pick items up and put them back with no need for any scanning. Inputs from shelf sensors and camera video streams in the store are inputted into Pixevia’s AI platform, which determines exactly what each customer has selected.

The Pixevia platform supports the IKI Express 24/7 store’s full range of convenience products, including bakery, coffee machine, slush drinks, refrigerated food, ice cream, hygiene products, beer, wine, energy drinks and tobacco products.

L-com Expands Line of IoT Air Quality and Water Leak Sensors

L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a supplier of wired and wireless connectivity products, recently announced the expansion of its line of IoT air quality and water leak environmental sensors.

Each air quality sensor monitors one or more of the following: alcohol, ammonia, dust and particulates, formaldehyde, humidity, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, LPG, ozone, refrigerant, smoke, sulfur dioxide, temperature and TVOCs.

The new sensors assist in the use of IoT data collection to make process control more efficient and to lower building and process costs. Applications for the air quality sensors include commercial facilities, HVAC systems, factory floors, laboratories, smart buildings, food processing and preservation facilities, and public restrooms.

The water leak sensors are for any environment where damage from water leaks or flooding is a concern, such as communications rooms, equipment cabinets, server rooms, warehouses and storage areas. The wall-mounted devices are waterproof and feature a long service life and a Modbus output.

L-com’s new IoT air quality environmental sensors feature industry-standard sensing elements and low power consumption. They have a four-pin, 2.54 mm pitch header for device integration. They can be mounted to a wall or a DIN rail.

The dust, gas and combination sensors feature quick response and short preheat times; output types such as Modbus, TTL and 4-20 mA; and screw-type terminal blocks for easy field connection. Up to seven pollutants can be monitored from one device.

The new smoke and flammable-gas sensors, as well as the ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and odorous gas sensors, feature analog (0-5 volts typical) and digital (TTL) outputs.

Both the new carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and ozone sensors and the alcohol, volatile organic and refrigerant sensors feature analog, digital (TTL), 4-20 mA and Modbus outputs.

Outsmarting IoT Defense: The Hacker’s Perspective

Endless patching is a race that cannot be won. To build sustainable, secure IoT solutions we must change that ineffective paradigm. To appreciate what we can do differently, we should start by considering both the defender’s and attacker’s perspectives.

The Embedded Open Source Summit, which will take place on June 27-30, 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic, as well as virtually starting on June 26, will provide a unique view of that attacker’s perspective, from former exploit/attack experts within the IDF Unit 8200.

One of the sessions will demonstrate the inadequacies of current IoT security practices focused on continuous patching, static analysis, encryption, and risk controls. It will also explain how attackers can easily evade such barriers. By contrast, the session will explore methods for achieving embedded, on-device runtime exploits protection to immunize devices from all underlying vulnerabilities, and provide zero-day protection as well. These methods, commonplace in IT endpoint detection and response, are just now finding their way into heretofore unprotected and unmanaged IoT edge devices.

Citizen's NEW CL-H300SV Anti-Microbial and Disinfectant Ready Barcode Label Printer

The new CL-H300SV barcode label printer provides outstanding value and more reliable printing options. Key vertical market segments require safer printing technology to better protect the wellness of their employees.

The silver-ion infused plastics material, or protective housing used in the construction of the product, provides a passive kill to suppress growth of germs transmitted through human touch.

Peripheral Resources Inc. (PRI) is a long-time distribution partner and master systems integrator for Citizen Systems America. Specializing in healthcare industry installations, PRI is the primary partner for CL-H300SV integrations in the United States.

The CL-H300SV and other technology partner products with disinfectant ready and silver-ion infused passive germ-kill technology, will be on display at the company's booth (#121) co-hosted with Peripheral Resources Inc. (PRI) during the HIMSS tradeshow beginning April 18th, 2023.

The CL-H300SV, printer is not available for resell into Canada.

Real-time payments gradually gaining popularity as a preferred payment method

The outbreak of the pandemic along with the restrictions that accompanied it warmed up consumers globally to newer and faster ways of payment.

Thus, the shift of buyers away from the conventional methods of payment led to the growth of digitalized ways of payment such as real-time payments, BNPL, and one-click payments. With real-time payment systems offering benefits such as cost reductions and payment success rate to consumers and businesses alike, the market size of real-time payments is forecasted to see a double-digit CAGR from 2022 through 2028, as spelled out by the new report.

Real-time payments are not a completely new concept and came into existence with the launch of Zengin, the real-time payment system in Japan.

The successful launch of the Japanese real-time payment method prompted countries such as India, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, among others to implement their own instant payment systems. While UPI in India is the front-runner in terms of adoption and usage of real-time payment systems, other countries in Asia-Pacific are also catching up.

For instance, in Australia, the New Payments Platform (NPP) has had more than a billion transfers representing a value of over trillions of euros since its launch. Likewise, PromptPay, the real-time payments system in Thailand saw a value of transactions amounting to a certain billion euros as of October 2022, according to data cited in the latest report.

As real-time payment is picking up pace in Asia-Pacific, nations such as Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Philippines have advanced in the development of their own real-time payment systems

With the growth of real-time payments as a preferred payment method, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Philippines also made their presence felt in the real-time payment ecosystem. The total number of real-time payment transactions Malaysia, for instance is forecasted to grow at a double-digit CAGR between 2021 and 2026, with the number reaching a certain billion by 2026, as revealed by the new report. Malaysia shifted towards real-time payment with the introduction of DuitNow as of December 2018.

The system provides new value added services such as managing low-value payment in real-time as well as supporting online and in-store QR-code based payments. Further progress in the country's instant transfer system was made when a QR code based cross-border instant payment system was introduced between Malaysia and Thailand in 2021, followed by Malaysia and Indonesia as of 2022. Sri Lanka on the other hand introduced its real-time payment system, Lanka Pay in 2002, allowing a series of stakeholders such as commercial and specialized banks, merchants, consumers, as well as fintech to participate in the real-time payment network. Lanka QR, allowing instant payments via QR code and Just Pay, which facilitates transfer of low value payments digitally were also introduced as part of Lanka Pay to offer improved and advanced ways of payment.

DENSO Launches Free Online Game

DENSO, a mobility supplier, has launched a free, web browser-based game, DENSO QR Code Maze, as part of its efforts to highlight that the company invented the QR code* in 1994.

DENSO QR Code Maze, a free online game to help commemorate that DENSO invented the QR code almost 30 years ago -- and made it free to the world so all could benefit from its many capabilities.

The QR Code was developed as an easy-to-read code that can store a large amount of information. The innovative two-dimensional code can store about 200 times more information than barcodes and can be read at high speed. DENSO started to use the code mainly for inventory management at its manufacturing plants and later made the patent available free of charge, enabling it to spread globally.

Now, the QR code is widely used in many daily life applications, including electronic tickets and cashless payments. In December 2022, DENSO was awarded the IEEE Corporate Innovation Award for helping the world benefit from QR codes' dynamic capabilities.

In the game, players race for the goal while supplying energy to a city as complex as a QR code. The player who best utilizes their energy and reaches the goal fastest wins. During gameplay, items along the track help boost players toward the finish and neon signs highlight other DENSO technologies and contributions to society.

Players can enjoy the game anywhere, anytime without downloading software or applications.

Landis+Gyr Will Provide Advanced Metering Technology for EPCOR Water Meters in City of Edmonton

Landis+Gyr has signed a contract with EPCOR Water to provide AMI technology and related services for water meters in the City of Edmonton.

The agreement includes RF Mesh Series 5 water modules for water meters, software upgrades and implementation of advanced network security. A component of the Gridstream Connect platform, the water modules will operate on the utility's existing RF mesh network, which currently supports about 435,000 advanced electric meters. The project is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Gridstream Connect provides utilities with a flexible platform to connect intelligent devices, such as smart meters, streetlights, load management and distribution sensors, for measuring and monitoring energy and water resources.

Japan to host entirely cashless World Expo in 2025

The World Expo 2025 in Osaka will be the first world’s fair to be entirely cashless and is developing a dedicated blockchain-enabled Expo Digital Wallet that visitors will be able to use to make contactless payments with their smartphone both inside and outside the venue as well as after the event.

Visitors will be able to opt to purchase a dedicated prepaid card they can use to make on-site purchases during the event.

Credit cards, prepaid cards and mobile payments will all be accepted. Prepaid cards will be available for those who do not own a smartphone.

A blockchain-based mobile payment app, the Expo Digital Wallet, is also in the works.

MASS Group Launches New 'Find Tag' Functionality for RFID Mobile Readers

MASS Group announced the launch of a new Find Tag functionality for its Traceability Made Easy® (TME) Mobile version of the software. This new feature allows users to easily search for and locate multiple RFID tags at once, making it simpler and more efficient to find assets and inventory in real-time.

With the new functionality, users can select an item within TME Mobile, click the Find Tag button and hold down the trigger on the RFID mobile reader. An indicator will light up when the tag is found.

In addition to the Find Tag feature, the RFID mobile readers are equipped with other advanced features such as location tracking and real-time data syncing with the cloud-based Traceability Made Easy® (TME®) software. This allows users to easily monitor and manage their assets from anywhere, at any time.

IoT Cloud Platform Market Is Expected To Reach USD 23.66 Billion

According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), “IoT Cloud Platform Market Research Report Information By Deployment, By Application, By End-user, And By Region – Market Forecast Till 2030., the market is anticipated to acquire a valuation of approximately USD 23.66 billion by the end of 2030. The reports further predict the market to flourish at a robust CAGR of over 14.10% during the assessment timeframe.

Despite the numerous benefits of IoT cloud platforms, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is data security and privacy concerns, as the use of connected devices and cloud-based platforms creates new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals.

Another challenge is the lack of interoperability standards, which makes it difficult for different devices and platforms to communicate with each other. This can lead to compatibility issues and can limit the effectiveness of IoT solutions.

The adoption of cloud computing has revolutionized the way businesses operate, providing a flexible and scalable platform for hosting applications and managing data. This has led to an increase in the adoption of cloud-based IoT platforms, which allow businesses to connect and manage their devices, sensors, and data in real-time.

The proliferation of connected devices, including smartphones, wearables, and smart home appliances, has created a massive amount of data that needs to be processed, analyzed, and stored. IoT cloud platforms provide a centralized platform for managing this data, allowing businesses to gain valuable insights into customer behavior, product performance, and operational efficiency.

Despite the numerous benefits of IoT cloud platforms, there are several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is data security and privacy concerns, as the use of connected devices and cloud-based platforms creates new vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers and cybercriminals.

Another challenge is the lack of interoperability standards, which makes it difficult for different devices and platforms to communicate with each other. This can lead to compatibility issues and can limit the effectiveness of IoT solutions.

In June 2022, Amazon Web Services (AWS) launched a new IoT device management service, AWS IoT Device Management, which allows customers to easily onboard, organize, monitor, and remotely manage their IoT devices at scale.

In August 2022, Microsoft announced a partnership with Bosch to develop a new IoT platform for the automotive industry. The platform, called Bosch Automotive Cloud Suite powered by Microsoft Azure, will provide real-time data analytics and insights to improve vehicle performance and maintenance.

In September 2022, Salesforce announced the acquisition of Slack, a collaboration platform that will enable Salesforce to integrate real-time communication and collaboration into its IoT cloud platform.

Tapwow Announces Strategic Partnership with Identiv to Deliver Smart Packaging and IoT Solutions

Tapwow, a provider of cloud-based IoT software solutions, announced a new strategic partnership with Identiv, a global leader in digital security and identification in the Internet of Things (IoT), to offer a set of comprehensive IoT solutions for smart packaging, including customer engagement, authentication, product diversion and traceability.

Tapwow’s DIRX2 smart packaging and connected products platform will now enable Identiv to accelerate their tag management, content delivery and analytics solutions. With support for NFC, QR codes and sensors in the same platform, brands will now have the choice of which technology is best for their individual applications. DIRX2 allows customers to batch and re-batch tags by product, region, SKU, or other criteria and change content even after tags or markers are already in market.

Demand for IoT solutions is expected to scale exponentially in the coming years. This connected platform includes serialized IDs for every product and has a digital customer audit trail. The brand engagement and protection capabilities deliver trust and authenticity via transparency in supply chains and enable better decision-making through item-level data sourced from Identiv and the market’s embedded IoT products across all prominent industries.

As part of the strategic partnership, Tapwow will be the technical solutions provider for Identiv and will work with customers to deliver pre-built, semi-custom and custom experiences for consumer engagement, authentication, traceability and reuse/recycle.  With various solutions across many verticals, Tapwow and Identiv will be the perfect combination for brands, partners, packagers and creative agencies to deliver smart solutions to their customers.

ChameleonUltra programmable RFID emulator

Developers or anyone else interested in RFID might be interested in a new programmable RFID emulator which is launched by a Kickstarter.

To emulate an RFID tag or system, the ChameleonUltra can be programmed with specific data and commands using a programming language such as Lua.

The ChameleonUltra can then transmit this data to other RFID readers and systems, which will interpret it as if it were coming from a real RFID tag.

AsReader brings new UHF RFID and Barcode Scanner to the market

Debuting in early 2023 at the National Retail Federation tradeshow in New York City, the new PADDLE-Type AsReader can be handheld or attached to a standard extension-pole. The paddle mechanism also has settings to turn down the power, to avoid scanning stray tags or tags between the user and the target.

There are two, quarter-inch threaded "camera mounts" on the device that allow the end-user to extend the reach more than 24 additional feet (7m+) using an extension-pole when they want to reach up and only read a top shelf or items that are way out-of-reach, with or without reading all the tags between, like most readers would do.

While AsReader’s bestselling GUN-Type, the ASR-L251G is the choice of many for its 40ft (12m) read range and 1,100+ tags per second speed, some will opt instead for the PADDLE-Type for its special shape and these two key reasons:

First, because the GUN-Type is linear it focuses its full power into a 60° aperture cone in front of it and the user must "wave" the device or they risk missing perpendicular tags. The PADDLE-Type instead uses a circular antenna, so it's reading all directions at once and doesn't require waving the device to read even perpendicular tags.
   
And second, because the GUN-Type is hard-wired, using Bluetooth with it requires an optional ASA-112L "Bluetooth Dongle."  Instead, the PADDLE-Type is intended for use with on-board Bluetooth, or can optionally be used hard-wired with a USB-C cable if desired.

In current testing, this device is reading distances up to 20 feet (6m). As well as reading between metal shelves, the long and thin shape of the PADDLE-Type AsReader allows the user to easily insert it into historically awkward places such as inside or between cabinets/fixtures, and even under pallets

Scanbot SDK's new Web Barcode Scanner Demo lets you scan barcodes from your browser

After successfully launching three new demo apps for iOS and Android in 2022, Scanbot SDK has started off 2023 by releasing a web-based version of its Barcode Scanner Demo App. The Web Barcode Scanner Demo is based on JavaScript and runs in any modern browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge.

Companies can use the Scanbot SDK to turn any mobile device into a reliable and easy-to-use barcode scanner. With the Web SDK, no native iOS or Android app is required, since its powerful scanning features can be easily integrated into any websites or web app. The new demo showcases the speed and reliability customers can expect when integrating the SDK into their solutions.

With the SDK, companies enable their users to scan all common 1D and 2D barcodes individually and in batches, right from their browsers. With the "Multiple Scanning" feature, all barcodes in view are scanned simultaneously. "Batch Scanning" lets users capture multiple barcodes one after another, with the results saved to the scan history. From there, they can quickly copy a barcode's value to their clipboard or launch a Google search for it right away.

The Barcode Scanner's user interface was adapted to work in any browser. Users can easily switch between cameras, turn recognition of specific barcode types on and off, and adjust the scanner's viewfinder and sound feedback.

The Scanbot SDK Web Barcode Scanner Demo is now available for anyone to try out for free. Companies can also test the full version of Scanbot Web Barcode Scanner SDK by integrating it into their own web application. More information about the product is available at scanbot.io.

Cainiao achieves breakthrough in identification technology with 100 million RFID tags manufactured

Cainiao Network, the logistics arm of Alibaba Group Holding Limited, announced its latest achievement in the area of identification technology, with the research and development, manufacturing and sales of over 100 million RFID tags in less than two years since it was officially launched in April 2021.

Cainiao has optimized the RFID tags, readers, and identification algorithms, which in turn enable a larger-scale commercial application of RFID technology in logistics and supply chains.

According to Dr Ding Hongwei, Vice President of Cainiao Network. the market application of RFID is still in its infancy, 'and we strive to continue our endeavour to refine its core technology and enhance the advantages of RFID products and solutions in order to drive the overall digital transformation across industries.'

QR Code Payment Market to be Worth $33.13 Billion by 2030

The global QR code payment market size is expected to reach USD 33.13 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.9% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.

QR code payment offers a simple interface for quick money transactions anywhere and at any time. QR code payment methods are considered fast, versatile, and secure in comparison to traditional payment methods.

The solution segment is expected to witness significant growth over the forecast period. Increasing demand for secure mobile payment and mobile wallet solutions from businesses and service professionals is propelling the solution segment growth.
The dynamic QR code segment dominated the market in 2022. Dynamic QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their versatility and convenience.

Dynamic QR codes can be easily scanned using a mobile device, making them a convenient option for customers to access information or complete a transaction.

The push payment segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. The push QR code payment method has been gaining popularity in recent years as it is a secure way to make payments since it requires authentication from the customer's bank through a push notification. This helps to prevent fraud and unauthorized transactions.

The face-to-face segment dominated the market in 2022. Increasing face-to-face transactions owing to its benefits, such as improved convenience, security, and efficiency, is boosting the growth of the segment.

The restaurant segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2022. The concerns about hygiene and a need to reduce contact between restaurant staff members and guests are expected to drive the adoption of QR code payment methods.

National contactless transit card India rolls out in Bengaluru

Passengers travelling on Bangalore Metro services in the Indian city of Bengaluru can now make contactless fare payments with the RuPay-enabled National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).

The interoperable prepaid card is being introduced in the city by Bangalore Metro with support from RBL Bank.

RBL Bank will also provide POS machines at stations for accepting and loading cards, with recharging available on RBL Bank’s MoBank app as well.

The card can also be used for fuel payments, shopping, dining, parking, toll payments etc.

IoT In Healthcare Market Size Growing at 19.20 % CAGR

The Global IoT in Healthcare Market was worth USD 113.53 billion in 2020 and is projected to amass a valuation of USD 388.18 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 19.20% over the assessment timeline of 2022-2029.

The healthcare sector is witnessing a widespread technological transformation. Advanced technologies like IoT are being integrated into various healthcare dimensions. This in turn is facilitating real time health monitoring along with other benefits. IoT based healthcare entities are enabling medical providers to enhance patient outcomes and save plenty of lives in case of any medical emergency by allowing them to diagnose an illness before it gets too late. IoT devices are strengthening communication between patients, doctors, and caregivers.

The growing prevalence of infectious and chronic ailments, surge in the geriatric population base, along with rapid internet proliferation are primarily augmenting the outlook of this business sphere.

Alongside, widespread technological enhancements in the field and rising digital literacy among the masses are aiding the outlook of this market vertically.

Moreover, rising R&D activities in the field, increasing adoption of smart healthcare devices, coupled with growing health cognizance of the masses are adding momentum to the progression of this industry.

On the contrary, rising data privacy risks due to the increasing instances of cyberattacks is hindering the remuneration scope of this marketplace.    

Brand new PDA family of enterprise-class mobile computers, designed for customers in retail, warehousing, transportation & logistics, and manufacturing

Datalogic has just unleashed its latest product - the Memor 11 family of mobile computers. This addition to the prestigious Memor Series is designed to offer unparalleled flexibility for today's mobile workforce.

Boasting an up-to-date operating system and enhanced processing capabilities, the Memor 11 family delivers good scanning performance and all-around efficiency.

Choose between Wi-Fi only or Wi-Fi/Cellular models, depending on your use case, and always stay connected. The Memor 11 family runs in indoor premises or when combined with outdoor operations and field mobility.

The Memor 11 family is enterprise-ready and offers greater resilience to withstand more drops than most comparable devices. The bright 5-inch touch display enhances the user experience, while its advanced processing platform ensures top performance in popular applications, all while extending product life. The speedy 2.3 GHz Octa-Core processor allows the Memor 11 to simultaneously run multiple mobile applications at significantly faster speeds, resulting in improved response times.

Expand efficiencies in the field by easily pairing the Memor 11 devices with Datalogic's RFID Sled for efficient collection of large volumes of RFID information and via Bluetooth connectivity with Datalogic's HandScanner for hands-free reading in scan-intensive applications, such as in warehousing.

Vaultavo Introduces Biometric Smart Card Based Crypto Custody Solution

Vaultavo has developed a patent-pending crypto custody solution to address the security requirements of the institutional market and its clients.

The Vaultavo Custody Solution combines the world's first biometric digital asset custody smart card with state-of-the-art proprietary vaults and secure SaaS digital platform and access portals, to create a solution that reinvents custody as we know it today.

The world's first biometric smart card, designed to protect digital currencies against hacking and outright thefts, has been introduced by Vaultavo. The Vaultavo system is designed for the institutional market to address one of the critical roadblocks to crypto's expansion -- the vulnerability of online trading, transacting and protection of digital assets.

The world's first biometric smart card, designed to protect digital currencies against hacking and outright thefts, has been introduced by Vaultavo. The Vaultavo system is designed for the institutional market to address one of the critical roadblocks to crypto's expansion -- the vulnerability of online trading, transacting and protection of digital assets.

The integrated hardware and software solution protects digital assets by creating and managing the Blockchain private key on the bank grade secure Vaultavo Card – a decentralized approach to security which mirrors cryptocurrencies, Web3 and DeFi and differs from competitive solutions that have attempted to provide security in a centralized manner.

The secure element in the Vaultavo Card, the foundation of the solution, boasts EAL7 security certification, making it safer than most, if not all, other custody solutions. The Vaultavo Card is the same size and thickness as a bank card, has a built-in biometric reader, an E Ink display, rechargeable battery and Bluetooth, NFC and USBC connectivity capabilities.

The patent-pending technology was developed to address one of the critical roadblocks to crypto's expansion – the vulnerability of online trading, transacting and protection of digital assets. The size and scope of the problem is monumental; according to blockchain data provider Chainalysis, illicit transaction volume rose for the second consecutive year in 2022, hitting an all-time high of $20.1 billion.

ST releases NFC reader chip with heartbeat detection

STMicroelectronics has released an NFC chip that supports active waveshaping and heartbeat detection, enabling developers and manufacturers to create smaller and more efficient contactless payment solutions and ensure devices comply with EMVCo 3.1 specifications.

The ST25R3916B and ST25R3917B are high performance NFC universal devices supporting NFC initiator, NFC target, NFC reader and NFC card emulation modes when applicable.

Being fully compliant with EMVCo 3.1a analog and digital, this NFC IC is optimized for POS terminal applications, and enables fast EMVCo certification cycles, even under harsh conditions, with antenna around noisy LCD displays.

The ST25R3916B device includes an advanced analog front end (AFE) and a highly integrated data framing system for ISO 18092 passive and active initiator, ISO 18092 passive and active target, NFC-A/B (ISO 14443A/B) reader including higher bit rates, NFC-F (FeliCa™) reader, NFC-V (ISO 15693) reader up to 53 kbps, and NFC-A / NFC-F card emulation. The ST25R3917B provides a reduced feature set compared to the ST25R3916B.

Special stream and transparent modes of the AFE and framing system is used to implement other custom protocols in reader or card emulation mode.

The ST25R3916B and ST25R3917B feature high RF output power to directly drive antennas at high efficiency.

The ST25R3916B and ST25R3917B include additional features, making them incomparable for low power applications. The presence of a card is detected by performing a measurement of the amplitude or phase of the antenna signal. They also contain a low power RC oscillator and wake-up timer to automatically wake-up the ST25R3916B and ST25R3917B after a selected time period and check for a presence of a tag using one or more techniques of low power detection of card presence (phase or amplitude).

IoT Microcontroller Market was valued at US$ 2 bn in 2017.

The IoT Microcontroller Market was valued at US$ 2 bn in 2017. It is estimated to reach a market size of ~US$ 3 bn by 2022 and is projected to reach ~US$ 6 bn by 2028.

It is expected to record a CAGR of ~12% during the forecast period, due to the increasing number of IoT connections among consumer and enterprise sectors and the need for low-power, high-performance, and energy-efficient connected products.

Development of internet connectivity and IT infrastructure in technologically developing economies and microcontroller unit miniaturization is expected to lead to the growth of the IoT Microcontroller Market during the forecast period.

The increasing demand for low-cost, smart wireless sensor networks and the development of IT infrastructure in technologically developing countries are anticipated to have a major impact on market growth. Further, the growing number of IoT connections and increasing demand for low-power, energy-efficient connected products are other salient factors boosting its demand and growth.

Moreover, the growing popularity of IoT is expected to provide a significant boost to the market in the near future. In the current scenario, IoT has witnessed a wide range of applications including industrial automation, smart appliances, smart grids, and smart cities, which is anticipated to fuel the market growth significantly during the forecast period.

In addition, the rising popularity of fitness apps and increasing awareness about physical fitness in emerging countries such as; India, China, and Indonesia are likely to drive the adoption of wearable technology, thereby expanding the IoT market size during the forecast period.

Manufacturers' failure in establishing advanced IoT microcontrollers and the high-power consumption and energy efficiency of IoT devices creates challenges for the growth of the IoT Microcontroller Market.

The manufacturers of IoT microcontrollers engage in extensive research and innovation to develop advanced systems. However, the substantial research and innovation costs associated with the IoT microcontroller development include its integration with the changing structural landscape of IoT devices.

Terso Solutions Adds New Features to Its Inventory Management Software Platform

Terso Solutions has announced the addition of new features to its inventory management software platform, Stratosphere, for medical device manufacturers and distributors. These updates allow for ease of integration and improved inventory visibility.

Stratosphere software provides inventory managers with visibility into the current state of their inventory anywhere in the world and documentation of the life cycle of each inventory item, said Terso's Sr. VP of Product Management, Matt Tourdot. When coupled with Terso's wide range of RFID-enabled devices, Stratosphere provides a seamless track to automating inventory management.

The key features of Stratosphere include:

Enhanced visibility – Track an item's location and history of movement. Know when an item was added or removed from a device and who performed the action. Identify slow moving, soon to expire, and expired inventory to reduce waste, save money, and ensure item integrity.
Temperature reporting – Have visibility to inventory storage temperatures to ensure items are being kept within their required temperature range.
PAR levels – Identify stockouts immediately and products requiring restock at a glance. Stratosphere® software calculates restock quantities and increases visibility into stocking levels, enabling inventory optimization, and ensuring that the appropriate inventory is on hand at each location.
Kanban inventory management – Automate the management of low cost, med surg inventory using a Stratosphere's built-in kanban workflow. Simplify and expedite restocking, and be notified when products are stocked out or need to be restocked.
Case management – Document product consumption during a surgical case to automate billing and replenishment.
Regulatory compliance – Stratosphere software provides the data and tools needed to stay compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and other regulations pertaining to companies within the healthcare and life science industries. Simplify product recalls by knowing where all of the affected product is located.
Reporting– Stratosphere® software has a robust set of reports available to visualize and track inventory. These reports cover the above features and more. Sign up to receive your essential reports via email on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This allows users to review their important reports without having to log into Stratosphere.
Smartphone access – View your inventory data anywhere you go. Stratosphere's mobile-friendly design makes managing inventory on your phone simple.
Easy integration – Stratosphere's full-featured API

Global Smart Shelves Market worth USD 3.3 billion by 2025

Smart shelves are a type of intelligent shelving system that uses technology such as sensors, cameras, and radio frequency identification (RFID) to provide real-time data on inventory levels and product movement. These shelves are equipped with sensors that detect when products are removed or returned, allowing retailers to track inventory levels and make informed decisions about restocking.

The smart shelves market is expected to experience significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for advanced retail technologies and the need for more efficient inventory management systems.

One of the key drivers of growth in the smart shelves market is the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing. As more consumers shop online, retailers are looking for ways to integrate their online and offline operations. Smart shelves can help bridge this gap by providing real-time inventory data that can be used to optimize both online and offline sales channels.

Another factor driving growth in the smart shelves market is the increasing availability of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies are making it possible to create more sophisticated and intelligent shelving systems that can analyze customer behavior, track product performance, and provide personalized shopping experiences.

Despite the many opportunities for growth in the smart shelves market, there are also some challenges that must be addressed. These include concerns about data privacy and security, as well as the high cost of implementing and maintaining smart shelving systems.  

IDTechEx Discusses RFID Market Trends for 2023 and the Next Five Years

The RFID business continues to grow. The global RFID market is anticipated to continue to grow in 2023, with IDTechEx projecting a market value of US$14 billion in 2023, up from US$12.8 billion in 2022. This market value comprises of RFID labels, cards, fobs, and other form factors, as well as tags, scanners, and software/services for inactive and active RFID.

 According to the IDTechEx analysis "RFID Forecasts, Players and Opportunities 2023-2033", 39.3 billion passive RFID tags will be sold in 2023, up from 33 billion in 2022, indicating a double-digit growth rate. Most of this growth is because of passive UHF RFID tags. However, UHF (RAIN) tag sales by value will be only 30% of HF tag sales (including NFC). This is primarily due to the higher price point of HF tags used for security (such as payments, access, etc.) versus the cheaper, largely disposable UHF (RAIN) tags used for tagging items.

UHF (RAIN RFID): Retail apparel continues to dominate the UHF industry in terms of tag number and market size. IDTechEx forecasts that nearly 24 billion RFID labels will be used in retail apparel tagging by 2023. Although 24 billion may appear to be a big figure, it represents only 30% of the total addressable market for retail apparel alone.

Despite the success of the retail apparel industry, another area that IDTechEx anticipates seeing strong growth in is tagging other retail products such as electronics, soft furnishings, home appliances, and so on. According to primary information gathered by IDTechEx through various interviews, Walmart's mandate is a major driving factor for it. In addition to the retail industry, the supply chain and logistics industry has also received solid interest and investment and is growing steadily.

HF (incl. NFC): In the HF sector, contactless card sales remain the strongest, with 3.1 billion cards forecasted to be demanded in 2023. These sales are primarily fuelled by contactless payment, transportation, and secure access applications. This trend will persist in the short- to medium term. However, it is expected that NFC capability in phones as well as the emergence of new technologies like face recognition systems, will have a negative impact on the contactless card market in the long run, according to IDTechEX.

LF: In the LF sector, animal tagging (such as pigs, lambs, and pets) continues to be significant since it is still a legal obligation in many more regions, with 771 million tags being used in this sector in 2023.

Although the RFID market continues to grow, there are still challenges to tackle. The global supply chain issue that began in 2021 is still present, though the negative impact is not as severe as it once was. Because of the global economic slowdown, certain sectors have cut back on purchasing more RFID tags, potentially slowing the growth rate. In addition to these, a fragmented ecosystem across many sectors is one important issue that has long existed and must be addressed to see widespread RFID adoption. Retail apparel tagging can be successful primarily due to the industry having a stable solution ecosystem. Finally, education, regulation, and cost reduction are all areas in which RFID players must continue to work.

Data Center RFID Market Share Estimated to Garner USD 9.2 Billion by 2030

According to a comprehensive research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), “Data Center RFID Market By Data Centre Type, by Solutions, by Service, by Vertical and Forecast Till 2030”, the market is predicted to thrive substantially during the assessment era from 2022 to 2030 at a healthy CAGR of approximately 27.50% to attain a valuation of around USD 9.2 Billion by the end of 2030.

The global data center RFID market is likely to expand at a significant growth rate over the next few years. The rising demand for RFID solutions to improve data centers' visibility and asset management processes would drive market growth.

Datacenter RFID solutions help track, monitor, and manage various expensive and mission-critical assets in data centers. The technology can read multiple tags simultaneously to track densely racked assets in the data center. Handheld or mobile RFID readers allow tracking and inventorying of data center equipment racks within a minute, without human intervention to read serial numbers or asset tags individually.

In a data center, the hardware and the valuable data sets saved on servers are essential to ensure tracking visibility and regulatory compliance. Data center staff is often accounted responsible for maintaining IT asset inventories. Using RFID tags, the staff can accurately identify the equipment's location and easily track down equipment due for maintenance or upgrades.

However, it is challenging to track equipment that is deactivated to reduce power consumption and heat in the data center for some technical reasons. Specialized RFID tags can even enable the reading of such devices without pulling them out of the racks.

Data center assets are tracked with the help of handheld RFID readers and fixed readers placed at entry/exit points and other strategic locations. Fixed RFID readers are also used completely automate server tracking for real-time visibility of equipment in each cabinet/rack. Most IT vendors also offer services to tag equipment with RFID labels before shipping to customers to help them automate the internal receiving, provisioning, and deployment processes.

Data center operators are increasingly realizing the benefits of automation in improving efficiency. Considering the increasing size and growing number of equipment in data centers, manual asset tracking isn't a viable option. Therefore, these operators are increasingly shifting from manual asset tracking to RFID tags to avoid errors and minimize costs.

They mostly prefer active RFID tags, as passive RFID tags can sometimes lead to inconsistencies and labor associated with their traditional spreadsheet-inventorying method. Besides, passive RFID tracking would require manual scanning of tags in the event of equipment relocation, overburdening data center staff.

KORE to Acquire Twilio's IoT Business Unit

KORE Group and worldwide IoT Connectivity-as-a-Service announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Twilio's IoT business unit as part of a growth strategy to provide customers with a unified, seamless approach to launching IoT solutions as the world's leading pure-play IoT provider.

As consideration for the acquisition, Twilio, the customer engagement platform that drives real-time, personalized experiences for today's leading brands, will receive 10 million shares of KORE common stock, which will represent approximately 11.5% of KORE's issued and outstanding shares.

This acquisition will bring to market:

A powerful connectivity suite, including best-in-class eSIM technologies with KORE OmniSIM  and Twilio Super SIM
A one-stop shop for building, deploying, managing, and scaling IoT operations throughout the entire lifecycle via award-winning technologies and world-class facilities
An accelerated time to market through global, 24/7 customer support and 20 years of IoT experience through KORE and the Twilio IoT team's depth and breadth of digital experience

Completion of the acquisition transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, the negotiation and execution of certain ancillary agreements.