Deluxe Now Offers Tap to Pay on iPhone for Merchants to Accept Contactless Payments

Deluxe, a trusted Payments and Data company, now enables its U.S. customers to seamlessly and securely accept in-person contactless payments with Tap to Pay on iPhone. Tap to Pay on iPhone allows merchants to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, using only an iPhone and the dlxPAY app—no additional hardware or payment terminal needed.

Using Tap to Pay on iPhone is easy, secure and private. With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, merchants will simply prompt the customer to hold their contactless payment near the merchant’s iPhone, and the payment will be securely completed using NFC technology.

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep the business and customer data private and secure. When a payment is processed, Apple does not store card numbers or transaction information on the device or on Apple servers.

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables merchants to unlock contactless payment acceptance within minutes through the dlxPAY iOS app now available on the Apple App Store.

Overhaul Partners with Zebra Technologies to Advance Supply Chain Visibility and Risk Management

Overhaul has partnered with Zebra Technologies to redefine supply chain visibility, security, and efficiency. This collaboration pairs Zebra's advanced tracking devices, sensors, and RFID technology with Overhaul's real-time risk monitoring platform, delivering a comprehensive solution to modern logistics challenges.

Through this partnership, companies gain extensive supply chain intelligence in a single, integrated solution. Capabilities range from end-to-end visibility across supply chains to enhanced security and risk management to advanced temperature monitoring for cold chain logistics.

The integrated solution serves multiple sectors with specific industry applications. For pharmaceutical and food logistics companies, the combined technology offers precise temperature monitoring and compliance management to optimize the cold chain. Transportation providers gain enhanced fleet visibility and security, and retailers benefit from improved inventory tracking and loss prevention.

Bluefin Achieves Girocard Certification for the Newland Payment Technology N950 AIO smartPOS

Bluefin has achieved the German Banking Industry Committee’s Girocard certification on the Newland NPT N950 AIO smartPOS terminal. This certification enables German merchants to adopt next-generation SmartPOS devices while simplifying Girocard payment acceptance through Bluefin’s TECS Engine, a global payments platform.

Bluefin’s TECS Engine provides omnichannel payment solutions to Acquirers, Payment Service Providers, POS system providers, Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and other merchant aggregators around the globe offering a cloud-based Payments Platform-as-a-Service, including Bluefin’s payment and data security solutions, P2PE and universal tokenization.

As the leading debit card in Germany, Girocard conducted 7.5 billion transactions in 2023. With Girocard certification on the Newland N950 AIO smartPOS terminal, the German market will benefit from an open platform with access to new generations of SmartPOS devices and streamlined Girocard payment acceptance while benefitting from lower merchant service fees.

The Newland N950 is an Android SmartPOS terminal designed for seamless and secure payments across industries like retail, hospitality, and dining. Featuring a sleek touchscreen display and support for multiple payment methods – including chip and PIN, contactless, NFC, and QR-code payments – the N950 enhances customer engagement while streamlining transactions.

LuGRE receiver captures GNSS signals in lunar orbit

The LuGRE receiver successfully acquired and tracked GPS and Galileo satellite signals while in lunar orbit on February 19, operating at a distance of 63 Earth radii (approximately 401,814 km from Earth). Developed by Qascom for the Italian Space Agency in collaboration with NASA, and supported by Politecnico di Torino, the receiver is integrated into Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 lander as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program.

During the lander’s journey to the Moon, LuGRE tracked signals in the L1/E1 and L5/E5 frequency bands. The farthest detected signal originated from the Galileo constellation at 67.79 Earth radii (approximately 432,384 km from the receiver). This experiment successfully demonstrated GNSS functionality near the Moon, where the lander traveled at approximately 1.66 km/s.

Despite the challenges of extreme distance and high velocity, the receiver achieved a position accuracy within 1.5 km and a velocity accuracy within 2 m/s. During a one-hour observation window, it acquired signals from four GPS satellites (L1 and L5 frequencies) and one Galileo satellite (E1-E5 bands). After landing, LuGRE will continue attempting to receive GNSS signals on the lunar surface for up to 14 days.

Tech Industry Leaders Form the Ambient IoT Alliance, Dedicated to Developing and Promoting a Global IoT Ecosystem

Leading industry companies have joined together to form the Ambient IoT Alliance (AIoTA), a global, cross-industry coalition working to promote and scale the future ambient IoT ecosystem.

The Alliance's mission is to promote and support the development of an open, harmonized, and aligned multi-standard ecosystem. Founding members include Atmosic, Infineon Technologies AG, Intel, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, VusionGroup, and Wiliot, all of which are invested in the advancement of ambient IoT solutions, best practices, interoperability, and other alliance efforts.

Ambient IoT represents an evolution of IoT in which more and more everyday battery-less things will be interconnected and integrated into the world around us. Ambient IoT-enabled devices can detect location, temperature, humidity, and more, and communicate with the wireless infrastructure. A nearby mobile device — as well as wireless access points, domestic appliances, or other standard gateways — can receive the data generated by ambient IoT-enabled devices (if using a compatible standard).

Ambient IoT opens up the ability to leverage those IoT devices with standard wireless radios that now surround us in smart appliances, mobile devices, and wireless access points. This transition enables a large-scale deployment of supply chains, retail channels, and healthcare delivery services using ambient IoT technologies, that will have profound benefits for society.

The vast data generated by ambient IoT will also enable advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications.

Ambient IoT and artificial intelligence are symbiotic technologies, each unlocking the promise of the other. The simultaneous rise of ambient IoT and AI will give businesses and consumers unprecedented understanding of the world around them. Alliance members are focused on the next generation of ambient IoT standards for battery-free, low-cost technologies to connect products and assets, which can also improve AI services in the cloud.

For ambient IoT users, the business benefits are massive. Ambient IoT represents the next great data platform for leveraging AI and realizing the tremendous ROI promised by AI solutions. It forms the basis of more efficient supply chains, eliminating operational cost and waste while opening the door to new, enriched customer experiences.

Regula Software Now Supports the Latest Standard for Biometric Passport Verification

With its latest update, Regula Document Reader SDK, a comprehensive software solution for identity document verification, ensures 100% support for the new ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard regulating the methods of facial data storage and verification in e-passport chips. According to the ICAO guidelines, all document readers and verification systems must be compatible with the new standard by 2026, with passport issuers required to fully adopt the new format by 2030.

The ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard introduces an enhanced framework for facial image data, significantly improving interoperability, processing speed, and recognition accuracy across different identity verification (IDV) systems worldwide. Unlike the previous ISO/IEC 19794-5:2005 standard, which primarily stored a basic facial image, the new format records additional metadata, including detailed facial landmarks, precise eye and hair color, and other biometric attributes.

The richer set of pre-stored reference points eliminates the need for separate face detection and feature extraction during verification. Instead of calculating key facial points from scratch, IDV systems can use the pre-recorded metadata, accelerating processing times and ensuring consistent, high-quality recognition results—regardless of the local algorithm used for comparison. This standardization guarantees that a person’s face in their passport will be consistently and accurately verified across different countries, improving global interoperability.

Apart from that, the ISO/IEC 39794-5 standard implements a flexible framework for future extensions. This means that as new attributes or enhancements are introduced in the future, all systems supporting this standard will remain fully functional without requiring urgent updates—unlike the current situation, where all IDV systems would need to be updated to accommodate new data formats.

Although the current ISO/IEC 19794-5:2005 will remain valid, the industry has started the transition period, and businesses worldwide should be ready to process the new format data before 2026.

Visa launches ‘Tap to Add Card’ in Ukraine, Georgia and South Africa

Visa has introduced its ‘Tap to Add Card’ service in Ukraine, Georgia, and South Africa, allowing cardholders to effortlessly add their bank cards to mobile wallets via NFC by simply tapping their card on an NFC-enabled phone.

This innovation eliminates the need for manual entry—a process prone to errors and fraud risks. Instead, the tap generates a unique, one-time code, validated by Visa’s Chip Authenticate service, ensuring secure provisioning of card credentials.

This method is not only faster but also significantly more secure than traditional alternatives.

Tetiana Chorna, Country Manager, Ukraine: 'Tap to Add Card provides cardholders peace of mind, knowing their information is protected by advanced security measures. We believe this innovation will accelerate the adoption of digital wallets in Ukraine.'

Electronic tag poised to disrupt single-use RFID technology

Researchers from Glasgow University have developed a new electronic tag that could serve as an environmentally friendly alternative to the roughly 30 billion-plus single-use radio frequency identification (RFID) tags that are landfilled each year.

According to its developers, the new wireless tag system can reportedly identify objects and measure temperature without using microchips.

The tags are manufactured using inexpensive coils and a sensing material derived from a type of silicon rubber (PDMS) and carbon fibers. The coils are smaller than those employed in credit cards, and they absorb electromagnetic signals from a hand-held reader via electromagnetic waves.

ArcBest Introduces Vaux Vision and Enhancements to Vaux Technology Suite

ArcBest, an integrated logistics company, announced the introduction of its latest technology offering, Vaux Vision, which is currently in the pilot phase. Vaux Vision transforms forklifts into intelligent mobile dimensioners to improve material handling efficiencies. This adds to the company’s suite of advanced technology solutions.

ArcBest has also expanded its existing technologies, the Vaux Freight Movement System and Vaux Smart Autonomy, enhancing their value for customers across various industries, including verticals like data centers, automotive, manufacturing, retail and air cargo.

Vaux Vision is 3D perception technology designed to streamline material handling by providing precise, real-time freight measurement and insight directly on a forklift. With sensors placed strategically on the forklift that activate upon picking up the freight, the technology captures dimensions, images, and deep shipment insight on the go, identifying revenue opportunities and enhancing operational efficiencies without disrupting workflow. Operators receive real-time feedback on a tablet, and data is stored securely in the cloud. The technology can handle freight of various shapes and sizes, not limited to standard pallets.

Vaux Vision is NTEP (National Type Evaluation Program) certified and features a touch screen operator display and barcode scanning capabilities. It integrates seamlessly with the Vaux OS as well as new or existing weight scales. Other capabilities include:

Capturing photos of freight during pick and drop to improve visibility and transparency
Utilizing AI to determine attributes like damage, HazMat, stackable, fragile and leaning
Tracking the piece ID or pallet barcode

In addition to Vaux Vision, ArcBest also announced updates to its previously released solutions, introducing more equipment sizes and performance enhancements. These updates were driven by customer feedback across several customer verticals.

CONTROLTEK Welcomes Gerard Hewison as Segment Development Manager, Emerging Technologies

CONTROLTEK, a company that offers retail asset protection and RFID solutions, announces the addition of Gerard Hewison as Segment Development Manager, Emerging Technologies.

In this role, Hewison will focus on helping customers enable RFID and EAS solutions to enhance their business operations.

With over 25 years of experience, Hewison offers invaluable expertise to the team. Over the past 15 years, he has built strong relationships with clients across North America, gaining deep insight into their needs. His extensive background in business development and technology makes him an ideal fit for his new role at CONTROLTEK.

Zegna adds NFC digital product passports to luxury menswear line

Zegna’s new Vellus Aureum collection features NFC tags embedded in each item, serving as digital product passports. These tags allow buyers to verify authenticity and access detailed provenance information, the luxury Italian menswear brand has announced.

Zegna explains that all Vellus Aureum products can be registered, with activation unlocking deeper insight into the garment’s creation. NFC and Aura Blockchain technology provide a tamper-proof digital seal, ensuring authenticity.

Buyers can explore the full journey of this rare wool—from ethical sourcing to meticulous craftsmanship—offering unmatched transparency into one of the world’s finest fabrics.

To activate the NFC feature, users simply scan the embedded tag with their smartphone. This directs them to the product page, where they can access detailed information about their garment.

Deluxe Now Offers Tap to Pay on iPhone for Merchants to Accept Contactless Payments

Deluxe  now enables its U.S. customers to seamlessly and securely accept in-person contactless payments with Tap to Pay on iPhone. Tap to Pay on iPhone allows merchants to accept all forms of contactless payments, including contactless credit and debit cards, Apple Pay, and other digital wallets, using only an iPhone and the dlxPAY app—no additional hardware or payment terminal needed.

With Tap to Pay on iPhone, at checkout, merchants will simply prompt the customer to hold their contactless payment near the merchant’s iPhone, and the payment will be securely completed using NFC technology.

Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology uses the built-in features of iPhone to keep the business and customer data private and secure. When a payment is processed, Apple does not store card numbers or transaction information on the device or on Apple servers.

Tap to Pay on iPhone enables merchants to unlock contactless payment acceptance within minutes through the dlxPAY iOS app now available on the Apple App Store.

Asset Management System Market Skyrockets to $29.79 Billion by 2031

According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, "The Asset Management System Market was valued at US$ 16.72 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 29.79 billion by 2031; it is expected to register a CAGR of 8.6% during 2025–2031", the global asset management system market is observing significant growth owing to the growing industrialization and urbanization and increasing adoption of advanced technologies such IoT, RFID, and GPS.

E-commerce companies have some of the most complex and dynamic content management requirements of any industry. They frequently update their branding aspects, launch new campaigns several times a year, and manage constantly changing (and growing) product libraries. Digital Asset Management (DAM) guarantees that all digital assets are properly managed, optimized, and continuously aligned with marketing plans, resulting in a smooth consumer experience. Furthermore, by embracing the benefits of digital asset management in eCommerce, organizations can expedite workflows, improve content accessibility, and maintain consistent branding across all touchpoints. Furthermore, the technology contributes to providing customers with better, faster, and more personalized purchasing experiences, increasing market demand.

Asset managers are looking to use technology for a variety of purposes, including offering a full array of data to portfolio management teams, insights into performance and risk attribution, deepening research, and assessing patterns. Most asset managers and asset owners are planning to use AI and predictive analytics over the next three years, as well as technologies like cloud computing, to support the increased computing power required for proper data storage and processing. Furthermore, machine learning algorithms outperform traditional quantitative models when it comes to investor projections. Also, these models can be applied in a variety of contexts, including predicting corporate bond yields and market betas, creating an opportunity for the market growth.

Juniper forecasts 50% growth in QR mobile payment transactions

Mobile payments via QR codes are set to grow by 50%, rising from US$5.4 trillion in 2025 to over US$8 trillion by 2029, according to Juniper Research.

The firm highlights two key factors driving QR code adoption: lower operational costs and universal compatibility. Additionally, the standardization of national QR schemes and the rise of Account-to-Account (A2A) payment initiatives will further accelerate growth.

However, Apple’s decision to open up third-party access to Near-Field Communication (NFC) technology is expected to intensify competition, giving consumers more NFC-based payment options.

Juniper notes that this competition will be particularly strong in North America and Europe, where iOS devices hold the largest market share. Nonetheless, accessibility and affordability will be crucial for QR codes to maintain a foothold in these NFC-dominated regions.

Kezzler Expands Industry Leadership with Acquisition of Smart Packaging and QR Engagement Pioneer Scanbuy

Kezzler significantly strengthened its global footprint and expanded its product offering with the acquisition of Scanbuy's Smart Packaging and QR Code consumer engagement business. Scanbuy's customers will now have access to Kezzler's world-class traceability platform, enabling them to meet the growing demand for increased product transparency, traceability, and disclosure. Organisations will benefit from unmatched end-to-end enterprise class solutions that address value chain traceability, US FSMA 204 adherence, the EU Digital Product Passport, EUDR and ePIL compliance, as well as enhanced consumer engagement.

The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment when product transparency, traceability, and disclosure have shifted from optional to essential imperatives for consumers, regulators, and businesses worldwide, especially in Apparel, Retail, Food & Beverage, Health, and CPG sectors.

The combined business, operating out of the US, Europe, and Asia, will serve a wide range of multinationals such as PepsiCo, Bimbo Bakeries, Kellanova, Reckitt, Mondelez, Migros, DeCA, ENI, Gerber Products Company and United Parcel Service.

The acquisition, structured as a carve-out, is a cash transaction funded by Kezzler's long-term shareholders, including industrial giants Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and TOMRA, the Norwegian Government's investment fund Investinor, and Kezzler Chairman and famed entrepreneur Erik Langaker.  Scanbuy's data AI business will continue to operate independently under a new brand.

Resource Label Group Expands into Quebec with the Acquisition of Imprimerie Ste-Julie

Resource Label Group, LLC (RLG), a full-service provider of label and packaging solutions, announced the acquisition of Imprimerie Ste-Julie, located in Sainte-Julie, Quebec.

Owned and operated by Caroline Fournier and Marilène Fournier, Imprimerie Ste-Julie (ISJ) has cultivated a strong reputation across Quebec, serving businesses that seek customized, creative and sustainable label solutions to enhance their products.

ISJ is a trusted partner to customers in the food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, natural products and cosmetics markets, and meet their strict delivery, quality, and sustainability goals.

Resource Label Group, LLC is a provider of label and packaging solutions with a diverse product offering which includes pressure sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, folding carton, flexible packaging, RFID/NFC technology, sustainable product solutions, scent activation technology, industrial solutions, healthcare packaging and fulfillment services.

Self-Service Kiosk Market to Grow by USD 13.28 Billion from 2025-2029

The global self-service kiosk market  size is estimated to grow by USD 13.28 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. 

The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  15.4%  during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of contactless payment is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing focus on smart retail stores. However, growing demand for tablet kiosks poses a challenge.

Smart stores, incorporating technologies like self-checkout kiosks, are revolutionizing brick-and-mortar retail. With the integration of card payment modules, these kiosks enable customers to complete transactions independently, eliminating long queues. The rise of smart stores, such as StoreKing's new locations in India, is expected to boost the global self-service kiosk market during the forecast period.

Garcia rolls out digital product passports across its product range

Dutch jeans brand Garcia has announced plans to equip every garment in its collection with a digital product passport (DPP), allowing shoppers to access detailed sustainability information.

Starting with the Spring/Summer 2025 collection, each garment will include a care label featuring a QR code that provides instant access to key product details, Garcia stated.

Mark Hommelberg, CEO of JOG Group, Garcia’s parent company, acknowledged the complexity of integrating DPPs across the entire collection development process. “It was a significant challenge, but thanks to the dedication of the Garcia team and our business partners, we made it happen,” he said.

OKI Launches SHO-XYZ Location and Inventory Management System to Easily Track Products, Equipment, and Other Items Stored Indoors and Outdoors From a Smartphone

OKI will launch its SHO-XYZTM location and inventory management system in the Japanese market from March 2025, for easy tracking of products, equipment, and other items stored indoors and outdoors from a smartphone. This system allows the centralized management of storage locations and inventory information via smartphones by attaching QR Codes® or RF tags to items, resolving on-site issues such as lost items while significantly reducing management workloads. This system is provided for SaaS service usage fees for easy adoption at small warehouses and factories where additional investment is often difficult to justify.

In warehousing, manufacturing, and other industries in which items are stored, storage location management tends to rely on individuals, and items go missing every day due to human error. The most common causes are failure to record storage locations and incorrect registration. In small warehouses, since management often relies on human memory, there have also been problems in which items are temporarily lost, leading to items not being shipped on scheduled dates due to the need to search for them. In particular, recently, along with the expanding deployment of foreign workers in warehouses due to labor shortages stemming from the 2024 logistics issue, there has been a growing need for solutions that overcome the language barrier.

SHO-XYZ, a SaaS cloud-based system, enables automatic tracking of items stored indoors and outdoors by scanning RF tags attached to them using a smartphone connected to an RFID reader. The system also includes functions including a receiving/shipping management function required of general warehouse management systems (WMS). Using QR Codes and barcodes, the system can address both location tracking and inventory management. Additionally, it provides multilingual support for foreign workers and accommodates site-specific terminology.

The system allows workers, regardless of language, to register item locations according to site conditions and to check locations of items on the map of the app, reducing on-site incidents in which items are lost and shortening search times. Validation tests at OKI’s warehouse showed that the system cuts search times by around 75%.

Conventionally, tracking the locations of stored items required preparations including purchasing expensive dedicated equipment, which resulted in high introduction and operating costs. Conversely, this system is provided as a SaaS service with minimal initial investment, making it more accessible for small warehouses and factories where additional investment is often difficult to justify. This enables sites facing cost constraints to adopt the system and to digitize business operations. The use of readily available devices such as smartphones and RF tags also helps minimize introduction costs.

DFS to pilot digital product passports for furniture

DFS, a leading furniture manufacturer and retailer with 115 stores across the UK, has signed an agreement to trial digital product passports (DPPs).

Technovative Solutions, which is spearheading the pilot, describes it as a model for regulators, showcasing how DPPs can be effectively implemented and customized to meet industry demands.

“By partnering with innovative manufacturers like DFS, Technovative Solutions Ltd (TVS) and DigiProd Pass Ltd aim to highlight the transformative impact of DPPs in promoting sustainability and circularity across industries,” the company stated.

This announcement comes shortly after French retail brand Ligne Roset revealed plans to launch its own DPP pilot late last month.

Virgin Atlantic now supports AirTag’s new feature for finding lost luggage

Thanks to the new Find My feature introduced in iOS 18.2, you can now share your luggage’s location with airlines. Today, Virgin Atlantic has announced it now supports the new AirTag feature.

Virgin Atlantic now lets you share your AirTag’s location with its customer service team to recover your lost luggage faster.

In the US, we’re still waiting on AirTag support from several major airlines including American Airlines, Southwest, JetBlue, Spirit, and more. Currently, Delta and United both offer support.

SuperCom Secures over 200% growth in PureTrack GPS Monitoring units in Large Nationwide European EM Project

SuperCom has received new orders from a European government customer which locked in over 200% growth in PureTrack GPS units in the 12 month period ending January 2025 and is expected to surpass 400% growth by end of 2025.

These orders are part of an expansion of a large ongoing Nationwide European electronic monitoring (EM) project that SuperCom has been implementing.

While the project entails multiple offerings from SuperCom's PureSecurity suite, the PureTrack GPS tracking of offenders portion, allowing for continuous monitoring even as offenders are permitted to leave their homes from time to time, has received a sharp increase in demand and growth. These unit numbers were not expected at the onset of the project and grew as the program evolved.

SuperCom's PureSecurity Suite is a best-of-breed electronic monitoring and tracking platform, which contains a comprehensive set of innovative features, including smart phone integration, secure communication, advanced security, anti-tamper mechanisms, fingerprint biometrics, voice communication, unique touch screens and extended battery life.

Identity Verification Market to Grow by USD 16.92 Billion from 2024-2028

The global identity verification market size is estimated to grow by USD 16.92 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  20.3%  during the forecast period. Increase in digitalization with electronic id (EID) cards and smart infrastructure initiatives is driving market growth, with a trend towards growing adoption of bring your own device (byod) among enterprises. However, privacy and security concerns of data transferred through iot  poses a challenge.

The Identity Verification Market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing security risks associated with online transactions and the digitalization of various industries. Businesses in finance, healthcare, emerging markets, and border controls are adopting advanced verification techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI) and biometric technologies to secure digital identities. AI and machine learning (ML) are being used for data analysis and fraud detection, while biometric checks include facial recognition, fingerprint recognition, and liveness detection. Identity-related theft incidents continue to rise, making security measures a top priority. Self-service identity verification, multi-factor authentication, and data-driven verification methods are becoming increasingly popular.

The BFSI industry, e-commerce, gaming, and cryptocurrency exchanges are major sectors investing in identity verification systems to meet Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements and ensure customer confidence. Traditional non-biometric solutions are being replaced with more efficient and secure biometric devices, including cameras, microphones, GPS functionalities, and mobile devices. Regulations, such as cloud-based deployment and data privacy concerns, are driving the need for secure IT infrastructure and technical expertise. Security personnel and system integrators are in high demand to address cyber threats and ensure regulatory compliance. Emerging technologies like intelligent border control, real-time verification, and diverse data sources are shaping the future of identity verification. The industry is expected to continue growing as businesses and governments prioritize data security and fraud mitigation tools.

In today's business landscape, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend is gaining popularity among enterprises. This shift towards a mobile-first, web next scenario allows employees to access their privileged accounts through mobile devices, enhancing productivity and morale. Privileged users, also known as admin users, hold significant authority in managing backend functions of a system. They can set up, modify, and delete accounts, alter user roles, change system settings, and access sensitive data.

Lufthansa now embraces AirTags

Lufthansa, once adamantly opposed to AirTags for reasons known only to itself, has now embraced them—integrating support into its app and even celebrating the move. Back in 2022, the airline attempted to justify its ban by citing vague safety concerns and unspecified legal violations.

In reality, the decision seemed more like an attempt to avoid scrutiny as airlines faced backlash over lost and stolen luggage. The ban, however, barely lasted three days before Lufthansa reversed course, claiming a 'risk assessment' had cleared the way—though it was less about technical analysis and more about public pressure.

Passengers had made their objections clear, and many would have ignored the ban anyway. Worse, discouraging AirTags may have even hurt ticket sales; after all, admitting you don’t want travelers tracking their own luggage isn’t exactly reassuring. Faced with this reality, Lufthansa has now pivoted to full-on adoption.

Enhancing counterfeit RFID tag classification through distance based cognitive risk control

In the realm of radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, combatting counterfeit tags through anti-counterfeiting technologies has garnered significant attention, particularly physical layer identification methods, lauded for their cost-effectiveness and simplicity in deployment.

Nonetheless, the performance of physical layer recognition method is significantly impacted by the conditions of the tag detection setting, especially in scenarios characterized by low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), where classification accuracy tends to suffer.

To tackle this challenge head-on, a new study proposes the implementation of a cognitive risk control strategy, which fine-tunes tag distance within the tag classification process to bolster the SNR and enhance recognition precision. Beyond the enactment of cognitive risk control, this paper extends its focus to encompass enriched time domain and frequency domain feature extraction, totaling 104 features, aimed at further enhancing classification efficacy.

Leveraging software-defined radio devices, classification experiments encompassing seven popular tag types from three distinct manufacturers were conducted. Results from these experiments reveal that upon integrating the cognitive risk control strategy, the average accuracy of tag classification experiences an approximate 11% increase. Concurrently, in comparison to traditional twenty-eight and seven features, the adoption of one-hundred-and-four features translates to an enhancement in classification accuracy by roughly 4.3% and 5.3%, respectively. These findings not only underscore the efficacy of cognitive risk control in elevating label classification accuracy within low SNR environments but also underscore the potential for augmenting classification performance through an increased feature set.

Global RFID tags market projected to reach around USD 30.54 billio

The global RFID tags market was valued at approximately USD 14.73 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 30.54 billion by 2032, indicating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 9.54% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2032.

The RFID Tags Market is witnessing growth fueled by rising demand for inventory management and tracking solutions across various sectors such as retail, logistics, and healthcare. RFID technology enhances supply chain efficiency by enabling real-time tracking of products, reducing losses, and improving inventory accuracy.

The increasing focus on automation and digital transformation in industries further propels the adoption of RFID solutions. Additionally, advancements in RFID technology are leading to more cost-effective solutions that cater to a broader range of applications. As businesses aim to enhance operational efficiency, the RFID tags market is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Orca Scan Launches Barcode Label Designer to Simplify Barcode Creation

Cambridge-based software company Orca Scan announced the launch of its new web-based Barcode Label Designer, a new and innovative tool designed to give businesses of all sizes the ability to design, create and print fully-compliant barcode labels in minutes.

The new Barcode Label Designer is pre-configured with industry-compliant templates; and an intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows anyone to create custom, professional-quality labels, without the need for design experience or coding. The tool supports a variety of formats and sizes, ensuring compatibility with widely-used barcode printers from Brother, Dymo and Zebra.

With Orca Scan's Barcode Label Designer, users can easily combine text, images, logos and barcodes to create the barcode labels they need. What's more, the tool is integrated into the existing platform, meaning users can populate labels using data in their existing sheets.

The Barcode Label Designer is available now as part of the Orca Scan platform, with a free trial available for all new users.

Alo Yoga uses NFC to invite shoppers to its Roblox sanctuary

Upmarket athletic apparel brand Alo Yoga is integrating NFC stickers into the windows of its 150 global stores, offering customers access to its newly updated virtual sanctuary on Roblox.

These stickers grant visitors a free, exclusive virtual item available only to Roblox users who visit a physical Alo Yoga location.

Originally launched in 2021, Alo Yoga’s Roblox sanctuary has garnered 117 million visits, co-CEO Danny Harris told Women’s Wear Daily (WWD).

The revamped experience introduces running challenges, cold plunge therapy, interactive gym equipment, and Alo Moves yoga and meditation content.

For those looking to refresh their avatar’s wardrobe, Alo is rolling out paid items, including a mesh duffle, the Make Waves set, and the Alo Runner and Alo Recovery Mode sneakers.

Contactless Fare Payments Coming to Public Transit in Philadelphia and Seattle

Public transportation riders in the greater Philadelphia and Seattle regions will soon be able to pay fares using contactless bank cards or NFC-enabled devices.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has awarded a $211 million contract to Cubic Transportation Systems to develop and manage a new digital ticketing system across five counties in the Greater Philadelphia area. The SEPTA Key 2.0 system will introduce virtual cards, support equity-focused fare policies, and enhance reliability and ease of use. Additionally, SEPTA’s website, mobile app, and call center will receive upgrades.

Meanwhile, in Seattle, transit riders using the One Regional Card for All (ORCA) system are a step closer to tapping to pay with their contactless bank cards. The ORCA Joint Board has approved integrating Tap to Pay for iPhone and NFC devices into the myORCA system, which launched in 2022. While Android users can already store a digital myORCA card, the new system will allow payments directly via bank cards.

Livestock Monitoring Market worth $2.57 billion by 2031

The livestock monitoring market is expected to reach USD 2.57 billion by 2031 from USD 1.65 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 7.7%, from 2025 to 2031 according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets™.

The growth of the livestock monitoring market is owing to the increasing demands for precision livestock farming and real-time tracking of health situations in dairy, poultry, swine, and equine farms. Major driving factors for growth in the market include the use of smart monitoring techniques, improving herd management conditions, enhancing animal productivity and animal welfare through sensor-based tracking, and the mounting need for diseases to be recognized and prevented at an early phase. Some of the major growth drivers are demand for RFID and GPS-enabled livestock tracking systems, AI-driven analytics for behavioral monitoring, IoT-cloud integration solutions, and government initiatives towards sustainable farming practices. Growth in connected agriculture, wearable livestock monitoring devices, and adoption of industry practices are also expansionary factors. As technology costs decrease, livestock monitoring solutions are becoming more accessible to a majority of livestock farming operations.

Feeding management is set to achieve the highest CAGR in the livestock monitoring market. Precision farming and sustainable food production are forcing this demand. Advanced feeding solutions optimize livestock nutrition, minimize waste, and increase productivity by using real-time data to make automated adjustments. In dairy farming, feed intake directly impacts milk yield, necessitating precise nutrient composition. Systems like DeLaval's Optimat automate feed mixing and distribution, improving efficiency and herd health. Beyond dairy, precision feeding in swine and poultry farming enhances growth rates and reproductive performance. Automated systems monitor feed intake, avoiding inefficiencies and health hazards associated with overfeeding or underfeeding. Data-based information also enables farmers to identify early warning signs of nutritional deficiency or disease, allowing for proactive measures. Feed management solutions are turning into crucial tools for making animal production more sustainable, profitable, and healthier in view of increasing feed prices and consumer expectations regarding the ethical sourcing of animal products. Thus, the increasing adoption is going to unleash tremendous growth in this segment.

Livestock monitoring is a rapidly expanding market, and the cattle segment (dairy and beef) is anticipated to account for the highest market share in the forecast period. It is mainly being driven by an increase in demand for efficient herd management, disease management, and productivity boosts in the dairy and meat industry. For dairy cattle, dairy cattle monitoring solutions optimize milk production, monitor reproductive cycles, and maintain overall herd well-being by tracking feeding habits and milk output. In beef cattle, monitoring weight gain, movement, and health is the key to enhancing the quality of meat, improving breeding efficiency, and optimizing profit. Advanced livestock monitoring technologies such as wearable sensors, GPS-enabled devices, and automated health systems enable farmers to track cattle in real time, enabling them to identify diseases early and enhance breeding cycles. The solutions also assist in traceability of the supply chain, guaranteeing food safety and compliance with regulations. As the industry shifts towards precision farming, livestock monitoring technologies are gaining prominence in enhancing productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in cattle farming.

Hana Technologies Appoints Dr. Jeremy Liu as Chief Technology Officer

Hana Technologies, Inc. (Hana) announced the appointment of Dr. Jeremy Liu as Chief Technology Officer (CTO). With over 22 years of experience in RAIN (UHF) RFID, Jeremy holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering specializing in RFID antenna and wireless technologies. He has authored 38 scientific papers and holds 36 patents in RFID, underscoring his significant contributions to the field.

Before joining Hana, Jeremy served as VP of RFID Technology at SML for nine years and previously held the same position at Invengo for 13 years. During his career, he has pioneered innovative inlay designs, resulting in the delivery of over 10 billion inlays to the market.

Managed Services Market to Grow by USD 217 Billion (2025-2029), Boosted by Increased Adoption of IoT Solutions

The global managed services market size is estimated to grow by USD 217 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of  11.3%  during the forecast period. Increased adoption of IoT solutions is driving market growth, with a trend towards advent of big data and analytics services. However, data privacy and security risks in cloud-based services  poses a challenge.

Managed Services Market: Trends and Opportunities The Managed Services Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by various trends in technology. Cloud computing is a major trend, with businesses increasingly adopting cloud-based technologies for operational efficiency and cost savings. Cybersecurity is another key trend, as businesses seek to protect their data and IT infrastructure from cyber threats. Data management is also a significant trend, with the rise of big data and the need for businesses to effectively manage and analyze their data. Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are also popular trends, as they help businesses improve productivity and reduce costs. MSPs (Managed Service Providers) are in high demand, offering services such as network and communication collaboration, mobility, information, application testing, and cloud platform management.

 The Internet of Things (IoT) is also driving growth in the market, with the need for endpoint management solutions and managed network services. Industries such as retail & consumer goods, healthcare & life sciences, energy & utilities, media & entertainment, and IT services are all investing in managed services to support their digital transformation. IT security professionals are in high demand to help businesses protect their data and IT infrastructure from cyber threats. Cloud-based solutions, such as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer flexibility and scalability. Hybrid work models are also driving demand for managed services, as businesses look for ways to support their remote workforces. The market for managed services is expected to continue growing, with a focus on industry requirements and consumer needs. IoT technologies, such as robotics and optical instruments, are also expected to drive growth in the market. However, businesses must also be aware of the privacy protection challenges associated with managed services and ensure they are working with trusted providers. Aeries Technology offers a range of managed services, including network infrastructure management, server & device management, computer & helpdesk support, and managed security services. Our team of skilled resources can help businesses improve their operational efficiency, protect their data, and meet their industry requirements. Contact US today to learn more.

RFID Journal 2025 Awards: Celebrating Excellence in RFID and Related Technologies

RFID Journal Awards 2025 are now accepting nominations for its annual awards that are handed out at RFID Journal LIVE! 2025.

The awards, in their 19th year, recognize outstanding achievements in RFID and related technologies.

The RFID Journal Awards honors companies that have distinguished themselves by their successful use of RFID, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies or the introduction of a valuable new RFID or IoT product or service.

These prestigious awards honor organizations and innovators who have successfully leveraged RFID and IoT technologies to transform operations, enhance efficiency, and achieve remarkable results.

STMicroelectronics Unveils Modular NFC Reader/Tag Development Kit for Versatile Applications

STMicroelectronics has introduced a modular reader/tag development kit designed to help engineers easily explore NFC technology across various industrial, consumer, and medical applications. From household appliances and gaming consoles to personal care devices, power tools, and product authentication solutions, the kit simplifies the integration of NFC into innovative designs.

The STEVAL-25R200SA kit features ST’s new ST25R200 NFC reader/writer IC, enabling engineers to rapidly develop proof-of-concept models. It facilitates short-range wireless communication for device pairing, configuration settings, and product authentication, enhancing brand protection.

Key Features of the STEVAL-25R200SA Kit
    •    Compact, Ready-to-Use Board – The kit includes an ultra-compact ST25R200 board, pre-configured for quick startup.
    •    Versatile Antenna Options – Supports single, dual, and flexible antenna designs, complete with a 50-ohm antenna interface and programmable tags.

The ST25R200 is now in production, housed in a compact 4mm x 4mm 24-pin TQFN package, ideal for space-constrained designs requiring contactless card experiences. Pricing starts at $1.99 per unit for orders of 1,000 pieces.

DeTect to Deliver Bird Detection Radar to Hanseo University's Flight Education Center in South Korea MERLIN True3D bird and drone detection radar system installation

DeTect, Inc. (DeTect) is shipping a MERLIN True3D Bird Detection Radar (BDR) to Hanseo University's Flight Education Center in South Korea with the system to be installed and operational in mid-February.

The system will be used to support flight safety for pilot training and for research, providing real-time bird and drone tracking and strike risk alerting to air traffic controllers and airfield management. DeTect and Hanseo entered into an agreement in June 2024 to deploy the MERLIN system at the training centre airstrip in Taean.

DeTect is a fully integrated radar company with research, engineering and manufacturing facilities in Florida, Canada and Poland, and offices in North Dakota, California, Hawaii, London, Poland and South Korea. The company's MERLIN BDR is the most proven and widely used system for aircraft-bird strike risk management. Other DeTect products include HARRIER™ Security and Surveillance Radars, the DroneWatcher™ counter-UAS system, MERLIN bird protection systems for wind farms, and the HARRIER Aircraft Detection Lighting System.  Since 2003, DeTect has manufactured and delivered over 1100 systems in the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Barcode Scanners Market to Reach $4.4 Billion by 2031

The barcode scanners market is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 7.2% from 2025 to 2032.

A barcode scanner, also known as a barcode reader, is a device that reads barcodes and converts the information stored in them into data that can be sent to a computer. They are widely used across various sectors, including retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing, making them essential tools for modern business practices. The barcode scanners market is experiencing growth primarily due to government initiatives encouraging the adoption of biometric technologies, high demand of barcode scanner in healthcare sector to enhance patient safety and operational efficiency and increased use of barcode scanner for inventory management . However, this market's growth is restrained by lack of awareness in developing countries and high initial cost.  

Additionally, the continued advancements in imaging technology and increasing demand for automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) technology solutions are anticipated to create substantial growth opportunities for players operating in this market. However, integration with existing systems and safety and security concerns pose a significant challenge to market growth.

The global barcode scanners market is segmented by offering (product (pen type readers, laser barcode scanners, ccd barcode scanners and camera-based scanners), consumables, software); type (handheld scanners, fixed mount scanners, handsfree scanners, companion/wearable scanners, other types); end-use industry (retail & ecommerce, media & entertainment, BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing, education, transportation & logistics, government, IT & telecom, military/law enforcement and other end-use industries. This study also evaluates industry competitors and analyzes the regional and country-level markets.

Club Quarters rolls out NFC room keys

Club Quarters Hotels has introduced contactless room keys that can be stored directly in the digital wallet of guests’ Apple or Android devices. This feature allows guests to access their rooms simply by tapping their phone, smartwatch, or other personal device on the door lock—no need to download the hotel’s mobile app.

These digital keys eliminate the need for traditional key cards, as guests can add their room key to their digital wallet directly from the email confirming their booking. The key is activated automatically upon electronic check-in and becomes usable as soon as the room is ready, removing the need to visit the check-in desk entirely.

The digital key works seamlessly without requiring guests to open an app, navigate to specific screens, or even unlock their device. It remains functional for up to five hours after the device’s battery dies, ensuring uninterrupted access. The same key also provides entry to the hotel’s fitness center and updates automatically if a guest extends their stay. Powered by Vingcard’s Vostio Access Management solution, this innovative approach enhances convenience and streamlines the guest experience.

Smart Labels Market worth $17.33 billion by 2029

The Smart Labels Market size is projected to grow from USD 11.43 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 17.33 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 8.7%. The demand for smart labels is expected to increase, as it is fast revolutionizing the benefits of traditional labels.

These smart labels serve the simple recognition function not just as product identification but also as real-time data tracking, providing security, and allowing interactive consumer engagement. All these make smart labels a common solution for businesses that strive for increased operational efficiencies, verification of authenticity of products at the customer level, and deeper interactions with clients. The population and increasing income earnings will drive the demand in emerging markets to have better solutions for tracking products in real-time, along with inventory management.

EAS labels are used most commonly at retail stores in monitoring the goods and securing them, offering retailers a convenient means through which products can be secured without compromising customer shopping experiences. For instance, Walmart and Target place EAS labels on specified products, usually electronics, and apparel, to inform store employees in case a product is stolen or exits from the store without a proper checkout process. EAS labels work through the triggering of alarms each time the object passes detection gates during exits from stores, preventing shrinkage and loss. Thus, EAS labels are becoming more prominent and one of the fastest-growing sectors in the smart label market.

Pallet tracking helps in improving visibility and efficiency while conducting business through the supply chain. Tracking all pallets through the supply chain from warehousing to transportation is made possible for businesses that integrate smart labels in their supply chain using RFID tags. Tags provide real-time visibility, thus reducing the possibility of any errors or theft. Coca-Cola and Amazon have used RFID-based smart labels on their pallets to control inventory and improve warehouse operations and timely deliveries. With these smart labels attached to pallets, automated tracking occurs, which accelerates the load and discharge processes, minimizes human error, and generates data for potential improvements. The high demand for this application will keep increasing in the coming years.

Vans Replaces Traditional Checkouts with iPhones at London Flagship Store

Vans’ newly redesigned flagship store on Oxford Street, London, has eliminated traditional checkout counters, instead equipping sales assistants with Apple iPhones to process contactless payments.

“With ‘Tap to Pay’ on iPhone at the core of this innovation, the devices function as fully integrated payment terminals,” explains solution provider Retail Reply.

Shoppers can complete transactions quickly and securely using physical cards, Apple Pay, or other digital wallets, creating a seamless checkout experience. By allowing sales assistants to handle payments directly on their iPhones, Vans has removed the need for additional hardware or dedicated payment terminals.

Midmo.ai Comes out of Stealth Mode with Connective Tissue for Traceability Solutions

Ohio startup Midmo AI is transforming track-and-trace solution adoptions by simplifying an otherwise complex set of hardware, software, and application integrations.

Behind the scenes, Midmo's MotionView platform is already serving automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) for brands and solution providers by seamlessly integrating connectivity technology and software.

Now the company is introducing itself at Manifest 2025, Las Vegas, February 10 – 12, with a premier startup booth, K51, near the Innovation Stage. Midmo, launched by auto-ID industry expert David Zingery, and CEO  redefines traceability by enabling data accuracy as a service, in the form of seamless visibility and tracking that's agnostic to the type of technology and hardware used. In fact, its MotionView software, with advanced AI integrated at the edge, empowers businesses to achieve unparalleled visibility and control over their operations from a single source.

MotionView has already positioned itself as the industry's behind-the-scenes, go-to solution for simplifying AIDC. It provides connectivity between hardware and market-available ERP solutions while enabling device management, and real-time item visibility and traceability. The platform allows for easy, lightweight, low-code connectivity to a wide array of IoT devices, sensors, and technologies (including RFID, BLE, GPS, UWB, LoRaWan, etc.).

Poised to revolutionize connectivity and AIDC, Midmo has now opened its official seed funding round, for investors, to support research and development, strategy and marketing.

Track-and-trace solutions have expanded across industries – from retail to manufacturing to healthcare -- but growth has faced an unresolved challenge: the complexities of connecting diverse devices and technologies at scale.

Zingery brings 20 years of technology and supply chain management experience to Midmo with a single mission: to eliminate the politics and complexities that burden traceability solutions. The company has achieved this by developing a technology- and device-agnostic platform, providing integrated, AI-enabled devices and enterprise translation, edge-level item intelligence, "core" and "headless" solutions, and enhanced data management.

Companies are already onboard employing and benefitting from MotionView to eliminate the need for specialized, high-cost, complex or over-tooled software, to deliver immediate value . Midmo follows a partner-led approach, its partners include companies that are solution and service providers and OEM device manufacturers, to offer an extensible platform containing all the functionality needed for real-time traceability.

How will the market for agricultural IoT applications evolve in 2025 and beyond?

Precision agriculture is about managing variations in the field to increase crop yield, raise productivity and reduce consumption of agricultural inputs. While solutions such as auto-guidance and machine monitoring and control via onboard displays today are mainstream technologies in the agricultural industry, telematics and variable rate technology (VRT) are not yet widely adopted. Most major agricultural equipment manufacturers have initiatives related to precision agriculture, although strategies vary markedly.

Leading providers of precision agriculture solutions include Deere & Company, AGCO via its joint venture with Trimble, Topcon Positioning Systems, Hexagon, and CNH Industrial through its subsidiary Raven Industries. Other significant vendors are Ag Leader Technology, Kubota and CLAAS Group. The agricultural drone market has recently emerged as a rapidly growing area in precision farming. The market is led by DJI with an installed base of more than 300,000 agricultural drones. Other important players are Draganfly, AgEagle, XAG and Beijing TT Aviation Technology. Industry players that provide data-oriented applications and agronomic services include Bayer's Climate LLC, Syngenta, Farmers Edge and BASF.

The market for in-field sensor systems can be divided into three segments: environmental monitoring, pest monitoring and water management. These solutions typically incorporate wireless connectivity, data logging, cameras and sensors that record measurements of environmental parameters. Semios (Almanac) is the largest vendor in the space by far with an installed base of over 500,000 sensor nodes, followed by Pessl Instruments and Davis Instruments with estimated installed bases of around 80,000 and 50,000 devices respectively.

The top specialised providers of integrated soil moisture monitoring solutions comprise CropX, Hortau and WiseConn. Remote irrigation control solutions are offered by the largest OEMs of central-pivot and drip irrigation systems including Valmont Industries with its Valley Irrigation brand, Lindsay Corporation with its Zimmatic brand and Netafim.

Precision livestock farming technologies are mainly applied to the husbandry of dairy cattle, poultry and pigs. Consolidation and growth of dairy farms have resulted in larger herds per farmer, which makes manual observations challenging. Bodymounted sensor systems together with herd management software are used to achieve satisfactory herd health and timely insemination when a cow is in oestrous.

A majority of the leading dairy equipment OEMs including GEA Group, Lely and BouMatic partner with specialised companies to provide advanced sensor technology for herd management. The world's largest dairy equipment manufacturer DeLaval offers its in-house developed activity monitoring system along with its milking and dairy farming infrastructure solutions. Other significant providers of precision livestock farming technologies include Afimilk, Farmnote, Nedap, Fullwood JOZ, smaXtec and Merck.

The analyst's outlook for the smart farming solution market is positive as agricultural production remains greatly underpenetrated by IoT technologies. The number of installed wireless devices for applications in agricultural production is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% from 26.5 million connections at the end of 2023 to 38.2 million connected devices by 2028. Cellular connections amounted to roughly 2 million at the end of 2023 and are expected to reach 4.1 million in 2028.

The main application areas for cellular communications comprise farm equipment telematics and in-field sensor systems. LPWA technologies are expected to achieve the highest growth rate and realise a significant market position in the remote monitoring and control segment. 802.15.4-based standards comprise the most employed wireless technology due to its wide adoption in dairy cow monitoring applications.