India’s QR Code Crisis: A Silent but Growing Threat

India is quietly facing a rising wave of QR code fraud that few are taking seriously. Across cities, scammers are replacing legitimate QR codes at shops, parking meters, and public spaces with fake ones. These altered codes redirect payments to the fraudster’s account, often through deceptive URLs that look legitimate.

The country’s cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, has flagged various scams involving QR codes—from fake lottery wins to phony payment requests. The danger lies in how seamless these scams are: visually, a fake QR code looks identical to a real one. With no easy way to verify, users fall into the trap without knowing.

Recent cases highlight the scale of the problem. In Mumbai, a teenager replaced QR codes in local stores for two months, stealing up to ₹49,000 before being caught. In Jaipur, police are warning businesses to lock or remove their QR codes overnight, as scammers are specifically targeting payment platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, and Google Pay.

Religious sites aren’t safe either. In Nagpur, authorities froze accounts after digital donations were found possibly diverted via fraudulent QR banners. And in Thiruvananthapuram, police are investigating a large-scale attempt to siphon off ₹6.9 million (69 lakh rupees) through swapped QR codes.

Despite these incidents, public awareness remains low. Small businesses and consumers often overlook the risk, and no major public safety campaigns have been launched. Since the financial losses can range from hundreds to tens of thousands of rupees, many still underestimate how quick and easy this fraud can be.

Seguritech Unveils Early Warning Smartwatch for Enhanced Emergency Response

Seguritech announced the launch of its Early Warning Smartwatch, an innovative wearable device designed to provide immediate emergency assistance in critical situations.

The new smartwatch operates through a specialized technological platform developed by Seguritech, which connects to the first responders' network of Command and Control Centers and, in turn, to 911 emergency services. In critical situations, users can activate an immediate emergency response protocol with a single press of a button, transmitting their identification information and precise GPS location. This data is relayed to government officials and first responders—who monitor and operate the Centers—facilitating an optimal, timely response. Seguritech serves as the security technology innovator and provider behind this integrated emergency communication solution.

The companion mobile device application enhances emergency response capabilities by enabling video communication with Command and Control Centers or silent text communication when voice communication is not possible. When activated, the system also notifies pre-selected emergency contacts, allowing family and friends to provide responders with potentially life-saving information.

UC San Diego Researchers Develop Award-Winning Real-Time, Battery-Free Sensors

What if the same RFID “smart barcode” tags used to track packages and retail inventory could also detect changes in the real world—like temperature, pressure or weight—without batteries or added hardware?

That idea's now a reality, thanks to a team of researchers out of UC San Diego's Center for Wireless Communications (CWC) and Qualcomm Institute who have developed a robust and realtime RFID-based passive sensing system, i.e. a technique that can measure naturally occurring phenomena using harvested radio frequency (RF) energy. Ishan Bansal, a second-year master's student in computer engineering, and Dinesh Bharadia, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at the Jacobs School of Engineering, are spearheading the charge with a new paper.

Named SenSync, the software-based innovation recently earned the Best Paper Award at the 2025 IEEE RFID Conference, a top RFID-centric event for academics and industry alike. A travel grant from the National Science Foundation funded the team's attendance at the conference.

France to Make Contactless Payments Mandatory on New Terminals by January 2016

In a push to accelerate the adoption of contactless payments, the French government announced in June 2015 that all newly deployed payment terminals must support contactless technology starting January 1, 2016. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make NFC-based payments more mainstream in France.

Despite the widespread issuance of contactless-enabled cards and smartphones, actual usage in France remained low at the time. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of contactless cards in circulation grew by 60% to over 33 million, yet only 18% of cardholders used them. A Deloitte study also revealed that just 3% of consumers had made a mobile payment in-store, while 55% had never tried it.

One major obstacle was the lack of compatible payment infrastructure. By mid-2015, only around 20% to 21% of French retailers had terminals capable of processing contactless transactions.

The government’s objective was to have 100% of merchants equipped with contactless-capable terminals by 2020, following the example set by countries like the United Kingdom. Additionally, banks were expected to actively educate customers on how to use the new contactless features.

SuperCom Secures New Contract in Tennessee, Expanding U.S. Presence into 11th New U.S. State in Less Than a Year

SuperCom has secured a new electronic monitoring (EM) contract through an agreement with an established service provider in Tennessee to deploy its PureSecurity EM technology. This marks SuperCom's entry into its 11th new U.S. state since mid-2024, reinforcing the Company's rapid expansion across the North American public safety market.

The Tennessee-based provider, an established player in the regional EM space, has chosen to transition existing GPS programs over to SuperCom's PureSecurity™ platform and to launch domestic violence programs as well through this platform. After evaluating multiple technology providers, the provider selected SuperCom based on the demonstrated advantages of its EM solutions—including tracking precision, system reliability, and mobile integration capabilities.

Under the agreement, SuperCom will serve as the provider's EM technology partner, supporting both current operations and future program expansion. The first stage of the engagement includes a transition to SuperCom's Pure One™ solution as well as launching SuperCom's PureShield solution for domestic violence. This contract will follow a simple recurring revenue model, billed monthly based on the number of total daily units—a common structure for electronic monitoring programs in the U.S.

Since 1988, SuperCom has been a global provider of traditional and digital identity solutions, providing advanced safety, identification, and security solutions to governments and organizations, both private and public, worldwide. Through its proprietary e-Government platforms and innovative solutions for traditional and biometrics enrollment, personalization, issuance, and border control services, SuperCom has inspired governments and national agencies to design and issue secure Multi-ID documents and robust digital identity solutions to its citizens and visitors. SuperCom offers a unique all-in-one field-proven RFID & mobile technology and product suite, accompanied by advanced complementary services for various industries, including healthcare and homecare, security and safety, community public safety, law enforcement, electronic monitoring, and domestic violence prevention.

QR Code Solution Market Insights: Asia-Pacific Leads as Digitalization, Mobile Payments, and Smart Logistics Expand

The QR Code Solution Market was valued at USD 1173 Million in the year 2024 and is projected to reach a revised size of USD 2479 Million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 11.4% during the forecast period.

The QR Code Solutions Market continues to grow rapidly, driven by its versatility across applications such as payments, marketing, logistics, and information sharing. QR codes are now integral to bridging physical and digital experiences, enabling touchless interactions, fast data retrieval, and secure transactions. Businesses are adopting both static and dynamic QR codes for customer engagement and operational efficiency. Market players are enhancing offerings with analytics dashboards, design customization, and integration with CRM tools. As QR codes become embedded in everyday transactions and brand communication, their strategic value expands. The market is poised for long-term growth, supported by innovation and increasing digital adoption across all sectors.

vCard QR codes are significantly driving the growth of the QR Code Solutions Market by streamlining digital contact sharing in a fast-paced business world. These QR codes enable instant transfer of contact information, including name, phone number, email, company, and even social media links, with a simple scan. Businesses, freelancers, and event organizers increasingly use vCard QR codes to enhance networking and reduce dependence on printed business cards. This digital approach improves data accuracy, saves time, and promotes eco-friendliness. The integration of vCard QR codes into email signatures, resumes, and promotional materials has further expanded their relevance. As more organizations shift towards paperless communication and remote work setups, vCard adoption continues to rise, boosting demand for QR code generation and management platforms tailored for personal branding and professional use.

URL-based QR codes are a fundamental driver of the QR Code Solutions Market as they provide seamless redirection to websites, landing pages, e-commerce platforms, videos, or app stores. Businesses across industries use these QR codes in advertisements, packaging, menus, posters, and receipts to bridge the physical-digital gap and enhance user engagement. They empower marketers to deliver content, track user behavior, and update URLs without changing the code itself, thanks to dynamic QR code capabilities. The growing need for real-time analytics and targeted marketing has made URL QR codes essential tools for campaign optimization. Whether it's for product information, feedback collection, or driving app downloads, URL QR codes offer unmatched versatility, making them a preferred option for brands aiming to personalize interactions and increase online conversions.

The logistics industry is a major contributor to the expansion of the QR Code Solutions Market due to its reliance on accurate tracking, inventory management, and automation. QR codes are increasingly being used on shipping labels, packages, pallets, and documentation to ensure smooth operations throughout the supply chain. These codes store detailed information such as shipment ID, destination, and contents, enabling quick access and verification using mobile scanners. This enhances efficiency, reduces human error, and supports real-time updates in transportation systems. In warehousing, QR codes simplify asset management, streamline pick-and-pack processes, and enable error-free order fulfillment. As the demand for e-commerce and global distribution grows, logistics providers are adopting QR code technologies to enhance transparency, traceability, and customer satisfaction, driving market growth.

The increasing demand for contactless solutions is one of the most influential factors driving the QR Code Solutions Market. From digital menus in restaurants and mobile check-ins at hotels to contactless payments and virtual event access, QR codes became essential in reducing physical interactions. This shift has reshaped consumer expectations, making QR scanning a routine behavior. Businesses continue to adopt QR code solutions to streamline customer interactions while maintaining health and safety protocols. This ongoing preference for contactless convenience is contributing to sustained market expansion across multiple sectors.

Marketers are increasingly relying on QR code solutions to personalize experiences and track campaign performance. QR codes allow brands to link users directly to personalized landing pages, discount codes, product videos, or user-specific offers. These interactions generate valuable data on user behavior, enabling businesses to adjust campaigns in real time. Dynamic QR codes, in particular, allow content updates without reprinting materials, reducing costs and increasing flexibility. This makes QR codes a versatile asset in both digital and traditional marketing strategies. As consumer engagement becomes more data-driven, the use of QR codes as interactive and trackable touchpoints enhances marketing effectiveness, fueling their adoption

Avery Dennison Launches the Industry’s First APR-Recognized Recyclable RFID Label for PET Packaging

Avery Dennison has introduced the first-ever RFID label to earn Design for Recyclability (DfR) recognition from the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR), marking a major advance in sustainable smart packaging.

Using its proprietary CleanFlake adhesive technology, Avery Dennison created an RFID label that detaches cleanly from PET containers during mechanical recycling, dramatically reducing contamination and enhancing the quality of recyclate.

PET is one of the most globally recycled plastics—found in bottles, food packaging, cosmetics, and household goods—so minimising contamination from labels is vital for improving recycling efficiency at scale.

With nearly 96% of the top 50 consumer goods brands aiming to meet recyclability and waste-reduction targets, Avery Dennison’s new RFID label offers a powerful solution to help brands achieve these ESG goals.

Avery Dennison plans to roll out this APR-recognized RFID label later this year, initially in North America, with ongoing efforts to secure similar certifications across global PET recycling systems.

RFID in Healthcare Market Dynamics Shaped by Adoption in Hospitals, Pharmacies, and Biotech Facilities

The global RFID in healthcare market is estimated to reach over USD 33.4 Billion by the year 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 17.0% during the forecast period.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology employs radio waves to facilitate data transmission through RFID tags affixed to various items for the purposes of identification and tracking. In the healthcare sector, this technology is gaining traction for applications such as patient monitoring, asset management, and blood product tracking. Both developed and emerging economies are increasingly incorporating RFID solutions to improve operational efficiency and patient safety across hospitals and healthcare facilities.

A key driver of RFID adoption is the growing incidence of counterfeit pharmaceuticals, which has heightened the need for robust drug authentication and monitoring systems. RFID technology offers a reliable method for enhancing supply chain transparency, reducing waste, and curbing unnecessary expenditures. Furthermore, ongoing advancements in research and development are expected to enhance RFID capabilities, promoting broader integration within healthcare infrastructures.

The increasing implementation of automation across hospitals and pharmacies, combined with the rising demand for efficient tracking solutions in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, further accelerates market growth. Additionally, consumer expectations for cost-effective and high-quality medications are reinforcing the need for secure and traceable pharmaceutical distribution. Consequently, the RFID healthcare market is poised for significant expansion, supported by emerging market demand and continued innovation within the sector.

India Poised to Lead in SoftPOS Adoption

According to new research from Worldline India, India’s SoftPOS (software point-of-sale) market is on track to outpace global averages, driven by government support, integration with UPI, and a strong fintech ecosystem.

The study highlights the following key insights:
    •    SoftPOS gaining momentum: With SoftPOS, merchants can turn their NFC-enabled smartphones into secure contactless payment terminals—doing away with traditional POS hardware. The rapid proliferation of affordable smartphones and existing digital payment infrastructure gives India a considerable advantage.
    •    Surging UPI volumes: UPI transaction volumes continue to climb, recently surpassing ₹24.77 trillion in March 2025. SoftPOS adoption amplifies this trend, enabling merchants and consumers to tap, pay, and transact with minimal friction.
    •    MSMEs driving uptake: Micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises—especially in Tier II and III cities—are expected to account for over 60% of SoftPOS usage, drawn by its low cost, ease of deployment, and compatibility with ordinary smartphones.
    •    Sector-wide impact: From retail “endless aisles” and mobile checkout to food stalls, transit fare collection, and in-home healthcare payments, a wide variety of sectors are leveraging SoftPOS to enable seamless transactions on the go.
    •    Global projection: According to estimates, global SoftPOS installations are expected to top 34.5 million merchant deployments by 2027. In the Asia–Pacific region, more than 50% of total card transactions could be tap‑based by 2025.
    •    Security and standards: The evolution of security frameworks—such as the MPoC (Mobile Payments on Commercial off-the-shelf devices) standard—supports PIN entry directly on phone screens (“PIN on glass”), enabling higher-value transactions without traditional PIN pads, while ensuring robust security.

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RFID Market Set to Reach USD 29.06 Billion by 2030

The global RFID market is projected to grow from USD 16.73 billion in 2025 to USD 29.06 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 11.68% during the forecast period, according to a Mordor Intelligence report. The technology, long used in inventory tracking and logistics, is now seeing broader application across sectors such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing. As costs continue to decline and integration with existing IT systems improves, RFID is increasingly being adopted as a foundational element for operational transparency and automation.

From inventory management to patient safety in hospitals, the technology is helping organizations reduce losses, improve efficiency, and meet growing expectations for visibility and control. With major retail chains mandating RFID adoption and healthcare providers investing in asset tracking, the market is expected to see strong growth in both developed and emerging regions.

Major retailers are using RFID to enable real-time inventory tracking, reduce shrinkage, and improve shelf availability. The push toward omnichannel fulfillment and in-store automation is driving widespread deployment of item-level RFID tagging.

Hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are implementing RFID to manage medical equipment, monitor drug inventories, and enhance patient safety. The technology helps reduce errors, ensure compliance, and improve efficiency in healthcare operations.

Falling prices of passive RFID tags are making it feasible for organizations to tag more individual items. This cost reduction is encouraging large-scale deployments in consumer goods, logistics, and manufacturing sectors.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) Market worth $58.42 billion by 2030

The global Supply Chain Management Market size is projected to grow from USD 38.51 billion in 2025 to USD 58.42 billion by 2030 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.7% during the forecast period, according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets.

The increasing complexity of global commerce, along with the growth in eCommerce use, is driving organizations to deploy flexible supply chain management solutions capable of handling dynamic inventory levels, real-time order processing, and cross-border transportation. These platforms provide centralized visibility, ensure regulatory compliance, and support last-mile delivery tracking, enabling businesses to meet rising online consumer demand while navigating international supply networks. As a result, companies can maintain operational efficiency, minimize disruptions, and achieve timely fulfillment across domestic and global markets.

The software segment holds the largest market share within the offering segment of the SCM Market due to its critical role in automating and optimizing end-to-end supply chain operations. By enabling seamless execution of procurement, sourcing, production, and logistics, the software enhances overall operational efficiency. Its adaptability across industries, combined with features such as supplier relationship management, inventory control, and warehouse optimization, makes it indispensable for modern enterprises. The rising shift toward SaaS-based models, growing online commerce, and advancements in business intelligence further drive adoption. Moreover, faster deployments, improved decision-making, reduced operational costs, and enhanced scalability position SCM software as a foundational tool for enterprises aiming to achieve streamlined, resilient, and data-driven supply chain ecosystems.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are projected to grow the fastest in the Supply Chain Management Market due to their increasing adoption of flexible, cost-effective cloud-based solutions. With limited capital and technical resources, SMEs prefer the pay-as-you-go deployment model to efficiently manage IT infrastructure and scale operations based on business needs. Intense competition from larger enterprises pushes SMEs to adopt SCM tools that enhance responsiveness, streamline decision-making, and boost productivity. The growing need to safeguard customer data, reduce operational costs, and improve supply chain visibility further accelerates adoption. SCM solutions offer SMEs the agility to adapt quickly, gain real-time insights, and remain competitive, positioning them as a high-growth segment within the overall SCM Market during the forecast period.

Checkpoint Systems expands its RFID capabilities with a new facility in Mexico City

Checkpoint Systems, a global leader in RFID technology and solutions, announced the opening of its new manufacturing facility in Mexico City. This strategic expansion underscores Checkpoint's commitment to meeting the rapidly growing demand for RFID solutions in the North American region whilst increasing its global scale and capacity.

Located in the heart of Mexico, this facility places Checkpoint Systems closer to its customers, enabling faster response times and streamlined supply chain operations. With the RFID market experiencing unprecedent growth across North America and the globe, the new factory is ideally positioned to support retail and industry with the high-quality inlays they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world.

The 10,000 square meters facility is equipped with the latest manufacturing technologies, ensuring the production of top-quality RFID inlays. Featuring advanced bonding, converting and personalization machines, the factory specializes in manufacturing blank, printed and encoded inlays, supporting an annual production capacity of 4.2 billion inlays. Additionally, the facility meets stringent certification standards, including SMETA and FSC CoC, ensuring high-quality production and operational excellence.

Beyond inlay production, the site also boasts full printing and converting capabilities, allowing RFID products to be adapted for a wide range of industries, label formats and form factors. This comprehensive approach to manufacturing makes Checkpoint Systems one of the very few RFID providers in the world to offer such an integrated solution under one roof.

Custom RFID Tags for Laundry

When guests check into a hotel, they rarely think about the bedsheets, the fresh towels, or the crisp uniforms worn by staff. But behind the scenes, in the steaming, humming chaos of a commercial laundry room, every piece of fabric is a logistical puzzle.

At one prestigious Swiss hotel, the laundry room used to be a bottleneck. Linens went missing. Staff spent hours manually counting loads. Deliveries were delayed, and the occasional complaint from a guest—about a missing robe or a stained towel—was enough to set off a frantic search.

It started with a simple idea: what if every towel, sheet, and uniform could talk?

Not literally, of course—but that’s essentially what happened when the hotel installed its first batch of custom RFID laundry tags. These small, discreet chips were sewn or heat-sealed into textiles. They could survive hundreds of washes, endure high temperatures, and resist harsh chemicals.

But the real magic wasn’t in the tags—it was in what they enabled.

Now, every item entering the laundry room has its own digital identity. As linens arrive from guest rooms or the spa, RFID scanners placed at various points silently read each tag—no need for manual scanning or visual checks. Machines know whether a towel belongs to the gym or a guest suite. Sheets are automatically routed to the right wash cycle.

Schreiner ProTech Develops Mobile “Free Fall” Feasibility Test for Its Robust RFID-Labels Portfolio

Schreiner ProTech, a Germany-based global leader in developing and manufacturing innovative functional labels with value-added benefits for the automotive and engineering-based industries, has developed a compact, mobile demonstration module designed to showcase the exceptional resilience of its proprietary Robust RFID-Labels technology.

In designing the demonstration unit, nicknamed the “Free Fall,” Schreiner ProTech engineers sought to create a system that displayed – vividily and memorably – the resilience and persistent functionality of its Robust RFID-Labels. The result was a stress test that, while appearing simple, considers a variety of real-world applications and scenarios.

At its core, the transparent unit showcases a series of “smash tests” – the gravitational equivalent of an automobile crash test – in which objects of various weights are dropped from differing heights. Crucially, the unit allows ample room to test products with a range of shapes and sizes, allowing Schreiner ProTech engineers to simulate the impact stress of real-world manufacturing, handling and supply chain scenarios.

Designed at the Schreiner Competence Center Services, the demonstrator has drawn parallels to a miniature guillotine: Operating a lever activates a mechanism that causes a weight to fall on the RFID chip from a defined height. Between each test, chips are read to affirm their enduring functionality.

The unit’s simplicity also offers portability: less than a meter in height and weighing roughly 10 kilograms, the demonstrator is compact enough to be displayed at trade shows, allowing a broad set of potential customers to witness first-hand how durable the Robust RFID-Labels truly are.

“Our customers expect absolute reliability even under harsh conditions,” said Johannes Becker, Head of the Schreiner Competence Center LogiData. “We wanted to make this key differentiator of our Robust RFID-Labels tangible in a fun, instantly impressionable fashion.”

Schreiner ProTech’s Robust RFID-Labels consist of an integrated RFID tag secured via the label’s special construction. This avoids potential damage to the RFID chip due to mechanical impact during the manufacturing and handling processes, or harsh environments during the shipping, warehousing or operation phases. The result is more reliable RFID chip performance from production to final use – even on difficult-to-label containers. Notably, Schreiner ProTech can offer customized label design to suit individual applications and manufacturing setups.

The Robust RFID-Labels utilize protective elements designed to systematically absorb mechanical stress. Customizable to the specific mechanical stress conditions encountered by individual customers, the thin, flexible structures are suitable for use with all RFID technologies and antenna geometries. They are easily incorporated into a broad range of production scenarios.

Identiv Partners with Narravero to Accelerate Digital Product Passport Adoption and Compliance

Identiv has entered into a partnership with Narravero GmbH., a global Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform for Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and supply chain transparency. This collaboration expects to accelerate the commercialization of integrated solutions for EU-compliant DPP deployments. By combining Identiv's NFC inlays for dynamic product data with Narravero's robust data management platform, this partnership offers a comprehensive, integrated solution that streamlines DPP deployment for companies.

Both Identiv and Narravero are pioneers in connecting physical products with the digital world. Narravero's core offering allows businesses to create and manage DPPs that provide comprehensive product lifecycle information, including origin, sustainability data, and end-of-life instructions. Beginning in 2027, these DPPs will be required under new European Union sustainability rules. DPPs also present a significant opportunity for enhanced supply chain efficiency and customer engagement. Narravero's platform has already seen substantial growth, reaching 135 million visits as of February 2025.

Why Aldi’s Barcodes Are So Large

Aldi makes its barcodes larger and includes multiple copies across its packaging to speed up checkout—whether by staff or at self-service kiosks. An Aldi spokesperson told Nexstar Media, “We’ve designed our barcodes to ensure products can be scanned quickly from almost any angle… reducing the time shoppers spend searching for codes. That allows them to check out and get back to life outside the grocery store.” 

This small but smart tweak is part of Aldi’s broader push for efficiency. In fact, cashiers are expected to scan up to 1,200 items per hour, and the streamlined barcode setup reportedly makes the checkout process about 40% faster than at other supermarkets.

Aldi’s commitment to speed isn’t just a customer convenience—it’s a competitive edge fueling rapid growth. The chain is on track to open 225 new U.S. stores in 2025, bringing its total to around 2,400 and making it the nation’s third-largest grocer.

Alipay+ Launches World’s First Smart Glasses-Embedded Payment Solution

After Alipay debuted a smart glasses payment solution with Rokid in China, Alipay+, the unified wallet gateway service under Ant International, announced the Alipay+ smart glasses-embedded payment solution for global e-wallets. In collaboration with Meizu, a global industry leader, Alipay+ completed the world's first real-world smart glasses-embedded e-wallet payment transaction in Hong Kong.

The successful transaction on Meizu StarV Snap smart glasses with AlipayHK, Hong Kong’s leading superapp, marks another milestone in Alipay+’s advance at the forefront of global mobile payment innovation. Users are able to make seamless payments with QR scans or voice commands from their smart glasses, backed by Alipay+’s AI-powered voice interface, intent recognition, and voiceprint authentication technologies. The new feature will roll out to Alipay+ global partner e-wallets in 2025 upon the integration of Alipay+ upgraded tech suite for smart glasses.

In April 2025, Meizu officially announced the global pioneer of offline AI glasses-enabled mobile payment function powered by Alipay+. Alipay+’s advanced payment SDK solutions are integrated into all new Meizu smart glasses, supported by Meizu’s industry-leading optical waveguide display technology, voice noise reduction and capture technology, and camera-based code scanning technology.

Alipay+ is accelerating new innovations to support e-wallets’ transition into the future of seamless commerce. Today, Alipay+ connects over 1.7 bn user accounts on 36 global e-wallets, national QR schemes and banking apps to 100 million merchants across 70+ core markets.

With one integration, wallet partners can access Alipay+’s expanding toolkits for customer engagement and business growth. Among these, Alipay+ now integrates QR-based and card payments via a global NFC solution. It also enables a full range of agentic AI features including MCP-based AI payments built on Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, an AI-as-a-Service platform for fintechs.

Seritag Unveils Lumiio: NFC Service for Fast Emergency Access

UK-based NFC solutions provider Seritag has launched Lumiio, a new service designed to give emergency responders, caregivers, or bystanders immediate access to critical information during accidents and emergency situations.

Lumiio uses standard NFC technology, allowing any NFC-enabled smartphone to scan the tag—no app or extra hardware required.

When the tag is tapped, it displays key information such as personal ID, medical conditions, allergies, emergency contacts, or links to external documents. This allows first responders to act quickly, even if the person is unconscious or unable to communicate.

The system ensures that only authorized users can update or manage the data, and the displayed information is limited to what’s necessary for emergency response.

Samsung Launches NFC “Tap to Transfer” Peer-to-Peer Payments in the US

Samsung has rolled out a new feature in the US that lets Galaxy smartphone users send money to each other simply by tapping their phones together. The new NFC-based Tap to Transfer functionality is now available via Samsung Wallet.

The feature works through Visa and Mastercard networks, using Google’s Visa Direct system to enable near-instant transfers—usually within minutes. Users can send money directly from a stored Visa or Mastercard debit card in their Samsung Wallet to another person’s account.

The recipient doesn’t need to be using Samsung Wallet or even have a digital wallet at all. As long as they have a debit card that supports contactless payments (NFC), they can receive the funds directly. For added flexibility, users can also send money remotely by selecting a recipient via their phone number within the app—no physical contact needed.

While the service is currently free to use, Samsung notes that a transaction fee of 1.75% (minimum $0.25) will eventually be introduced. Each transfer is capped at $500, with a $500 daily limit as well.

UK Opens Registration for GPS-Based Transport Ticketing Pilot

The UK government has begun accepting registrations for a new pilot program testing GPS-driven mobile ticketing for public transportation. Set to launch in September, this initiative marks one of the first nationwide trials in the country.

Participants in the pilot will have the opportunity to use a smartphone app that tracks their journey via GPS, eliminating the need for traditional paper tickets or contactless bank cards. Instead, travel is recorded automatically as users move through the network.

The pilot is planned to operate on specific train routes, including services on Northern Railway and East Midlands Railway, overseen by the Department for Transport. While the exact routes haven’t been confirmed yet, earlier indications suggested these lines as likely candidates  .

UK authorities view this as a natural progression in fare technology, building on the momentum of open-loop contactless payment systems (using bank cards directly) that have already been widely introduced across the country.

Molex Introduces TrackLabel BLE Printable Asset Labels with Real-Time Location Sensing

Molex, a global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, introduced TrackLabel BLE Printable Asset Labels that provide real-time location tracking data to improve operational efficiency, security and visibility across global supply chains. This innovative smart label platform integrates BLE beacon technology and ultra-thin, flexible material that adheres easily to assets, containers or products for continuous and accurate reporting on in-transit goods to help reduce the risk of loss, theft or misplacement.

Molex’s TrackLabel BLE Printable Asset Labels enhance supply chain visibility and streamline operations by delivering real-time location sensing for diverse industrial applications.

Unlike traditional RFID labels, BLE label technology offers superior read range, decreased infrastructure costs and increased data transmission capabilities. Among emerging BLE label market entrants, Molex's TrackLabel combines the thinnest form factor, measuring less than one millimeter thick, with a patent-pending activation mechanism that raises the bar on fast and easy implementation. Users simply peel and stick the flexible label on any asset, which then automatically activates the battery from sleep mode for optimal battery utilization.

The active BLE technology in TrackLabel automatically integrates with existing BLE infrastructure, including gateways or smartphones, to enable reliable connectivity with a 100-meter read range for both short- and long-range asset tracking. Moreover, TrackLabel supports environmental monitoring capabilities to provide valuable data for sensitive or high-value items, providing precise control over the conditions in which assets are stored and transported.

Napa Valley Vine Trail Launches Digital Smart Trail Powered by NFC

The Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition, in collaboration with Quantum-h and Cellotape announces the launch of a digitally connected trail experience designed to make the 47-mile route connecting Vallejo Ferry Terminal to Calistoga Depot more connected, accessible, and sustainable.

The trail will feature dozens of new NFC - enabled markers that turn each tap into a "Digital Destination". Each marker will allow an estimated 400,000 – 500,000 people who use the Vine Trail annually, to simply tap their smartphones for instant access to hyper-local content including winery stories, educational insights, promotional offers, and exclusive sponsor pages.

For hundreds of local sponsors – including wineries, local businesses, and cultural institutions – the opportunity provides direct, real-time connection to audiences immersed in the magic of Napa Valley. Sponsors receive a premium digital presence: branded landing pages, VIP offer integrations, and geo-targeted insights.

Track and Trace Solutions Market is expected to generate a revenue of USD 15.77 Billion by 2031

The Global Track and Trace Solutions Market Size is projected to grow at a CAGR of 16.9% from 2024 to 2031, according to a new report published by Verified Market Research.

The report reveals that the market was valued at USD 5.04 Billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 15.77 Billion by the end of the forecast period.

The Track and Trace Solutions Market is witnessing significant expansion due to increasing regulatory compliance, product transparency, and the need for robust supply chain monitoring. These solutions are critical in combating counterfeit products and enhancing operational integrity across industries.