No-Cost Swine RFID Tags for Sows and Exhibition Swine Available for Order in Fall 2025

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announces a new initiative to provide no-cost RFID (radio frequency identification) eartags for swine beginning fall 2025. These tags will be available for sow and exhibition swine producers. Once available, producers and State animal health officials will be able to order tags on the Merck Animal Health website at www.840swinetags.com. 

In July 2025, APHIS awarded a contract to Merck Animal Health to supply up to $20 million in tags to sow and exhibition swine industry segments, over the next 5 years. Modeled after the no-cost RFID cattle tag program, this effort will supply no-cost RFID tags to swine producers to boost national swine disease traceability, which is vital to supporting the safety and marketability of the U.S. swine herd. Although animal disease traceability does not prevent disease, an efficient and accurate traceability system reduces the response time involved in a disease investigation, limiting the number of farms and animals affected. This, in turn, reduces the economic impact on owners and affected communities.

Unique to this program is a direct-from-manufacturer to swine premises distribution model. Merck will receive, process, and ship orders directly to producers and State animal health officials, removing APHIS as intermediaries and expediting getting tags into producers’ hands and pigs’ ears. To order these tags, producers must have a valid premises identification number, provide shipping and contact information, and provide the number of sows onsite (for commercial sow farms) or the number of show pigs on the premises (for exhibition swine). State animal health officials will also be able to order no-cost RFID tags based on the number of sows in their State. 

These RFID tags will need to be applied with a compatible tag applicator, which is not supplied through this program. 

Janam Introduces Contactless Payment

Janam Technologies, a leading provider of rugged mobile computers and contactless access solutions, announced that its new XT4 and XT40 rugged mobile computers now accept contactless payments, including physical cards, mobile wallets and QR codes, directly on the device without the need for a dedicated payment terminal. This breakthrough capability is enabled using SoftPOS from Ingenico, a software-only solution that supports secure, PCI-compliant contactless payment transactions.

With Ingenico SoftPOS, Janam's Android-based XT4 and XT40 mobile computers add contactless payment to their industry-leading ticketing and credentialing capabilities. This versatility enables venues, parking operators, retailers, schools and other enterprises to streamline operations, accelerate transaction velocity and reduce hardware complexity, all while extracting maximum value from their technology investment.

    Ingenico SoftPOS transforms NFC-enabled Android devices into certified contactless payment terminals, supporting all major card brands, Apple Pay, Google Pay and QR code-based payments.
    With Ingenico SoftPOS, Janam's XT4 and XT40 combine barcode scanning, digital credentialing and secure payment acceptance in one handheld device, streamlining workflow and eliminating the need to buy and support multiple systems.
    Ingenico SoftPOS is certified under the PCI Mobile Payments on COTS (MPoC) standard and complies with the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), enabling secure, encrypted transactions on mobile and high-traffic devices where speed and flexibility are essential.
    From sports and live entertainment to parking, retail, hospitality and transportation, Janam delivers secure contactless payment capabilities in a flexible, affordable format that reduces hardware dependencies.

UNIBIRD Launches the $399 N200 VIO Navigation Module for GPS-Denied Drone Operations

UNIBIRD has launched the N200 VIO Navigation Module, a solution that enables drones to navigate and self-localize using AI vision. This capability not only allows operation in GPS-denied environments but also makes drones immune to GPS jamming and spoofing.

Priced under $399—just one-twentieth the cost of traditional fiber-optic inertial systems—the N200 continuous positioning accuracy with an error marginas low as 2% and offers Plug-and-Play compatibility with PX4, representing a major leap in battlefield navigation and precision-strike capabilities. No pre-installed satellite maps are required

The N200 visual navigation module outperforms solutions from Red Cat and Palantir, delivering 656 feet of operational altitude (4×their 150-feet limit), a maximum speed of 44.7 mph (3× their 16 mph cap), and superior 2-8% dynamic accuracy. Priced at $399 and now in mass production, it provides high-performance navigation for GPS-denied environments.

On modern battlefields, Traditional GPS navigation is disabled by electronic warfare, causing drones to lose control or crash—responsible for up to 75% of drone losses and reducing mission success rates to as low as 10%.

Among the available options, fiber-optic tethered links pose two main drawbacks: first, their fragile cables lead to a high failure rate; second, the fiber spool adds roughly 3 kg of extra payload. Fiber-optic inertial navigation systems, while accurate, can cost close to $10,000, making them unsuitable for large-scale, cost-sensitive drone operations.

By fusing camera and IMU data with a laser range sensor, N200 achieves precise, stable positioning through a tightly coupled optimization framework. Enhanced algorithms with adaptive feature tracking ensure stable performance even in low-texture environments or at high speeds—supporting cruise velocities of 15–20 m/s and attack speeds up to 25 m/s.

Designed for rapid deployment, the N200 connects directly to PX4 flight controllers and requires only minor PID tuning. System integration can be completed in minutes. With only 28 ms latency and 2% accuracy error, enabling reliable GPS-free navigation.

Headquartered in Dubai, UNIBIRD.ai integrates Asia-Pacific R&D and manufacturing strengths to deliver advanced, affordable AI modules for drones, offering onboard solutions for navigation, target recognition, tracking, and precision engagement.

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2 Boosts Accuracy and Speed with AI-Powered Detection and Deblurring

Dynamsoft has announced the release of Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2, introducing a new generation of AI-powered models that dramatically enhance barcode detection and decoding performance across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

The new version delivers up to 26.5% higher reading rate and 44% faster processing speed when scanning blurred, motion-affected, or low-resolution barcodes. These improvements make it easier than ever for developers and enterprises to build scanning solutions that work seamlessly in the real world.

At the core of this release are three major advancements：

    AI-Powered Detection: Two brand-new neural network models enable the SDK to reliably detect blurred, low-resolution, or partially damaged 1D and 2D barcodes — challenges that users face every day.
    Enhanced Clarity Processing: The revamped OneDDeblur model delivers significant improvements in processing speed and decoding success in images affected by motion or focus blur — enabling up to 26.5 % higher read rates and 44 % faster throughput in difficult conditions.
    Specialized Decoders: The new EAN13Decoder and Code128Decoder models bring unmatched precision for scenarios with motion blur, long-distance scanning or challenging lighting — ideal for logistics, retail and industrial use-cases.

These AI-driven enhancements have wide-reaching benefits across industries. In logistics and warehousing, where barcodes are often scanned in motion, version 11.2 minimizes read failures and boosts speed. In retail and self-checkout environments, it enhances the reliability of mobile and kiosk-based scanning, even in suboptimal lighting. And in manufacturing, it improves traceability by successfully reading worn or partially marked barcodes directly from parts and equipment.

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2 is now available. Developers can explore its full capabilities through a 30-day free trial or obtain a commercial license directly from the Dynamsoft website. Technical support is provided through multiple channels, including live chat, email, phone, and web meetings.

Graham Packaging Selects SENTINEL Label Printing Automation Software, Replacing Loftware Print Server

TEKLYNX International, known globally for helping companies barcode better with reliable labeling software and customer support, published a new case study highlighting the successful software implementation with Graham Packaging, a leader in the design, manufacture, and sale of custom and sustainable food, beverage, household, and automotive containers.

Graham Packaging chose SENTINEL label printing automation software to replace its previous system, Loftware Print Server (LPS), which was retired at the end of 2024. Operational continuity and budget were the major decision factors. They compared the functionality and cost of their current product to various alternatives and saw TEKLYNX as the front-runner to meet their various needs.

With SENTINEL's low-code integration method, Graham Packaging could maintain existing system architecture without disruption or significant customization. Using the same connections and file drop workflows, they migrated with very few changes.

Replacing LPS with SENTINEL resulted in consistent labeling, smarter spending, and positioned Graham Packaging for scalable growth.

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2 Boosts Accuracy and Speed with AI-Powered Detection and Deblurring

Dynamsoft has announced the release of Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2, introducing a new generation of AI-powered models that dramatically enhance barcode detection and decoding performance across desktop, web, and mobile platforms.

The new version delivers up to 26.5% higher reading rate and 44% faster processing speed when scanning blurred, motion-affected, or low-resolution barcodes. These improvements make it easier than ever for developers and enterprises to build scanning solutions that work seamlessly in the real world.

These AI-driven enhancements have wide-reaching benefits across industries. In logistics and warehousing, where barcodes are often scanned in motion, version 11.2 minimizes read failures and boosts speed. In retail and self-checkout environments, it enhances the reliability of mobile and kiosk-based scanning, even in suboptimal lighting. And in manufacturing, it improves traceability by successfully reading worn or partially marked barcodes directly from parts and equipment.

Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK v11.2 is now available. Developers can explore its full capabilities through a 30-day free trial or obtain a commercial license directly from the Dynamsoft website. Technical support is provided through multiple channels, including live chat, email, phone, and web meetings.

Next-Generation Ultra-Wideband to Power 1.4 Billion Devices by 2030 as Ecosystem Matures and Applications Diversify

Ultra-Wideband (UWB) is rapidly becoming a foundational wireless connectivity technology, offering unique benefits compared with other short-range wireless solutions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.15.4, and Near Field Communication (NFC). The combination of secure ranging, radar, and sensing capabilities, along with its potential to serve as a low-latency, high-throughput communications technology over short distances, is enabling an increasingly diverse set of use cases across consumer, automotive, commercial, industrial, and smart city environments. 

With next-generation UWB based on IEEE 802.15.4ab on the horizon, the technology will become even more compelling. As a result, global technology intelligence firm ABI Research expects UWB to be one of the fastest-growing wireless connectivity technologies, with device shipments forecast to grow at a 21% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between 2025 and 2030.

"The UWB chipset and IP ecosystem has grown rapidly in recent years with the expansion of product portfolios, new entrants to the market, and a number of UWB-related acquisitions," said Andrew Zignani, Senior Research Director. "ABI Research expects other vendors to enter the market, as well as the expansion of combo and multi-protocol UWB solutions, tailored solutions to specific market verticals, and unique combinations of UWB technology from a ranging, sensing, and data-communications perspective."

"While this brings enormous potential opportunities, it also brings challenges in terms of standardization and interoperability, more direct competition with other technologies, the need to ensure future spectrum resources, and the creation of a compelling ecosystem of solutions that can support this growing heterogeneity of applications," Zignani added.

More than 436 million UWB-enabled devices shipped in 2024, and ABI Research expects 27% of smartphones to ship with UWB technology in 2025, growing to over 52% by 2030. As smartphones act as central hubs for a wide range of applications, they will accelerate broader growth in the UWB market and ecosystem.

Much of UWB's initial success has stemmed from secure ranging applications such as automotive digital keys and personal trackers. These are now extending to residential and commercial building access control, including UWB smart door locks and commercial access control readers. While secure ranging use cases are expected to dominate volumes—and unlock new opportunities in contactless payments and transportation ticketing—ABI Research also expects UWB to be increasingly leveraged for radar, sensing, and low-latency, high-throughput data communications, enabling a broader range of future use cases. Companies are already combining multiple benefits of UWB to create new solutions, such as automotive secure access with child presence detection, while wireless audio, low-latency high-speed links for peripherals, gaming devices, IoT, Extended Reality (XR), robotics, and wearables are also gaining traction.

"Different organizations and consortia will need to ensure that UWB can address all these future use cases while achieving performance, latency, and security requirements," Zignani said. "In parallel, continued work is needed to create a favorable regulatory environment for UWB spectrum to strengthen the long-term viability of the technology across these applications."

"UWB development is also contingent on a number of different standards organizations and consortia, including the IEEE, the UWB Alliance, the FiRa Consortium, the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the Car Connectivity Consortium, the Intelligent Car Connectivity Industry Ecosystem Alliance (ICCE), the Intelligent Car Connectivity Open Alliance (ICCOA), omlox, and the Audio Engineering Society (AES). In the longer term, collaboration between these organizations will benefit a wide range of solution providers, including CEVA, Qorvo, Qualcomm, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Infineon, Apple, Synaptics, SPARK Microsystems, Samsung, Calterah, MKSemi, GiantSemi, Renesas, Osemitech, and CXSemi, among many others."

Acceliot Unveils AI-Driven RFID System for Next-Gen Warehouse Automation

Acceliot has launched its new software-defined RFID platform, called Smart Space Portal (SSP), designed to bring advanced automation and real-time visibility to warehousing operations without requiring new hardware or complex installations.  

The core of the SSP solution is built around supervised machine-learning that works with existing RFID infrastructure. Rather than introducing new RFID portals or specialized antennas, Acceliot transforms standard warehouse dock doors into “intelligent control points” capable of accurately tracking pallet and item movements. According to CEO Shawn Manesh, this shift allows organizations to modernize supply chains and gain end-to-end visibility in a flexible way.  

Key capabilities of the SSP platform include:
    •    Converting existing dock doors into RFID-enabled gateways, eliminating the need for fixed hardware tunnels or RF shielding.  
    •    Delivering clean, item-level RFID data directly into enterprise systems (ERP, WMS), enabling automation of receipt, shipping, inventory reconciliation and analytics.  
    •    Employing RF-optimized ML to filter out stray or duplicate reads in real time — capturing only true movement events. The system integrates with standard UHF antennas and existing readers, preserving prior investments while improving accuracy.  

In essence, Acceliot’s SSP platform proposes a smarter path for warehouse automation — one that leverages installed RFID assets, augments them with AI / ML logic, and removes major hardware-based constraints. This approach could offer logistics operators a more scalable and cost-effective route to achieving precision tracking and visibility across their operations.

GS1 Connect 2026 Call for Presentations and Registration Now Open

GS1 US is now accepting speaker applications for GS1 Connect 2026, which will take place June 9–11, 2026, at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Nevada. Industry members interested in speaking at the conference are invited to review requirements and submit proposals for consideration via the GS1 Connect Call for Presentations application through December 12, 2025.

The annual event is a premier destination for supply chain, e-commerce and technology professionals to uncover emerging trends, exchange best practices and explore innovations shaping the future of industry. Attendee registration is now available at www.connect.gs1us.org, and those who register by December 31, 2025, will receive 15% off their full conference pass. 

The event, themed "Where Bold Ideas Lead to Big Wins," will include more than 40 sessions across five tracks: grocery, foodservice, retail, healthcare, and standards & technology. The conference will offer networking opportunities, solution provider exhibits and educational resources for those seeking to build their foundational GS1 Standards knowledge.

Presenters will be expected to discuss how GS1 Standards have helped their companies improve supply chain transparency and efficiency, highlighting real-world strategies that strengthen trading-partner collaboration, enhance visibility and enable growth across the supply chain.

Specifically, GS1 US welcomes speakers who can provide insights about the following topics:

    Regulatory Requirements Using GS1 Standards – Including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Food Safety Modernization Act Traceability Rule (FSMA Rule 204), the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA), National Drug Code (NDC) format changes, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) waivers, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting and other regulation-driven use cases
    Foundations of Supply Chain Excellence – Best practices for company, product and location identification and for maintaining complete, accurate data
    Omnichannel and E-Commerce – Addressing challenges in "phygital" operations with GS1 Standards as enablers
    End-to-End Visibility and Transparency – Strategies for traceability, sustainability and operational insight
    Effective Traceability Processes – From inventory management through recall preparedness
    Managing Product and Location Data – Including considerations during mergers and acquisitions
    Preparation for Sunrise 2027 – Readiness planning for future 2D barcode or data carrier transitions
    Technological Innovations – Applications of AI, automation and interoperability tools leveraging GS1 Standards

Brands, retailers, distributors, foodservice operators and healthcare providers are also invited to submit proposals for "How to Do Business With…" and Trading Partner Roundtable sessions at the event to help attendees understand specific business process requirements and company-specific initiatives to strengthen collaboration with their trading partner communities. Solution providers are encouraged to submit proposals for the standards & technology track.

Withings U-Scan now available for $379.95 in the US and Europe

Withings has launched its U-Scan health tracker in the U.S. and Europe. The device installs in your toilet and analyses urine using replaceable cartridges, sending the results to the Withings app.  

The system offers two cartridge options:
    •    Nutrio: monitors nutrition via biomarkers such as hydration, ketones and vitamin C.  
    •    Calci: tracks parameters like calcium levels, useful for monitoring kidney health and the risk of kidney stones. 

Because the product is classified as a wellness device rather than a medical device, it does not require FDA clearance. 

The Proactive package costs $379.95, and includes the U-Scan unit, charger/cleaning station, access to the Withings Plus service and one cartridge (22 tests, ~3 months at two tests per week).  

The Intensive package is priced at $449.96 and includes two cartridges (44 tests total).  

Replacement cartridges cost $99.95 each, or $179.95 for a pair, and are available via a regular subscription plan. 

IoT Market worth $865.20 billion by 2030

According to MarketsandMarket, the IoT Market is estimated to be USD 547.06 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 865.20 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 9.6% during 2025–2030.

Enterprises are increasingly adopting IoT solutions to enable predictive maintenance, improve supply chain visibility, and deliver personalized customer experiences. With IoT, businesses can collect and analyze vast amounts of operational data, resulting in more informed decision-making and cost savings. The integration of IoT with AI and analytics platforms is also enabling advanced automation and proactive risk management, further driving enterprise-level adoption.

The rapid deployment of 5G networks is accelerating IoT adoption by offering faster data transmission, low latency, and massive device connectivity. This enhanced network capability supports applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart factories, and remote healthcare monitoring. The expansion of 5G infrastructure across urban and industrial areas is creating new opportunities for real-time IoT applications that rely on ultra-reliable communication.

The Smart Healthcare segment is expected to have the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

The integration of IoT in healthcare is transforming patient care by enabling continuous health tracking, real-time diagnostics, and data-driven clinical decision-making. Wearable sensors and IoT-enabled devices help monitor vital signs, medication adherence, and chronic conditions, improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital visits. Hospitals are deploying IoT for asset management, staff coordination, and predictive maintenance of medical equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the adoption of telemedicine and connected health solutions. With advancements in 5G, edge computing, and AI analytics, IoT is enabling personalized and preventive healthcare models. As governments and healthcare providers invest in smart health infrastructure, the segment is poised for rapid and sustained growth globally.

The IoT platforms segment is expected to have the largest market size during the forecast period.

IoT platforms enable seamless device management, data integration, and real-time analytics for enterprises across industries. Leading providers such as Microsoft Azure IoT, AWS IoT Core, and Huawei OceanConnect IoT Platform offer scalable, cloud-based solutions that support millions of connected devices. The need for centralized control, interoperability, and predictive insights drives the growing use of IoT platforms in manufacturing and energy. These platforms also integrate AI, ML, and edge capabilities, enabling automation and faster decision-making. With organizations increasingly adopting hybrid and multi-cloud models, IoT platforms are becoming the backbone of digital ecosystems, supporting both enterprise-scale and consumer IoT deployments efficiently.

SuperCom Expands Alabama Footprint with Two New Contracts in the State

SuperCom, a global provider of secure solutions for the e-Government, IoT, and Cybersecurity sectors, announced two new electronic monitoring (EM) service provider contracts in the state of Alabama. These new engagements mark the company's third and fourth deployments in Alabama within the past year, further expanding SuperCom's presence in the southeastern U.S. and underscoring the company's rapid expansion and growing footprint in Alabama's public safety sector.

The first new contract involves a complete transition from an incumbent EM provider to SuperCom's PureSecurity platform, with the service provider replacing its legacy GPS and monitoring systems with SuperCom's advanced technology. The second new contract is with a provider launching new EM operations with SuperCom as its primary technology partner, highlighting trust in SuperCom's platform and operational excellence.

These new partnerships follow two earlier direct agency wins in Alabama, secured in January and August 2025, and reflect SuperCom's continued expansion in a state it entered less than a year ago. Together, the four deployments highlight increasing adoption of SuperCom's next-generation technology by both public agencies and private service providers seeking to modernize their electronic monitoring programs.

"Adding two new service provider partnerships in Alabama so soon after securing two direct agency contracts portrays some of the strong momentum we're experiencing in this state and across the country," said Ordan Trabelsi, President and CEO of SuperCom. "Both providers have committed to working with SuperCom to support current and future electronic monitoring programs, whether by replacing legacy systems or preparing to launch new initiatives."

"Since mid-2024, we've entered 12 new U.S. states, signed over 30 new contracts, and launched 14 service provider partnerships nationwide," Trabelsi added. "This expansion reflects a familiar pattern we've seen in other regions—where initial wins often lead to broader adoption over time. In Europe, early projects have frequently developed into multi-program relationships across multiple jurisdictions. In the U.S., we're observing similar momentum, with programs expanding both within states and into new ones as agencies and partners deepen their engagement with our technology."

"At the same time, our $7 million national contract win in Germany announced this recent September, where we displaced a 20-year incumbent, demonstrates our ability to consistently win competitive tenders and scale quickly in new markets," he continued. "Our Alabama expansion is a nice example of this pattern, as we continue to earn the trust of both public agencies and service providers seeking reliable, modern public safety solutions," Trabelsi concluded.

Identiv Reports Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results

Identiv, a leader in RFID- and BLE-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, released its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025.

"Focused execution of our Perform-Accelerate-Transform (P-A-T) strategy drove the improvement and expansion of our gross margins in the third quarter," said Identiv CEO Kirsten Newquist. "As the value proposition of our RFID and BLE solutions resonates deeply with customers, we believe that we are strategically positioned to lead in a market driven by compelling long-term secular trends."

Revenue for the third quarter of 2025 was $5.0 million, compared to $6.5 million in the third quarter of 2024. This year-over-year decrease was as expected and due to lower sales as we exited lower-margin business earlier in the year.

Third quarter 2025 GAAP gross margin was 10.7% and non-GAAP gross margin was 19.1%, compared to third quarter 2024 GAAP gross margin of 3.6% and non-GAAP gross margin of 9.3%. The year-over-year improvement primarily reflects the completion of the transition of all production to Thailand, which contributed to reduced manufacturing overhead and direct labor costs.

GAAP operating expenses, including research and development, selling and marketing, general and administrative, and restructuring and severance, were $6.1 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $9.8 million in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in GAAP operating expenses was driven primarily by a reduction in strategic review-related costs. Non-GAAP operating expenses were $4.5 million in the third quarter of 2025, compared to $5.1 million in the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in non-GAAP operating expenses reflects management's disciplined resource allocation in support of the Company's organic growth initiatives as outlined in the P-A-T strategic framework.

Third quarter 2025 GAAP net loss from continuing operations was ($3.5) million, or ($0.15) per basic and diluted share, compared to GAAP net loss from continuing operations of ($9.3) million, or ($0.40) per basic and diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024. This reduction was primarily due to strategic review-related costs associated with the physical security asset sale of $3.6 million incurred in the third quarter of 2024 compared to $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2025.

Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA loss in the third quarter of 2025 was ($3.6) million, compared to ($4.5) million in the third quarter of 2024. This was primarily due to the reduction in fixed manufacturing costs at our Singapore facility, improved utilization of our manufacturing production facility in Thailand, as well as management's continued targeted allocation of operating expenses as we execute on our P-A-T strategic initiatives.

Ticketmaster and Live Nation face copyright lawsuit

Ticketmaster and its parent company Live Nation Entertainment are facing a new legal challenge over their mobile-ticketing technology. 

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York by EChanging Barcode LLC, alleges that Ticketmaster’s “SafeTix” platform infringes on U.S. Patent No. 9,047,715 — which covers a system of rotating encrypted barcodes designed to stop screenshot-based fraud. 

EChanging claims that this patent, owned in part by inventor Alan Amron, is being used without permission. The same patent is also being asserted in a separate legal action against Major League Baseball Digital Media LLC (MLB’s digital arm) in the same court. 

This latest case revives previous infringement claims that were withdrawn last year. 

Moreover, this comes amid broader regulatory and legal scrutiny of Live Nation and Ticketmaster — including antitrust investigations and actions over their dominance in live-event ticketing and resale practices. 

Reusable cup trial in Portland stadiums uses RFID tracking

A pilot program by Bold Reuse is deploying reusable cups with embedded RFID chips at two large sports venues in Portland: the Moda Center (home to the Trail Blazers) and Providence Park (home to the Timbers and Thorns). The initiative, in partnership with Avery Dennison, captures data across each cup’s full lifecycle—from distribution to return, cleaning and reuse.

Each cup is equipped during manufacture with a unique ultra-high frequency RFID tag that survives hundreds of industrial wash cycles and withstands heat, detergent and repeated use. At the stadiums, cups are scanned when handed out at concessions, again when returned by fans, and then tracked through Bold Reuse’s wash hub where the cups are sanitized, sorted and redeployed.

According to the companies, this digital traceability allows venue operators to measure return rates, cleaning throughput, damage rates and reuse performance at scale. The pilot uses approximately 15,000 cups and aims to test whether reusable cup systems can compete with single-use alternatives while providing transparency and accountability that support large-scale implementation.

If successful, Bold Reuse plans to roll out the technology across a broader network of venues and corporate campuses, using the insights gained from the pilot to refine processes and increase efficiency.  

Miniature Sensors and Light Solutions from ams OSRAM at Medica 2025

A highly precise temperature sensor, barely larger than a poppy seed, makes the use of wearables for continuous on skin measurements easier than ever. Equally miniaturized, but designed for use inside the body, are the NanEye camera modules for single-use endoscopy. Beyond that, ams OSRAM offers solutions spanning the entire medical value chain — from laboratory analysis to patient care.

In diabetes care, for example, body temperature provides valuable context: helping to interpret glucose readings more accurately, whether during infections, physical activity, or throughout the day. And that’s just one example — the new AS6223 temperature sensor from ams OSRAM is designed for compact, battery-powered devices that fit seamlessly into everyday life. The sensor comes in a package smaller than one square millimeter — barely bigger than a poppy seed — while maintaining an accuracy of ±0.09 °C. This makes it even easier to integrate temperature measurement into wearables such as smartwatches, rings, or medical patches.

“When components shrink below one square millimeter, wearables become lighter, less obtrusive, and more practical. The new temperature sensor combines this miniaturization with low power consumption — bringing precision where it matters most: into everyday life”, says Jouni Riihimaeki, Product Manager at ams OSRAM.

From on the skin to inside the body: Single-use endoscopes must meet strict sterility requirements and minimize the risk of cross-contamination — a critical advantage for patient safety. At the same time, they require imaging components that fit through millimeter-sized channels. The NanEye digital camera modules enable precise imaging in these applications. These modules are as small as a pinhead and designed for single-use endoscopes —where every millimeter counts.

At Medica, ams OSRAM will also showcase vital sign monitoring in practice: a demo that captures multiple vital parameters in a compact design — including heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, body temperature, body composition, and more. The foundation is a modular system of temperature sensors, LEDs, photodiodes, and analog front-end ICs from ams OSRAM. This enables small, energy-efficient wearables that combine multiple functions.

New to the portfolio for vital sign monitoring are the CHIPLED SFH 270xH photodiodes with an improved surface finish. This makes the components more resistant to visible micro-scratches that can occur during assembly, reducing cosmetic-related rejects and saving costs and resources in production. In addition, ams OSRAM has added two new IR emitters from the FIREFLY™ E1608 family, which combine multiple functions in a single component: enabling the measurement of blood oxygen saturation (in combination with a red LED) and proximity detection — ideal for in-ear devices — while delivering enhanced energy efficiency thanks to the new IR:6 technology.

The broader medical and healthcare portfolio also includes cyan laser diodes for DNA sequencing, CT sensor modules, medical lighting, and UV-C LEDs for disinfection — solutions that cover the entire medical and health value chain, from laboratory analysis to patient care and wellbeing.

The expertise in Vital Sign Monitoring from ams OSRAM is underlined by 200 patent rights in this promising technology, and the company owns more than 3,000 high quality patent assets on sensors.

Data Center RFID market to Reach USD 2.75 billion by 2032

The Data Center RFID market was valued at USD 1.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 2.75 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 7% during the forecast period. With the ongoing surge in hyperscale data centers and the exponential adoption of cloud services, the need for highly accurate, real-time asset tracking and streamlined infrastructure management has placed RFID technology at the center of operational transformation for global data center operators.

The efficiency gains delivered by RFID—ranging from simplified inventory management and enhanced equipment traceability to improved physical security and regulatory compliance—are proving indispensable for hyperscalers, colocation providers, and enterprise data centers alike. Notably, RFID's non-contact, automated data capture mitigates human error in large-scale inventories, reduces losses from misplaced assets, and supports rigorous SLA adherence. As edge computing sites proliferate, RFID is also being adopted to monitor distributed infrastructure with greater agility and minimal on-site labor.

Companies such as Zebra Technologies, Alien Technology, Impinj, Inc., and GAO RFID have responded to sector-specific requirements with solutions designed to handle the harsh electromagnetic environments typical of data center floors. Partnerships between RFID solution providers and integrated infrastructure companies—such as the May 2025 collaboration between Zebra Technologies and Schneider Electric—are introducing highly customized, scalable deployments that combine RFID, IoT sensors, and AI-based analytics. For instance, Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure platform now incorporates modular RFID tracking for both assets and personnel, enabling clients to automate audits and enforce security protocols more effectively.

Emerging regions—including India, Southeast Asia, and parts of Latin America—are registering notable investments in large-scale digital infrastructure, often backed by public-private partnerships. For example, in September 2025, the Indian government's Digital Infrastructure Expansion Initiative earmarked dedicated funds for state and private data center operators to install asset-tracking RFID systems as part of standard operational protocols. Such regulatory momentum is accelerating adoption, while the increasing complexity of data center estates is making RFID deployment less a competitive differentiator and more a business-critical requirement.

Tap to Pay on iPhone Now Available to Worldpay Merchants Using SwipeSimple

CardFlight and Worldpay announced Tap to Pay on iPhone is now available to all SwipeSimple merchants. Tap to Pay on iPhone is an easy, private, and secure way to ensure a SwipeSimple Worldpay merchant will always have the tools needed to accept a payment right on their iPhone — 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 method - such as a contactless debit or credit card, Apple Pay, or other digital wallet - 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 security and privacy features of iPhone to help protect your business and customer data. Apple doesn't store card numbers or transaction information on the device or on Apple servers, so merchants and customers can rest assured that their data stays theirs.

Bank AlJazira First in the Middle East to Implement Diebold Nixdorf's Latest Generation Self-Service Software Operating on Windows 11

Bank AlJazira, one of the leading financial institutions in Saudi Arabia, will deploy VCP-Lite 7, part of the company's latest generation multi-vendor self-service software family, Vynamic Connection Points. Bank AlJazira is the first bank globally to implement VCP-Lite 7 on Microsoft® Windows 11 using the DDC protocol across more than 400 DN Series ATMs. 

The new software platform supports a full set of transactions in both Arabic and English, enabling NFC transactions, and caters to both on-us and off-us customers. 

VCP-Lite 7, a modern states and screens ATM application, enables Bank AlJazira to deploy on the latest Windows 11 operating system with long-term support well into 2034. The future-ready platform utilizes industry-standard protocols and modern APIs for quick connectivity to self-service networks and is certified to meet the latest compliance and regulatory requirements. With web extensions enabled, VCP-Lite 7 can seamlessly integrate the look and feel of digital channels, offering open options for an enhanced multichannel user experience.

Iridium Unveils Revolutionary Global GPS Device Protection on a Chip

Iridium Communications announced a leap forward in the security of GPS and other GNSS-reliant devices against jamming, spoofing and timing interruptions with the unveiling of a dedicated, miniature application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), the Iridium®PNT ASIC. 

Engineered for seamless integration into a wide range of electronic devices, the Iridium PNT ASIC will deliver authenticated, pole-to-pole positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) data. It will provide a resilient alternative to traditional GNSS, offering protection against spoofing and jamming for consumer, industrial, and government applications.

The jamming and spoofing of GNSS systems have gone from being an occasional threat to a near constant occurrence over the past few years. Several high profile events, like the September 2025 jamming of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's aircraft navigation system and a malfunction of GNSS systems in the waters outside of Qatar, causing a pause in maritime operations in October 2025, are two recent examples. A September 2024 report from OPSGROUP cited a 500% increase in the spoofing of commercial airliners, specifically stating that on average 1,500 flights a day are encountering GPS spoofing.

Couple this dramatic rise in threats with the economic risks, estimated at billions of dollars per day globally, and the need for a simple, easily integrated solution is undeniable. For example, in 2019, a single day GPS outage in the United States was estimated by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to cost the economy approximately $1 billion. When adjusted for inflation in 2025, this could be well over $1.3 billion per day.

Measuring just 8mm by 8mm and capable of fitting into devices ranging from consumer products up through major infrastructure systems like power grids, transportation systems and telecom networks, the Iridium PNT ASIC democratizes GNSS resilience. When embedded in a device, the Iridium PNT ASIC receives a cryptographically secure time and location data signal from the Iridium satellite network that is 1,000 times more powerful than GPS and capable of working inside buildings. This can help GNSS-dependent applications to not only detect a problem but also maintain operations until it is resolved. The Iridium PNT ASIC will also continuously verify signal integrity, making it the ideal alternative or primary source of PNT data.

The alternative PNT market is expected to reach $3.5 billion by 2032, driven by demand for secure, reliable timing and location data across all sectors of critical infrastructure. Available today, Iridium PNT protects digital infrastructure for financial markets, governments, and major corporations. Its applications span data centers, 5G wireless networks, aviation, maritime, land mobile, and IoT, making it a foundational service for the future of secure, connected systems.