Mastercard collaborates with TerraPay to unlock acceptance for digital wallet users globally

Mastercard has joined forces with TerraPay, a global money movement company, to equip its wallet partners including mobile money wallets, fintechs, and banks, with the latest digital payment capabilities.

Through this collaboration, wallet customers will be able to transact seamlessly at more than 150 million Mastercard acceptance locations worldwide using NFC payment, while wallet providers will benefit from the advanced infrastructure and technology jointly delivered by both organizations. TerraPay will also enable faster go-to-market and simplified launch processes through Xend, its newly introduced global payment interoperability platform.

"At TerraPay, our mission is to make every wallet roam — to work anywhere, just like your card does. For years, we've connected banks, wallets, and money transfer organizations across 150+ countries. Our collaboration with Mastercard takes that mission a step further. Together, we're bringing true payment interoperability to wallets globally, enabling them to pay at millions of acceptance points and empowering people everywhere to move and pay safely, instantly, and without borders," said Ambar Sur, Founder & CEO, TerraPay.

According to the Mastercard annual 2024 report, 70% of in-person Mastercard transactions worldwide are contactless. This option is up to 10 times faster than other face-to-face payment methods. Contactless-enabled accounts also spend more on average than their non-contactless counterparts.

"At Mastercard, we are enabling innovation and global reach for digital wallets, which serve as important drivers of financial inclusion. Collaborations with key ecosystem players like Terrapay play a key role in scaling the positive impact via their multiple wallet partners and simplifying the implementation process," said Prakriti Singh, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Mastercard, EEMEA.

Digital wallets have been fueling the secular shift in emerging markets. They can offer global scale and secure payment technology to consumers to increase usage. In addition to online payments, they can be used for contactless payments at points of sale (POS), which are gaining popularity among shoppers and merchants alike due to their speed and security.

Toyota Is Getting Support for Apple’s Car Key Feature Soon

Toyota, one of the world’s biggest automakers, appears to be preparing to let drivers use Apple Wallet as a digital car key. According to recent findings, Apple’s internal systems now list Toyota among the companies that will support Apple’s Car Key platform, though Toyota has not yet publicly announced when the feature will go live.  

At this stage, it’s unclear which Toyota models will get Car Key support or whether the rollout will include existing cars, new models, or both. Toyota hasn’t shared any specifics yet, so customers will need to wait for an official announcement for details on timing and compatibility.  

Apple’s Car Key feature, introduced back in 2020, lets you add a digital key to the Wallet app on your iPhone or Apple Watch. Once set up, you can use your device to lock, unlock, and even start your car — often with a simple tap or proximity detection. Express Mode can make this even quicker by letting you use the key without unlocking your device first.  

Critical Sectors Face Growing Risks as Android Malware and IoT Attacks Escalate

According to the Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 Mobile, IoT, and OT Threat Report, cybercriminals are increasingly targeting Android mobile devices and Internet of Things (IoT) environments, with a notable rise in attacks against essential industries. 

The analysis shows a 67% year-over-year increase in Android malware incidents, highlighting the growing tactics threat actors use to exploit widely-used mobile platforms.   Meanwhile, sectors tied to critical infrastructure have experienced dramatic surges in targeted attacks — particularly the energy industry, which has seen activity climb by nearly fourfold compared to the previous year. 

Threat actors continue to use established malware families like Mirai, while newer variants such as Mozi are rising in prevalence. These tools often compromise devices and weave them into botnets that can be used for large-scale attacks.   The report also highlights emerging threats such as Android Void, a backdoor malware strain found on millions of Android TV boxes mainly in India and Brazil. 

Industries with heavy reliance on connected technologies — manufacturing, transportation, and others — remain common targets, collectively making up a significant share of IoT-related threats. 

To address the rapidly evolving threat landscape, Zscaler recommends adopting Zero Trust security practices and leveraging advanced, AI-powered threat detection tools. These methods help reduce vulnerabilities across mobile and IoT ecosystems and strengthen overall resilience against sophisticated attacks. 

Socket Mobile Launches Durable, Portable NFC/RFID Reader and Writer

Socket Mobile announced the release of the DuraScan D751, a durable, high-performance NFC/RFID contactless reader and writer designed for mobile use across industries such as hospitality, commercial services, and transportation & logistics.

As the latest addition to Socket Mobile's proven DuraScan product family, the D751 delivers advanced NFC/RFID capabilities in a compact, rugged design that ensures dependable data capture and tag writing in demanding environments. Supported by all-day battery life, the D751 is built to read and write NFC and high-frequency RFID tags, as well as credentials presented from mobile wallets. This allows users to identify, track, and update critical data on the go using iPhones, iPads, and other Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices.

The D751 supports MIFARE, FeliCa, and other widely adopted high-frequency tag types, enabling a broad range of use cases including identity verification, ticketing, secure access control, inventory updates, and asset tracking. Whether it's managing credentials at event venues, logging service activities in the field, or tracking equipment across facilities, the D751 eliminates manual data entry and facilitates real-time updates directly from a mobile device.

"The D751 brings mobile teams a new level of control over contactless data," said Dave Holmes, Chief Business Officer at Socket Mobile. "By combining NFC and RFID reading and writing in one portable, handheld device, we're giving our customers a reliable way to interact with smart tags and mobile wallets wherever the job takes them. It's a powerful step forward for organizations that need accurate, real-time information to stay efficient and make confident decisions in the field."

Pairing easily with iOS, Android, and Windows devices through Bluetooth LE connectivity, the D751 gives teams the ability to perform contactless scanning and updates wherever their work takes them. This mobile flexibility enables faster decision-making, improved accuracy, and reduced dependence on fixed stations or manual processes.

The D751 is fully compatible with all existing applications that use the latest version of Socket Mobile's CaptureSDK and can be evaluated immediately without any additional work. Application developers who do not yet support Socket Mobile's expansive range of data capture devices can do so with CaptureSDK. CaptureSDK gives app providers reliable and consistent data capture performance, enabling their apps to capture data efficiently in the physical world. By integrating CaptureSDK, app providers can maximize the value of their solution and increase their customers' overall productivity and satisfaction. CaptureSDK-enabled apps allow end-users to interchange any of Socket Mobile's data capture devices, giving them the freedom to choose the best reader for their needs at any given time. 

The DuraScan D751 is available now on the Socket Mobile website and will be available through distribution partners in January 2026, with an MSRP of $349.

INLAN Secures US$ 5M in Funding to Accelerate Scalable, Battery-Less IoT for Global Supply Chains INLAN Technologies (CNW Group/INLAN)

INLAN, a Montreal-based technology company pioneering next-generation battery-less IoT tags and AI-ready data infrastructure, has raised US$ 5 million in series A funding led by strategic investor Saas Fee Limited, with strong participation from California-based VC investor Shea Ventures, as well as contributions from Montreal-based TandemLaunch and several strategic individual investors.

This new investment will enable INLAN to transition its breakthrough hardware into large-scale deployment and to expand the software and data backbone required to support massive IoT adoption across industrial and supply chain markets.

"AI is poised to fundamentally transform supply chain management, but only if the underlying data is granular, real-time, multidimensional, and reliable," said Ali Shajii, CEO and Co-Founder of INLAN. "That level of data simply doesn't exist today at scale, because the sensing technologies needed to capture it are either too limited or too expensive. INLAN was built to change that. With this funding, we can bring truly scalable, AI-ready data to the supply chain world and unlock the next generation of intelligent operations." 

"We've spent the past two years developing a new class of battery-less tag that combines the affordability of RFID with the performance of active IoT devices," said Mohammad Hajikhani, Co-Founder and CPO. "This funding marks an important milestone for INLAN and gives us the momentum we need to scale our technology into real-world supply chain environments. We're excited to take the next steps toward making item-level intelligence accessible at truly massive scale."

INLAN is creating a world where every item in the supply chain can continuously report where it is, how it's doing, and what it needs, without the cost or complexity of today's sensor technologies. By removing the trade-off between affordability and performance, INLAN makes it possible for businesses to access real-time, item-level intelligence at a scale that was previously out of reach. This means clearer visibility across operations, more reliable data for automation, and the ability to respond to issues the moment they arise.

INLAN was incubated at TandemLaunch, a Montreal-based deep-tech start-up foundry and seed fund. Emilie Boutros, Managing Partner added, "The support from a group of strategic and highly experienced international investors reflects our growing confidence in INLAN's technology and its potential to transform large-scale data collection in industrial IoT and supply chain management. We welcome the opportunity to continue supporting INLAN's journey."

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Expands Global Unified Commerce Strategy with Nedap Partnership

Nedap announced its partnership with Abercrombie & Fitch Co., a leading global omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories based in New Albany, Ohio. The retailer will see Nedap's iD Cloud platform implemented across numerous Abercrombie & Fitch stores in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and the Asia-Pacific region (APAC).

Following a successful 15-store pilot, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) began deploying Nedap's iD Cloud Store solution in June 2025, with full implementation scheduled to be completed later this month. The rollout underscores A&F Co.'s strategic priority to improve omnichannel fulfillment, inventory accuracy and on-shelf product availability.

"Inventory visibility is crucial to serving our customers seamlessly, both digitally and in-store," said Lauren Morr, Senior Vice President of Digital Operations at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. "We chose Nedap not only for their innovative and advanced technology, but also because of the dedicated expertise within their iD Cloud community. The partnership enables us to optimize our operations with increased inventory accuracy and visibility." 

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s deployment of iD Cloud Store streamlines essential store processes, including in-store order fulfillment and inventory replenishment from the back-of-house to the front-of-house, enhancing overall productivity. By successfully scaling the software in such a short timeframe, this new strategy will advance omnichannel performance and position Abercrombie & Fitch Co. for long-term success with increased inventory visibility.

"Abercrombie & Fitch Co.'s transformation through the years has been remarkable, and their renewed strength as a business is a testament to bold decisions and clear strategy," said Bruno Bakker, director of iD Cloud North America at Nedap. "With iD Cloud, they are now taking the next leap forward, elevating their already strong omnichannel capabilities to an entirely new level. Together, we are building a future-proof retail foundation where real-time inventory visibility fuels efficiency, customer satisfaction, and growth worldwide."

RFID pilot results in 100% drug traceability

A recent pilot by Axia Institute (at Michigan State University) shows that using RFID — rather than just barcodes — can deliver full, end-to-end traceability for pharmaceutical products under real-world conditions. 

The U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) requires that prescription drugs be traceable across the supply chain. While traditional barcodes have long been used, they rely on scanning each item manually and require line-of-sight — which can lead to missed scans, errors or delays.  

RFID technology — specifically passive “RAIN” UHF RFID tags, encoded using the common GS1 US standard — was identified as a promising alternative because RFID does not need line-of-sight and can be scanned in bulk.  

In the first phase (lab setting) the team tested RFID tags on different types of packaging (solid tablets, liquid vials) to see whether they could be read reliably. In phase two they scaled up to a real-world distribution environment: 6,920 drug units, using full pallets and real warehouse/distribution workflows, with multiple read-points along the supply chain. 

They also developed a central cloud-based platform (the Axia Observer Platform) to collect RFID read data, monitor movement, detect anomalies and ensure traceability throughout the chain.  

The system achieved 100% traceability across the supply chain for all 6,920 items, even across different packaging types, pallets, and scan-points.  Errors (e.g. missing or extra items) were automatically detected and corrected in real time — a big improvement over manual barcode-based systems.  

Microneedle sensor checks fish freshness in under two minutes

Scientists in Australia have created a small handheld device that can instantly tell whether a piece of fish is still fresh. The new sensor, developed by researchers at Deakin University and Monash University, uses an array of tiny microneedles to measure a key chemical that rises as fish spoils.

When a fish dies, its DNA and other molecules begin to break down, producing a compound called hypoxanthine. The more hypoxanthine present, the longer the fish has been dead — making it a reliable indicator of freshness.

The new sensor contains a 4×4 grid of microneedles coated with gold nanoparticles and an enzyme that reacts specifically with hypoxanthine. When the array is pressed into the fish, the reaction creates a measurable electrical signal. The device reads that signal and converts it into a freshness score.

Researchers tested the device on salmon left at room temperature for up to two days. The sensor could detect extremely low levels of hypoxanthine — amounts typically associated with very fresh fish — and delivered results in about 100 seconds. Its accuracy matched that of commercial lab-based test kits, but without requiring any sample preparation or equipment.

Spoiled seafood is a major source of food poisoning, and traditional freshness checks often rely on smell, texture, or time stamps — all of which can be unreliable. This new microneedle sensor provides a fast, objective, and simple way to verify freshness. The team says it could eventually be used by restaurants, grocery stores, or food processors to quickly screen fish before it reaches customers.

ALLUONE Launches IoT-Based Home Smart Garden 'Watering Garden'

As interest in "plant butlers" and "plant tech" continues to grow among people who care for houseplants, IoT-based smart garden specialist ALLUONE Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of its 2025 home smart garden, "Watering Garden," offering a new lifestyle that brings nature closer to urban living.

ALLUONE plans to unveil "Watering Garden" at the Ilsan Flower Complex in 2025. The product is equipped with IoT-based environmental control technology that enables real-time monitoring of plant growth conditions, while automatically managing watering, lighting, and ventilation to create an optimal growth environment.

Targeting newlyweds, single households, and plant lovers, Watering Garden features a space-efficient design that blends naturally into any home environment.

ALLUONE participates annually in the KINTEX exhibitions, showcasing the latest smart garden technologies and designs, and plans to expand its product lineup with the goal of entering the global market.

The launch of this new product carries significant meaning as it embodies the concept of a "smart life in harmony with nature, even in the heart of the city." Through continuous innovation and eco-friendly solutions, ALLUONE is setting a new standard in the smart garden industry.

Apple Under Swiss Antitrust Review Over iPhone NFC Access

Swiss competition authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into Apple’s handling of access to the iPhone’s NFC (Near Field Communication) capabilities. The Secretariat of the Swiss Competition Commission said it is assessing whether Apple’s terms and conditions for granting access to the NFC and Secure Element (SE) platform comply with Swiss competition law. 

The inquiry, launched on December 10, 2025, focuses in part on whether other mobile payment app providers can realistically compete with Apple Pay for contactless payments on iOS devices in physical stores. Historically, Apple restricted third-party access to the NFC chip on iPhones, a capability essential for tap-to-pay and other NFC-enabled services. 

In the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA), Apple was required by regulators to open NFC access to third parties at no cost beginning in 2024. Switzerland, not being part of the EU/EEA, was initially excluded from that regime. Following discussions between Apple and the Swiss competition authority, Apple began providing Swiss app developers with access to the NFC & SE platform in late 2024 — but under terms that differ from those mandated in the EEA. 

Under Apple’s current Swiss framework, developers must enter into a commercial agreement with Apple and may be subject to associated fees to use the NFC & SE APIs. The competition watchdog is now gathering information from market participants to determine whether these conditions unfairly disadvantage competitors of Apple Pay. 

The investigation is still in its early stages, and regulators have not yet reached any conclusions about whether Apple has violated Swiss antitrust law. 

Arduino-programmable environmental and air quality sensor kit

Nova Radio Labs has introduced the Novaduino Environmental Sensor Kit, an Arduino-programmable solution for air-quality and weather monitoring. 

The kit uses a Sciosense ENS160 gas sensor and a Bosch BME280 environmental sensor, linked via Qwiic, to provide real-time readings of VOCs (volatile organic compounds), equivalent CO₂ (eCO₂), temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure — complete with an on-device AQI (Air Quality Index) display. 

At its core is the Novaduino 2.4-inch Display Module, plus either an Adafruit Feather M0 Express or an RP2040 board. The display is a 320×240 IPS touchscreen, and there are multiple inputs: push buttons, a rotary encoder, and up to five tact switches. The module supports expansion via I²C (Qwiic) ports, plus a proto card, and has a MicroSD slot for data logging. 

The kit is currently available for US$ 125.95 (discounted from US$ 145.95) on Tindie. 

New NFC-Relay Attack Campaign Detected by Researchers

Researchers at Cyble Research and Intelligence Labs (CRIL) have discovered a freshly launched NFC relay-attack campaign aimed at users in Brazil. 

The malware family — named RelayNFC — is distributed through phishing sites disguised as legitimate payment-card “security” applications. The researchers identified five such malicious domains distributing the app. 

Once installed, RelayNFC transforms the victim’s Android device into a remote “card reader.” It captures payment-card data when the user taps their card to the device, then relays that data in real time to an attacker-controlled server.  

After reading the card, the app displays a screen requesting the user’s PIN (4- or 6-digit), thereby harvesting authentication credentials. 

The malware communicates with the attacker’s server via WebSocket, using a “full real-time APDU relay channel.” This allows attackers to complete contactless payments as if they had the physical card in hand. 

RelayNFC is built using React Native, with its JavaScript code compiled via the Hermes engine into bytecode — a method that complicates static analysis and helps the malware evade detection.  
According to the report, the malicious app shows zero detections on the widely used scanning platform VirusTotal — underscoring how stealthy and novel the malware currently is.  

RFID Tags Market Estimated to Grow at 9.4% CAGR by 2032

The global RFID Tags market is poised for substantial growth, with an estimated valuation of US$ 14.3 billion in 2025, expected to reach US$ 26.8 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period. The market is witnessing rapid adoption across various industries due to the rising need for efficient inventory management, asset tracking, and supply chain optimization. RFID technology allows organizations to monitor assets in real-time, reduce human errors, and enhance operational efficiency, making it a critical tool for businesses navigating increasingly complex supply chains.

Among the market segments, passive RFID tags are leading due to their cost-effectiveness and wide application in retail, logistics, and healthcare. Geographically, North America dominates the market owing to early adoption of advanced technology, strong infrastructure for IoT integration, and significant investment in automation solutions. The region's emphasis on digital transformation and smart logistics further fuels the deployment of RFID tags across industries.

The RFID Tags market can be segmented based on product type and end-user applications. Product-wise, the market is dominated by passive, active, and semi-passive RFID tags, with passive tags being widely preferred due to affordability and extensive compatibility. Active RFID tags, which offer longer read ranges and greater data storage, are gaining traction in sectors requiring real-time asset monitoring, such as transportation and healthcare.

Based on end-users, RFID tags find applications in retail, logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and government sectors. Retail remains the largest adopter due to the need for inventory tracking and anti-theft solutions. Logistics and transportation sectors are increasingly deploying RFID tags for supply chain visibility, while healthcare is adopting RFID for patient tracking, equipment management, and pharmaceutical authentication.

North America continues to lead the RFID tags market, driven by high adoption of automation technologies and smart supply chain initiatives. The region's robust IT infrastructure and strong investments in digitalization enable companies to deploy RFID solutions effectively, enhancing operational efficiency.

Magician Locks Himself Out of His Own Hand After Forgetting RFID Chip Password

A British magician has found himself in an unexpectedly bizarre situation: he can no longer access the RFID chip implanted in his own hand because he forgot the password needed to reprogram it.

The performer, known professionally as Zi Teng Wang or “Zi the Mentalist,” implanted the chip as part of a high-tech magic routine. The idea was that audience members could tap their phones against his hand, triggering a link stored on the chip.

But the trick never worked as smoothly as hoped. According to Zi, the effect fell flat because spectators had to awkwardly press their phones around his palm to find the reader — “not mysterious or magical in the slightest.”

After several failed attempts to craft a compelling act, he decided to reprogram the chip to direct people to an online meme instead. That became his go-to gag, until the image hosting service (Imgur) hosting the meme went down following UK age-verification issues. Suddenly, the link on the chip pointed to nothing.

When Zi attempted to update the implant again, he discovered a new problem: he had completely forgotten the password protecting the chip. Without it, the device can no longer be updated, reconfigured, or reset.

Friends with technical expertise told him there’s no easy fix. The chip’s security is so basic that it cannot be bypassed — brute-forcing the password could take days or weeks, and the only guaranteed solution is to have the implant physically removed.

North America RFID Market Size and Forecast 2025–2033

The North America RFID market is entering one of the most transformative phases in its history. According to Renub Research, the market is projected to surge from US$ 14.18 billion in 2024 to a robust US$ 36.56 billion by 2033, growing at an impressive CAGR of 11.1% during 2025–2033. This accelerated expansion reflects the technology’s crucial role across major industries—from retail and logistics to healthcare, financial services, and government operations.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) has already proven its value as businesses push for better traceability, automation, and real-time insights. As the region deepens investments in Industry 4.0, intelligent supply chains, and digital healthcare, RFID is evolving from an optional enhancement to an operational necessity.

With rising affordability of tags and integration with AI, IoT, and cloud platforms, RFID continues to gain ground across North America as companies modernize their digital ecosystems.

A significant development occurred in March 2025, when RADAR, a rising RFID-AI platform, partnered with Old Navy, a flagship brand of Gap Inc. Their collaboration integrates RFID, AI, and computer vision to map in-store inventory in real-time—setting a new industry benchmark.

This trend aligns with the retail sector’s broader objective: to build a responsive, data-driven supply chain that minimizes operational waste.

The Global Security Bags Market is valued at at a significant CAGR

The Global Security Bags Market is valued at at a significant CAGR during the forecast period (2024-2031).

According to DataM Intelligence has published a new research report on ""Security Bags Market Size 2025"". The report explores comprehensive and insightful Information about various key factors like Regional Growth, Segmentation, CAGR, Business Revenue Status of Top Key Players and Drivers. The purpose of this report is to provide a telescopic view of the current market size by value and volume, opportunities, and development status.
 

Recent Developments:

In August 2025, multiple security-packaging manufacturers announced upgrades to tamper-evident features, including dual-layer void seals, RFID tagging, and heat-reactive inks. These enhancements aim to improve traceability for banking, aviation, e-commerce, and law-enforcement applications.

In July 2025, a leading global cash-management solutions provider completed the acquisition of a tamper-evident packaging specialist. The deal expands integrated offerings for secure cash transport, armored-carrier operations, and high-risk logistics.

In June 2025, several Asia-based players in security bags introduced recyclable and compostable variants using bio-polymer blends. The shift supports sustainability targets across retail, courier, and financial-services sectors while maintaining high tear-resistance.

In May 2025, new regulations for duty-free STEBs (Security Tamper-Evident Bags) were adopted at major international airports, requiring improved barcode verification and UV-sensitive closure technology to reduce smuggling and counterfeit risks.

Tageos Launches New NFC and Dual-Frequency RFID Inlays for Enhanced Consumer Engagement and Anti-Tamper Applications

Tageos announced two new additions to its growing portfolio. Developed in close collaboration with EM Microelectronic, a pioneer in RFID for more than 30 years, the new products offer Near Field Communication (NFC) and Dual-Frequency (HF/NFC and UHF) functionality for tagging a broad variety of goods and packaging.

The new EOS-920 EM4332 NFC inlay combines Tageos' expertise in antenna design and sustainable high-quality mass manufacturing with EM Microelectronic's advanced chip capabilities, offering superior performance for secure product authentication, smart packaging and proof of presence applications, as well as enhanced consumer engagement for a wide range of markets. Equipped with EM Microelectronic's em|linq ICs (EM4332), the NFC Forum Type 2-compliant product features a pre-programmed unique 7-byte ID, 308-bytes user memory, and special cryptographic functions for enhanced security. With a compact antenna size of 20 mm / 0.79 in diameter, the product is available in dry, wet and plastic-face delivery formats.

The second new product innovation—the EOS-620 Seal EM4425—expands the product family of anti-tamper inlays offered by Tageos. The EOS-620 Seal features a sophisticated tamper-loop design and tamper-detection interface powered by EM Microelectronic's em|echo-V ICs (EM4425), enabling both HF/NFC and RAIN RFID (UHF) dual-frequency use cases on a single chip. Typical RAIN RFID applications include supply chain management and inventory visibility in segments such as retail, food and beverage, healthcare & pharma, logistics, and manufacturing. HF/NFC functionalities allow consumers and retailers alike to verify product origin with a simple smartphone tap, while unlocking digital experiences, enriched product information, and personalized loyalty programs.

The EOS-620 Seal EM4425 inlay complies with NFC Forum Type 5 specs and offers user-configurable non-volatile shared memory accessible via NFC and RAIN RFID. The new product is available in dry, wet and paper-face form factors as of now.

Tageos' market partners, ForgeStop and 4iD Solutions, have already received significant customer interest with first deployments such as IFA Celtics based on these new products. At two upcoming tradeshows in India—CPHI & PMEC 2025 (25-27 Nov, booth# 15A.A90), and the Brews & Spirits Expo 2025 (27-29 Nov, booth# B203)—all partners, ForgeStop, 4iD Solutions, EM Microelectronic and Tageos, will jointly showcase their latest innovations and strengths.

Rapidtek Successfully Launches Black Kite-1 with TASA to Advance LEO IoT Constellation

Rapidtek Technologies Inc. (Rapidtek), headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, specializes in space communication modules and phased-array antenna technologies. Rapidtek (6980) announced that the 8U IoT CubeSat Black Kite-1, commissioned by the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and developed with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), successfully reached orbit aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 Transporter-15 mission. The launch occurred at 2:44 a.m. Taiwan time on November 29 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, a major U.S. West Coast launch site. This successful orbital insertion officially initiates Rapidtek's LEO satellite constellation deployment plan. (Note: TASA initiated the Startup CubeSat Program in 2023 and commissioned Rapidtek to develop four 8U CubeSats as part of this initiative.)  

Black Kite-1 is an upgraded satellite succeeding the first-generation 3U CubeSat Nightjar from the Startup CubeSat Program. The satellite is named after the Black Kite, commonly known as a hawk, symbolizing a clear and far-reaching presence, swift speed, and strong adaptability, qualities that reflect the comprehensive upgrade from the 3U to the 8U CubeSat. Arthur Wang, Chairman of Rapidtek, stated that the successful orbital insertion of Black Kite-1 marks a major milestone, as the company moves from single-satellite verification to multi-satellite constellation communications. He expressed appreciation to TASA and ITRI for their collaboration, noting that this achievement reflects progress not only in technology integration but also in Taiwan's overall industry capabilities. Looking ahead, Rapidtek will continue enhancing communication payloads, phased-array antennas, and inter-satellite link technologies to support Taiwan's autonomous and sustainable development in global LEO communications.

Black Kite-1 is deployed in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of roughly 500 to 600 kilometers, passing over Taiwan one to two times per day with communication windows of about five minutes. Using Rapidtek's self-developed ground stations, the mission verifies end-to-end communication performance through local and remote data relay. The mission focuses on three key objectives: confirming system stability and pointing accuracy; validating Rapidtek's Ku-band high-speed and LoRa low-data-rate communication payloads; and testing the high-precision GPS receiver and space-grade GPGPU provided by TASA. Compared with the 3U platform, the 8U satellite supports more payloads, users, and application scenarios, providing communication solutions for remote or underserved areas and showcasing the diverse potential of LEO IoT communications.

Ben Lin, Chief Project Engineer of Rapidtek's satellite program, shared that the 8U satellite is not only larger but also involves more complex system integration, including new communication designs and ground-side development. The team often worked late, not just refining the satellite itself, but also ensuring that end-to-end operations—from space to ground—worked seamlessly. Everyone understood that this mission was more than building a spacecraft; it was about enabling real application scenarios in Taiwan and paving the way for constellation services. The success of the 8U program reflects both technical progress and stronger team confidence, reinforcing Rapidtek's readiness for future deployments.  

Looking ahead, Rapidtek will continue its LEO satellite constellation program, launching three more 8U IoT CubeSats from the Startup CubeSat Program in 2026. These satellites will not only serve as technology tests but also demonstrate Taiwan's capabilities in LEO communications. The constellation will help establish an initial LEO IoT network for real-time data transfer from ground to space. Rapidtek is committed to turning LEO communication technology into practical solutions and building a reliable network, leveraging the power of the constellation to seamlessly connect technology and daily life, while showcasing Taiwan's expertise on the global stage.

Wiliot Joins Advisory Board of Auburn University’s RFID Lab

Wiliot has officially become a member of the advisory board at Auburn University’s RFID Lab. 

In this role, Wiliot will help promote the Ambient IoT market by showing how its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensing and data-streaming technology complements traditional RFID to provide continuous, AI-ready visibility throughout supply chains. 

Amir Khoshniyati, Wiliot’s Head of Strategy & Business Development, will represent the company on the board. 

Auburn’s advisory board already includes more than 30 companies from both technology and end-user sectors, offering a wealth of expertise to help advance supply chain and sensor innovation. 

Khoshniyati said RFID has provided a strong foundation for supply-chain visibility, but Ambient IoT takes it further by introducing continuous sensing, real-time data flows, and automated intelligence. 

Ambient IoT enables a network of battery-free, Bluetooth-based sensors—known as IoT Pixels—that capture live data on location, temperature, humidity, light, and other conditions as goods move through the supply chain. 

This stream of item-level data creates a new layer for AI systems, helping companies make faster, smarter, and more sustainable decisions. 

GPS trackers for Dartmoor ponies managing wild landscapes

Dartmoor ponies wandering across the hills of west Cornwall are getting a technological boost. The National Trust has begun equipping some of the animals with GPS collars so staff can monitor their movements across the 1,482 acres (600 hectares) of countryside the ponies help maintain.

According to Ash Pearson, countryside manager for the National Trust in west Cornwall, the tracking is an important step for conservation work. “We’ve got more than 30 ponies, but we only fit collars to the lead animals in each group. If we can locate them, we can usually locate the rest,” he explained.

The collars sit around the ponies’ necks and send their positions to a phone or computer.
They’re designed to detach easily to prevent the animals from getting snagged on rocks or thick vegetation — though this sometimes results in staff chasing down a missing collar rather than a missing pony.

Pearson said the ponies play a vital role in keeping Cornwall’s landscape open and full of biodiversity.

About half of the Trust’s land is grazed by ponies and the other half by cattle. Because the collars are costly, the Trust uses only around six of them, but that number is enough to follow the herds.

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.