Active beaconing RFID tag unveiled

GAO RFID has introduced a 2.4GHz active beaconing RFID tag, according to BigNews.Biz.

This tag is especially useful in asset locating and tracking items in warehouse inventory management. Its use of active RFID makes the tag able to provide tracking with a range of 30 meters.

This RFID tag is also designed to be tamper-proof and sounds an alarm if someone tries to dislodge it. There is a tiny smart button on the bottom of the tag so when a user applies the tag to an asset, the button is pushed in and the tag transmits a 'normal' signal.

Nevada is the latest state to propose legislation to regulate how RFID data is collected and used, reports RFID Update.

Senate Bill 125, which was introduced earlier this month, would make it a felony to use RFID to collect personal identification without a person's consent. Critics say the way the Bill is worded would make legitimate RFID research a crime.

The opposition was in part motivated by a recent 'white hat' hacker attack that exposed potential privacy and security vulnerabilities of the Pass Cards issued by the US federal government to facilitate border crossing.

NTT Communications has begun trials of a high-tech alternative to plastic or paper loyalty cards that promises to simplify their use for consumers, says NetworkWorld.

Loyalty cards are big business in Japan and it's almost impossible to spend a day shopping without being asked for one by a store clerk or, if you don't have one, being offered one.

They range from simple promotions, such as a small discount after a set number of purchases, to more valuable ones like that of electronics retailer Bic Camera, where shoppers get up to 20% of the value of their purchase in electronic points that can be used at an equal value on subsequent purchases.