www.hightechaid.com

February 2006

From the editor's desk!

Welcome to the latest issue of the High Tech AIDCourier.

Wow, this month has been different. In order to bring you the news every month, I have some software programs that monitor many news sources to gather information. In a typical month they gather about 15-20,000 news items that I review. I normally check the data every week or so, to prevent the files from getting too big.

This month I decided to install a beta version of the software to help solve some problems I have been seeing. The new software was great until … I left doing my normal checks and the data file got large and suddenly I had corrupted data and no way to retrieve it. While the software company was sympathetic, they were unable to get my data sorted in time for this newsletter, so I had to resort to some other methods to get the data I needed.

I don’t believe we have lost any important news this month, BUT it highlights the fragility of our reliance on computers. We are all used to backing up hard drives (you do back up your computer don’t you!), but it never occurred to me that corruption of data is an even worse problem. It has taken a week of “playing” to get all things back to normal. I now have an evening backup specifically to catch a problem before data corruption.

The issue of data backup and RFID tags is one that I discuss in my column in Scan, The Data Capture Report this month. What will you do when your RFID tag doesn’t read?

Don’t forget to send the newsletter to your friends and encourage them to sign up. Just forward this issue to a couple of your colleagues and suggest they sign up on the web site.

Providing this newsletter is just a part of what we have to offer here at High Tech Aid. When your problem needs have you overwhelmed, then you need to get help and that is why we are here. We specialize in education, but the spectrum of services is much greater than that. Call or email us for more information. Visit the web site www.hightechaid.com for more information on basic technology details as well as many other things.

E-mail me at news@hightechaid.com and tell us what you think. Don’t forget to send this issue to your friends so that they can sign up for their own issue of the free newsletter at www.hightechaid.com. If you have news to share or info you need, let me know at news@hightechaid.com.

Technology News Briefs

RFID Standards

A quiet month in the world of RFID standards, though two things of note happened. The Food and Drug Agency (FDA) held a two day symposium on preventing Counterfeit Drugs. The focus was on RFID and the two days were very interesting.

Also the Real Time Locating System standards at ISO (ISO/IEC 24730) closed a ballot on part 2 (2.45 GHz). Though the ballot passed, some revealing comments will provide the members of the group with an interesting meeting in March as they evaluate a different technology that may have more support.

If you need more specific information on any of this work, let me know.

If you want more information on ISO standardization or on any issue of RFID standardization, then email steve@hightechaid.com

Radio Frequency Identification

Forgot your password?

Try getting an RFID implant to solve your problems. It also gets you into the building! http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/02/13/security.chips.ap/
index.html
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/ec414700-9bf4-11da-8baa-0000779e2340.html

Lower costs help drive RFID

The mandates and the lower cost of implementing is helping to increase adoption. http://www.manufacturing.net/scm/article/CA6302302.html?nid=2558&rid=802863875
http://www.mmh.com/index.asp?layout=articleXml&xmlId=347781113&nid=2865&rid=
1733663168

Company adds smarts

Adding more smarts to a reader can significantly help an implementation. http://www.computerworld.com/softwaretopics/software/sto
ry/0,10801,108189,00.html?source=NLT_PM&nid=108189

RFID or contactless

Just what is the technology and is there any difference? U.K. Members of Parliament (MP) don’t seem to know. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/30/
burnham_rfid_evasions/

Savi increases RFID service

Announcing new lanes throughout Asia, Europe, and South America for container shipments with RFID. http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/rfidww/rfidww20060201/
savi.cfm

RFID in the subway

New York says yes as it looks to try out the system. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1035_22-6033364.html?
tag=zdnn.alert

.. and the cost may come down

As RFID supplier Innovision Research and Technology looks at the market.
http://www.contactlessnews.com/library/2006/01/29/
new-chip-may-slash-contactless-transit-ticket-prices/

Metropolitan Transportation Authority to conduct RFID pilot test

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is conducting a pilot test to enable customers to get through the gate quickly and reliably by tapping their credit card on a turnstile. http://www.gothamgazette.com/article/transportation/
20060213/16/1758

Label sales to grow

Electronic Article Surveillance labels were the big sellers. But, RFID is fast catching up as the market is set to hit $26 billion by 2016. http://www.cscomagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=161&Itemid=48
http://www.cscomagazine.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=160&Itemid=48

Tiny RFID

Hitachi Ltd. said it has developed the smallest and thinnest RFID chip to date, so small that it could be used an intelligent watermark. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=
E4E8B25A-C1D0-46B9-AC4C-8C85559C1804
http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800406233_499488_
20353fe3_no.HTM

Philips Develops Plastic RFID Tag

Philips demonstrates world-first technical feasibility of 13.56-MHz RFID tags based on plastic electronics. http://www.gizmag.com/go/5166/
http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/rfidww/rfidww20060208/
philips.cfm

PolvIC negates Philips claim of introducing first plastic RFID tags

PolvIC GmbH & Co. has negated the claim made by Philips Research that it has introduced the first plastic electronics based radio frequency ID tag which can transmit multibit digital identification codes at 13.56 MHz. http://www.eetimes.com/news/design/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=179101281

Rolls-Royce adds RFID

Tracking parts used to build military aircraft. http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news/2149981/
rolls-royce-looks-extend-role

Chipless RFID

It is coming and it is growing in use. http://www.idtechex.com/products/en/articles/
00000435.asp

NCR is using RFID

As well as offering a complete solution for RFID, NCR is using the technology to help its own logistics systems. http://www.computerworld.com/networkingtopics/
networking/story/0,10801,108533,00.html?source=NLT_MW&nid=108533

RFID security

World famous cryptographer says he can break the passwords in RFID tags. But no details available yet. http://www.internetweek.cmp.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleId=180201741
http://blog.sciam.com/index.php?title=kill_rfid_by_cell_phone&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
Video: https://2006.rsaconference.com/us/conference/
webcasts_listings.aspx
(Cryptographers Panel) about - 6:15 minutes in)

Take a trip to the bank of the future

RFID, digital pens and biometrics will help banks find out when their important customers are visiting. http://news.com.com/Take+a+trip+to+the+bank+of+
the+future/2100-1029_3-6030636.html?part=rss&tag=6030636&subj=news

Cool heads needed for RFID debate

Already trade unions and lawyers, anxious to find business for themselves, want to attack RFID tags as a kind of fascist technology. http://www.itweek.co.uk/itweek/comment/2149105/
cool-heads-
needed-rfid-debate

RFID Tracking Shopping Cart

The LCD Shopping Cart should speed this process by providing the nutrition info via RFID. http://www.akihabaranews.com/en/news-11048-The+supermarket%27s+Cyber+Charriot.html
http://www.gadgetreview.com/2006/01/rfid-tracking-
shopping-cart.html

AWID Taps iAnywhere To Deliver Click-And-Go RFID Readers

Applied Wireless Identifications (AWID) Inc. wants to make purchasing an RFID reader a breeze. http://www.techweb.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=
177105298

Dallas holds great potential for RFID technology

Dallas can turn into a productive area for wireless technologies and life sciences including wireless sensors, cell phones and tracking technology such as RFID. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/-panel-dallas-lags-nurturing-start-ups-venture-capitalists-/2006/01/29/1323130.htm

U.S. Ports Tackle Security With Technology

Radiation monitors, RFID, non-intrusion detection systems, and biometric ID cards are just some of the tools being used to protect U.S. ports from attack. http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/177105149;
jsessionid=VN1FO3DVTD5VWQSNDBNCKH0CJUMEKJVN

Beating the hype

In the early 1970s a U.S. grocery consortium selected the Universal Product Code (UPC) as the industry standard for what would become the barcode. Now it is RFID that has the hype. http://www.line56.com/articles/default.asp?articleID=7228&TopicID=2

Extending RFID

RFID has been most often touted as a tracking technology. Early users are now finding extensions beyond just basic tracking that could have profitable consequences. http://www.forbes.com/business/2006/01/19/oatsystems-
rfid-osofsky-cx_rm_0120rfid.html?partner=moreover

RFID Cartoons

http://www.ibiblio.org/Dave/Dr-Fun/df200601/df20060116.jpg
http://www.overduemedia.com/archive.aspx?
strip=20060209
http://www.overduemedia.com/archive.aspx?
strip=20060207

Rafsec and Raflatac merge to combine RFID and label expertise

Raflatac, one of the world’s leading pressure sensitives suppliers, and UPM Rafsec, the leading manufacturer of RFID tags and inlays have merged. http://www.contactlessnews.com/news/2006/01/26/rafsec-and-
raflatac-merge-to-combine-rfid-and-label-expertise/

Chinese Library Turns To E-Tags

UPM Raflatac has entered into an agreement with Shanghai RFID System Technology Company to deliver Rafsec library tags at Jimei University Library in Xiamen. http://www.chinatechnews.com/index.php?action=show&type=news&id=3483

RFID Examined

Dick Cantwell is in an unusually good position to judge where EPCglobal and RFID are going. http://www.forbes.com/business/2006/01/27/rfid-epc-
gillette-cantwell-cx_rm_0127gillette.html

From RFID to the "Internet of things"

A two day conference in focussing on RFID based systems and their evolution towards ever smarter networked objects. The first of five European initiatives. http://www.cordis.lu/ist/audiovisual/neweve/
e/conf6-70306/conf6-70306_a.htm

Infineon spinoff attracts VCs

A first round of VC for Austria’s RFiT Solutions, one of several startups to emerge as a result of Infineon’s ongoing restructuring. http://www.thealarmclock.com/euro/archives/2006/01/
infineon_spinoffs_rfid_softwar.html

Nanjing RFID Company Strikes Deal With Intel

Nanjing-based Sample Group has entered into a strategic partnership with Intel to build an RFID research and development center in China. http://www.chinatechnews.com/index.php?action=show&type=news&id=3471

RFID Tags Spell Security For California Ports

The TruckTag program will issue RFID tags that are to be installed on trucks entering the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. http://www.industryweek.com/ReadArticle.aspx?ArticleID=11328

RFID-tagged driverless cars on roads by 2056

The UK's transport infrastructure will be radically changed over the next 50 years by RFID tracking tags, embedded sensors and an artificial intelligence. http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/
0,39024665,39155962,00.htm

Digital Angel Reports 1.9 Million Electronic RFID Livestock Tags Sold During 2005

Digital Angel Corporation, an advanced technology company in the field of rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets, announced that the total sales of its electronic RFID livestock tags increased by 73 percent in 2005. http://www.finanznachrichten.de/nachrichten-2006-02/
artikel-6002610.asp

The Business Case for RFID

Wal-Mart did more than just install RFID readers to scan cartons, it revised its work process for managing inventory. http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=41620

RFID to help women pick makeup

Customers visiting Japanese drugstore chain Seijo will soon be able to try on makeup without having to actually put it on. http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/14/
rfid-to-help-women-pick-makeup/

Legal fears hold back RFID adoption

Uncertainty over pending legislation means that just 10 medications will be tagged using RFID technology on a large scale in the US during 2006. http://www.infomaticsonline.co.uk/vnunet/news/2149942/
legal-worries-hold-back-rfid

Live Demonstrations Of RFID To Be Featured At INTERPHEX 2006

INTERPHEX and the International RFID Business Association (RFIDba), announced that they have expanded the RFID solutions demonstration pavilion at the upcoming INTERPHEX 2006 event. http://www.rfidsolutionsonline.com/content/news/
article.asp?DocID=%7B38AC00E7-D465-4CC7-8295-B0338E34E2A0%7D&Bucket=Current+Headlines

Compliance Is King: Mandates Driving Retail CPG Adoption

With "slap and ship" dominating to date, market for radio frequency identification technologies "still a work in progress," VDC argues. http://www.sdcexec.com/article.asp?article_id=8243&syn=atom

Firms must clean up data for RFID

RFID offers many benefits, but well-managed, quality data is imperative to its success. http://www.pcmag.co.uk/computing/comment/2149968/
firms-clean-rfid

Video: Chrysler, Mercedes Benz CIO on RFID and more

CIO of Chrysler Group and Mercedes Benz North America, discusses outsourcing, Web 2.0, RFID, open source, and utility computing. http://management.silicon.com/itdirector/
0,39024673,39156251,00.htm

Symbol CEO: RFID Not Ready For Prime Time

Sal Iannuzzi says the wireless technology will eventually be a significant market, but it has years to go before it hits its stride. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1920962,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605

FTC Radio Frequency IDentification Workshop

The FTC’s workshop will explore both current and anticipated uses of RFID http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/workshops/rfid/

Interiew with Amal Graafstra, pioneer in RFID implants

An interview with Amal Graafstra. http://www.pikiki.com/index.php/2006/02/03/interiew-
with-amal-graafstra-pioneer-in-the-rfid-implants/

LEGO Puts the RFID Blocks Together

LEGO Has Gone Live with Acsis' Data-Link Enterprise for RFID Solution to Ship and Track Products. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/01/25/1313510.htm

EPCglobal™

Alien Technology

One of Alien’s early investors sells its stock and values Alien at $577 million. http://www.thealarmclock.com/mt/archives/2006/01/
rfids_alien_tec.html

Alien Technology Names General John W. Handy to Board

People in Wireless News: Alien Technology Names General John W. Handy (USAF ret.) to Board. http://www.freshnews.com/news/tech-people-move/
article_29360.html

Alien Technology lands former Rambus CFO

Alien Technology Corp. named Robert K. Elau as its chief financial officer on Monday. Elau announced he would resign as CFO at Los Altos-based Rambus Inc. (NASDAQ:RMBS) on Feb. 6. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/stories/2006/02/13/
daily1.html?from_rss=1

Alien Technology Opens RFID Solution Center

With an eye toward research and innovation, Alien Technology on Feb. 6 opened its RFID Solutions Center in Dayton, Ohio. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1921510,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605

EPC Data Sharing Helps Boost RFID

According to ABI the data-sharing pilot reinforces the notion that there is a need to consolidate data across fewer platforms to ensure its reliability and interoperability in retail environments. http://www.bpm-today.com/story.xhtml?story_id=12000002XUXC

OMRON Rolls Out EPC Gen 2 Wave Tag for UHF RFID Applications

OMRON RFID today announced the introduction of the V750 Series Gen 2 (C1G2) "Wave" tag, designed to deliver high-read performance in all UHF RFID frequency spectrums. http://www.embeddedstar.com/press/content/2006/2/
embedded19553.html

ThingMagic Adds Cisco, Others To Close $21M Financing

ThingMagic, Inc. a leading developer of RFID technology, today announced it has received additional funding. http://www.rfidsolutionsonline.com/content/news/arti
cle.asp?DocID=%7BE946B931-975A-4733-A034-0E9E427
AE145%7D&Bucket=Current+Headlines&VNETCOOKIE=NO

Biometrics

NIST announces publication

The National Institute for Science and Technology has announced the publication of Special Publication 800-76, Biometric Data Specification for Personal Identity Verification. http://csrc.nist.gov/publications/nistpubs/index.html#
sp800-76

Torino Olympics use biometrics

Entry to the German “Haus”, a meeting place for athletes, will be protected by biometric information. http://www.securitydocumentworld.com/public/news.cfm?m1=c_11&m2=e_0&m3=e_0&m4=e_0&subItemId=378

U.K. cops look into face-recognition tech

Police force is investigating whether to add biometrics to a national database of mug shots it is building. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-6027631.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnet

TSA Announces Key Elements of Registered Traveler Program

Smart card technology to be used to store fingerprint biometrics. http://www.findbiometrics.com/viewnews.php?id=2890

New Jersey School Implements iris-scanning

The Freehold Borough School District in New Jersey is protecting their school kids with biometric access controls. http://www.0gravity.co.uk/lifestyle/
new-jersey-school-
implements-iris-scanning/

Biometrics at Wal-Mart, Target, et. al.

Buying groceries with the touch of a finger could be closer than you think, if new research touting the benefits of biometric payment for retail giants like Wal-Mart, Target, and Costco is anything to go by. http://money.cnn.com/2006/01/24/magazines/fortune/
pluggedin_fortune_biometrics/index.htm

DHS e-passport pilot project begins

The three-month collaborative pilot project sponsored by the Homeland Security is designed to gauge the effectiveness of e-passports containing biometric information. http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/
daily-updates/38027-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Identix and Viisage merge to form bio powerhouse

Rival biometric companies Identix and Viisage surprised the security industry last week by announcing plans to merge. The move will create one of the biggest biometric providers in the market. http://www.securitysystemsnews.com/index.php?p=article&id=ss200601iTbCs4

Martinez company sold for $28 million

Viisage Technology Inc., a security technology company based in Massachusetts, bought Martinez-based SecuriMetrics Inc., a maker of eye recognition software for security services, for $28 million in cash. http://www.dfw.com/mld/cctimes/business/13810573.htm?source=rss&channel=cctimes_business

Biometrics summer school

3rd International Summer School for Advanced Studies on Biometrics for Secure Authentication: New Sensors, Evaluation And Database Collection - Alghero, Italy - June, 5-9 2006. Application deadline is extended to today. http://www.computer-vision.191.it/Biomet-school.html

Commission to resurrect biometric ID cards?

- Belgium and Czech Republic insist that biometrics are not automatically added to national ID cards
- European Commission admits "there are doubts about the legal bases"
- Attempt to treat introduction of biometrics as a "technical" issue
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2006/feb/02com-Id-cards.htm

Gordon Brown speaks out strongly on biometric issues

Gordon Brown made a speech 'Securing our future' at the Royal Services Institute in London, in which he laid out his 'prime minister in waiting' views on identity cards. http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=4449

Biometric scans for passports from April

The final Commons’ votes last night cleared the way for the first national identity card scheme in Britain for 50 years. http://politics.guardian.co.uk/homeaffairs/story/
0,,1709229,00.html

Britons in line for compulsory ID cards

Britons in line for compulsory ID cards http://www.contractoruk.com/news/002515.html

Pay By Touch launches online biometric payments service

Biometric authentication company Pay By Touch has launched a new online service which it claims will give consumers a fast and secure way to identify themselves and make purchases over the internet. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?
guid=B6A0742F-87CC-42BB-82E6-A4D8877B1CE1

Mapping veins as a human 'bar code’

Medical supply company markets infrared scan of veins as a replacement for fingerprinting or retinal scans. http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-6034134.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=zdnet

ID Cards

China expands ID card

As part of the second generation ID card system, China has ordered 2000 image capture devices.. http://www.securitydocumentworld.com/public/news.cfm?m1=c_11&m2=e_0&m3=e_0&m4=e_0&subItemId=341

UK, US Turn to Smart Cards, Biometrics

ALKHOBAR, 14 February 2006 — In a follow-up on last week’s article on Air Transport Security there have been two announcements on moves the US and the UK are taking independently to use information technology combined with biometrics to improve efficiencies in regards to air transportation security. http://www.arabnews.com/?page=11&section=0&article=77787&d=15&m=2&y=2006

Healthcare and Life Sciences

RFID in pharma

The pharmaceutical chain may be a good place for RFID but the uptake is slow. http://www.dcvelocity.com/articles/rfidww/rfidww20060208/
pharma.cfm

Hospital patients will check in with bar codes

Tapping into the newest technology to ensure patient safety, Campbell County Memorial Hospital will give patients a bar code when they check in beginning Feb. 9. http://www.gillettenewsrecord.com/articles/2006/01/20/
news/news2.txt

RFID ensures safety in hospitals patients

Bangkok Hospital, one of the biggest hospitals in Thailand providing tertiary healthcare, has been studying a plan to implement RFID (radio frequency identification) technology to enhance the level of safety for its patients. http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2006/01/30/byteline/
index.php?news=byteline_19781342.html

Brigham and Women's Hospital Uses RFID to Track Medical Equipment

RFID technology to track medical equipment in real-time has reduced costs and improved care at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. http://www.ihealthbeat.org/index.cfm?action=dspItem&
itemID=118196

RFID: A Market in Waiting?

The burgeoning number of methods for implementing enterprise RFID solutions continued to expand today with Nokia Corp. 's healthcare deployment for its near field communications (NFC) radio frequency tagging technology. http://www.unstrung.com/document.asp?doc_id=88378&WT.svl=news2_4

Pharmaceutical Adoption Of RFID Slower Than Expected

Adoption of radio frequency identification technology by the pharmaceutical industry may not be happening as quickly as once forecast, according to a report released this week. http://www.informationweek.com/news/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=179101539

Calif. Hospital Gets RFID Asset-Tracking System

El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, Calif will deploy radio frequency identification technology (RFID) in March, according to a joint announcement made by Eclipse Corp. and PanGo Networks. http://www.techweb.com/wire/networking/179102520;
jsessionid=DZRV5YUGNYO04QSNDBNCKH0CJUMEKJVN

Locating systems

Ekahau Inc. to offer RTLS Tags for Hospital Staff in Emergency

Ekahau Inc., provider of WiFi based Real-Time Location System (RTLS) Solutions has announced a new RTLS solution that works as an alarm system for hospital staff in emergency situations. http://news.tmcnet.com/news/2006/02/13/1367259.htm

Market set to grow

RTLS systems have started to be a viable technology and the use is growing. http://www.mmh.com/index.asp?layout=articleXml&xmlId=347781138&nid=2865&rid=
1733663168

RTLS growth

Manufacturing is one of the key industries that will push the RFID Real Time Locations System (RTLS) market to hit $1.26 billion by 2010 http://www.bigblogmedia.com/rfidfactfile/rfidfactfile.php/
2006/01/24/rfid_real_time_locating_systems_market_t_2010
http://press.xtvworld.com/article9105.html

Eisenhower Army Medical Center to Wirelessly Track Assets

Ekahau Inc. today announced that the Dwight David Eisenhower Army Medical Center at Fort Gordon, Ga., will deploy the Ekahau Real-Time Location System (RTLS) to wirelessly track and manage medical assets at the 500,000 square foot, 750-bed health-care facility. http://www.wirelessiq.com/content/newsfeed/6314.html

Aruba opens its location tracker

Wireless LAN company Aruba has published an interface so third party applications can use location information from its WLAN system. First up to use it is location specialist Ekahau. http://www.arnnet.com.au/index.php/id;
1133267609;fp;2;fpid;1

Ekahau Launches System to Track Location of Underground Miners

Ekahau Inc. announced that its Real Time Location System solution (RTLS) is ready for installations in underground mining and tunnel work sites to track the accurate location and movement of miners in real time. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2006/02/07/1348748.htm

Wireless Computing

Market must decide after IEEE drops UWB standards effort

The development of ultra-wideband, UWB, technology for wireless personal area networking has turned to the market as the ultimate arbiter of which technology wins, after the IEEE abandoned plans to establish a standard. http://www.cbronline.com/article_news.asp?guid=D07E7
330-42B1-480E-AA04-B5F0F3B32280

802.11n Draft Ratified

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers confirmed the draft specification for the next-generation 802.11n WiFi standard. http://www.technewsworld.com/rsstory/48410.html

Bluetooth set to take over wireless

The IEEE has abandoned its effort to create a UWB standard. http://www.newswireless.net/index.cfm/article/2585

Cingular applies for emoticon patent

Cingular Wireless has filed an application to patent the use a method of using emoticons on mobile devices. http://www.technologyreview.com/Blogs/
wtr_16204,290,p1.html

Gartner Says Don’t Deploy 802.11n until 2007

The 802.11n standard looks to increase the speed of Wi-Fi based networks up to 600Mbps. http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2149265/gartner-
pleads-restraint-802

Ekahau and Fluke Networks Jointly Develop Wi-Fi Survey Tools

Ekahau Inc, today announced that Fluke Networks is incorporating Ekahau's Wi-Fi site survey technology to create planning and measurement tools for testing 802.11 coverage and performance. http://www5.sys-con.com/read/176414.htm

Fractus to Showcase Revolutionary Full Wireless System

Fractus, the pioneer developer of fractal antenna technology, will unveil the world's first commercially available full wireless system in package technology at 3GSM 2006 in Barcelona. http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060215/ukw015.html?.v=37

Intel To Embed 3G Into Laptops

The company is teaming with the GSM Association to develop guidelines to include the GSM family of technologies--including the high data rate 3G wireless broadband technology, HSDPA--in laptop computers. http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=180201396&cid=RSSfeed_IWK_News

NEC rolls out next gen Ultra Wideband tech

Japanese giant NEC said it showed off an ultra wideband (UWB) transceiver at the International Solid State Conference. http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=29565

Dutch Researchers Adopt UWB For 'Body Nets'

Researchers from IMEC used the International Solid-State Circuits Conference here to describe an impulse ultrawideband receiver that could enable so-called wireless body-area networks. http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=
UJWHA5M2T40ZKQSNDBNSKH0CJUMEKJVN?articleID=
179101578

Virgin Trains to speed ahead with on-board wi-fi service

But high-speed internet still a year away for passengers. http://networks.silicon.com/mobile/0,39024665,
39156313,00.htm

IBM Chip to Challenge UWB

IBM researchers say they have created a low-power chip set that will compete with Ultra-Wideband technology. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1920216,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605

Bush Administration Sees $25B in Wireless Sales

The sale of U.S. wireless communications licenses are projected to raise about $25 billion between 2007 and 2009. http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1759,1920434,00.asp?kc=EWRSS03129TX1K0000605

Feds Look At Taxing WiFi?

Following President Bush's latest budget plan there was a concern that un-auctioned radio spectrum , such as those used for Wi-Fi and RFID would be taxed. http://www.wirelessindustrynews.org/news-feb-2006/0365-020606-win-news.html
Follow up and better review suggests this is not the case. http://www.feed24.com/go?item_id=12425985

UWB Wireless HD Transmission

FOCUS Enhancements, a company not normally associated with end-user applications, is demoing an Ultrawideband HD chip that can transmit multiple streams throughout the home. http://www.ehomeupgrade.com/entry/896/
focus_enhancements_demos

Homeland Security

Electronic passports

The use of biometrics in passports has driven the technology to new levels. http://news.com.com/Biometrics+use+to+accelerate+in+
2006/2100-1029_3-6034384.html?tag=nefd.top

RFID passport cracked

A security firm in the Netherlands has broken the security on a new Dutch e-Passport in just two hours. http://www.mobilemag.com/content/100/102/C6340/

DHS e-passport pilot project begins

The three-month collaborative pilot project sponsored by the Homeland Security is designed to gauge the effectiveness of e-passports containing biometric information. http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/
38027-1.html?CMP=OTC-RSS

Compulsory ID cards for U.K. citizens

The British House of Commons managed to overturn amendments imposed by the House of Lords on the ID Cards Bill during voting on February 13, 2006, making it compulsory for all UK citizens to apply for a national biometric identity card when applying for a passport. http://www.plazoo.com/item/biometric/
844425098110698.htm
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=
20060214-012414-9992r

Lack of Biometric Passports Slows Down French Visas to US

French government has yet to issue special biometric passports needed to meet new US security regulations. http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-01-31-voa56.cfm

Privacy

The RFID Revolution

The European Commission will launch a wide-ranging public debate on the opportunities and challenges posed by Radio Frequency Identification technology for government, industry and society at large. http://europa.eu.int/information_society/policy/
rfid/index_en.htm

Coalition objects to RFID chips for driver’s licenses

A coalition of conservative groups and privacy advocates is urging the Homeland Security Department not to include the use of RFID for state driver’s licenses http://www.gcn.com/vol1_no1/daily-updates/38073-1.html

Biometric scanners are on the way

London’s Heathrow Airport is one of the first in the world to use a total-body scanner for security. http://www.vertexsecurity.com/news.php?id=36

Lawmaker Rips RFID Passport Plans

A key U.S. congressman who led post-Sept. 11 passport reforms told European diplomats last week that there was no need for European countries to put RFID chips in their passports and that Congress never required them to do so. http://www.wired.com/news/privacy/0,1848,67418,00.html

HOWTO turn a disposable camera into an RFID-killer

With a little work, a disposable camera can be turned into a low-cost device for disabling the tracking bugs in many products and ID cards. http://www.boingboing.net/2006/01/27/
howto_turn_a_disposa.html

Katherine's back on the arphid warpath

The VeriChip can be hacked! This revelation along with other worrisome details could put a crimp in VeriChip Corporation's planned initial public offering (IPO) of its common stock, say Katherine Albrecht and Liz McIntyre. http://wiredblogs.tripod.com/sterling/index.blog?entry_id=
1400328
http://cq.cx/verichip.pl

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Demonstrates Four Chip RFID Card

At the RSA Security Conference, Massachusetts Institute of Technology has demonstrated a four chip RFID card which integrates a contactless sensor manufactured by HID. This technology would enable users to flip a switch to activate one chip to open a door or flip another switch to buy groceries. http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/02/15/rfid_mit_rsa_2006/

General Technology

Symbol Technologies And Wincor Nixdorf To Develop Retail

Wincor Nixdorf Developing Enterprise Mobility Solutions for the Retail and Banking Industries http://www.gotnowires.com/pr/4661

Intermec Q4 earnings slightly lower than expectations

Intermec Inc., which makes radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, reported fourth-quarter net earnings of $44.5 million, or 69 cents a share, up from a loss of $71.2 million, or $1.14 per share a year earlier. http://seattle.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2006/
02/06/daily19.html

Smart Card Alliance: Contactless payments

Everything you ever wanted to know about contactless payments. http://www.smartcardalliance.org/alliance_activities/
who_what_why_contactless_payments.cfm

Sponsored by:

Press Releases

A regular feature of HighTechAIDCourier will be a review of interesting press releases from around the world. Please send your press releases to news@hightechaid.com, but do not forget to include a URL to the full release on your web site. Here are this month’s selections:

De GRISOGONO Finds a Gem of an Inventory Management Solution With SOLID and TAGSYS’ Item-Level RFID Jewelry Application

Item level track and trace technology minimizes threat of theft, loss and counterfeiting of luxury accessories
MARSEILLE - February 7th, 2006 – TAGSYS, the global leader in item-level RFID infrastructure, announced today that Geneva-based watchmaking and jewelry company de GRISOGONO has adopted the company’s RFID track and trace solution for inventory management across its stores worldwide. Under the terms of the rollout, the luxury retailer will utilize TAGSYS’ Reliable, Accurate and Secure (R.A.S.) High-Frequency RFID readers and tags in its efforts to reduce theft and minimize loss of its valuable jewels and watches. The project begins immediately in the company’s Paris and Geneva branches, with future deployments in the company’s European, Asia-Pacific and North American outposts, expected at the rate of one store every two months. http://www.tagsysrfid.com/html/
rfid-news-218-2-1.html

Progressive Gaming and Gaming Partners International Team up to Provide 13.56 MHz RFID Chip Technology

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Gaming Partners International Corporation (Nasdaq: GPIC), a leading manufacturer and supplier of casino chips and other table game supplies, and Progressive Gaming International Corporation (Nasdaq: PGIC), a leading provider of diversified products and services used in the gaming industry worldwide, announced today that Progressive Gaming has granted GPIC the exclusive rights in the United States and non-exclusive rights outside the US to manufacture gaming chips with 13.56 MHz RFID technology. http://www.progressivegaming.net/
pages/investpress.html

LaserCard Corporation Reports Results for FY06 Third Quarter — Announces Profits of $0.10 Per Share

Mountain View, Calif. – Jan. 26, 2006 – LaserCard Corporation (NASDAQ:LCRD), a leading supplier of ID credentials used in biometric identification, today announced the financial results for its fiscal 2006 third quarter ended Dec. 31, 2005. http://www.lasercard.com/newsRelease
s.php?key=50&release=80&yr=2006

Checkpoint Systems Completes Sale of Barcode Systems Businesses to SATO

THOROFARE, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 30, 2006--Checkpoint Systems, Inc. (NYSE: CKP), announced today that it has completed the sale of its barcode systems (BCS) businesses to SATO, a global leader in barcode printing, labeling, and EPC/RFID solutions for total consideration of $37 million in cash, plus the assumption by SATO of $5 million in liabilities. On December 22, 2005, the Company announced that it had reached a definitive agreement with SATO to acquire Checkpoint's BCS businesses around the world, as well as hand-held labeling solutions (HLS) in the United States. The final purchase price is subject to certain post-close adjustments relating to net operating assets. http://home.businesswire.com/portal/
site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=
news_view&newsId=20060130006199&
newsLang=en

Identix Receives Order Valued in Excess of $400,000 for IBIS Real-Time, Mobile Biometric Identification Solution

MINNETONKA, Minn., Jan 25, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX) announced today that it has received an order valued in excess of $400,000 from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) to expand the BCA's rollout of Identix' patented IBIS mobile biometric identification solution. Under this new order, the BCA will deploy additional IBIS mobile handheld units to select Minnesota law enforcement officers across the State to provide them with the ability to capture and wirelessly transmit biometric fingerprint data of individuals who need to be identified in the field through the Identix IBIS server. Identix' IBIS server includes backend software systems located at the Minnesota BCA's facilities that handle sequenced transaction workflows and access the wealth of biometric data that exists in the Minnesota State AFIS database. Upon receiving a query containing biometric data from an officer in the field, the IBIS server automatically routes the query to the State AFIS database to search for any possible matches. A response related to a hit or no hit against the AFIS database is relayed back to the Officer's handheld IBIS unit generally in less than three minutes. If a match is found against the database, additional identifying information on the individual, possibly from multiple sources, is included in the response. The BCA is also adding a number of desk top IBIS units under this order for location at select agencies to provide similar biometric identification capture and search functionality at brick and mortar precincts. http://www.shareholder.com/identix/
ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=185347

Identix Awarded $1.1 Million Contract to Upgrade & Expand Orange County Sheriff's Office Biometric Live Scan Network

MINNETONKA, Minn., Feb 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Identix Incorporated (Nasdaq:IDNX) announced today that it has been awarded a contract valued in excess of $1.1 million from the Orange County, California Sheriff's Department (OCSD). Identix' latest industry-leading, high image quality Full Hand TouchPrint(TM) High Definition 3800 live scan systems were selected over a number of competitors' systems to replace OCSD's existing live scan network in its entirety. Identix' TouchPrint High Definition Full Hand live scan system, which is FBI certified for 1,000 ppi image capture and transmission, is the latest in a series of live scan developments by Identix focused on improving image quality and enhanced identification. Identix expects to begin shipping and installing the live scan systems under this award in its fiscal 2006 third quarter, ending March 31, 2006. http://www.shareholder.com/identix/
ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=187058

Bar Code Wristband System Reduces Information Systems Errors by 30 Percent at Houston Healthcare

San Fernando, CA (February 6, 2006) – Precision Dynamics Corporation, a global leader in automatic wristband identification, announces the successful implementation of its automated bar code system for glucose testing to reduce information systems errors in the emergency department (ED) triage at Houston Healthcare (GA). The point-of-care bar code system consists of PDC ScanBand® Wristbands, bar code printers, handheld glucose meters and a Laboratory Information System (LIS). http://www.pdcorp.com/company/
archives/2006/022006.html

Digital Angel Corporation Electronic Rfid Microchip Selected For Special International Canine Search/Rescue Team

Need for Complete Canine History Prompts Use of Microchips; 'Chipped' Team Deployed in Afghanistan, Pakistan
SO. ST. PAUL, MN (January 18, 2006) ... Digital Angel Corporation (Amex: DOC), an advanced technology company in the field of rapid and accurate identification, location tracking, and condition monitoring of high-value assets, announced today that the United Network for Worldwide Disaster Aid (UNWDA), an internationally-known, EU-based team of experts deployed at catastrophic events throughout the world, has selected the Company's implanted electronic RFID microchips for its specially-trained canine search and rescue teams based in diverse countries. To date, a total of 49 of the group's 178 dogs have been implanted with the Digital Angel microchip and many of the "chipped" dogs have recently been deployed in emergency aid areas including Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Caribbean and China. http://www.digitalangelcorp.com/
about_pressreleases.asp?RELEASE_ID
=204

Impinj Embedded Nonvolatile Memory Shipments Surpass 100 Million Units

Innovative Technology Drives Hot Semiconductor Markets: RF, LCD Driver, Secure Media, Consumer Microcontroller, Power Management
SEATTLE, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 26, 2006 -- Impinj, Inc., the fabless semiconductor company whose patented Self-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables its two business lines: high performance radio frequency identification (RFID) products and semiconductor intellectual property (IP), today announced that its multiple-times programmable (MTP) nonvolatile memory (NVM) IP cores have delivered enhanced functionality, security and performance while reducing cost in over 100 million semiconductor chips worldwide. http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/060126/
0107546.html

TI COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF CHIPCON

DALLAS (January 24, 2006) -- Texas Instruments (TI) Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) today announced it has finalized its previously announced acquisition of Chipcon, a leading company in the design of short-range, low-power wireless RF (radio frequency) transceiver devices. This acquisition will expand TI’s high-performance analog portfolio and will enable TI to provide customers with industry-leading ZigBee™-compliant solutions and a broad range of proprietary radio frequency integrated circuits that enable innovative low-power wireless applications. http://focus.ti.com/docs/pr/press
release.jhtml?prelId=sc06014

California Event to Discuss Customer Mandates and Fear of RFID Technology

Warrendale, PA – January 24, 2006 - AIM Global, the worldwide trade association and authority on automatic identification and mobility technologies, announces the details of two panel discussions focused on RFID technologies, its use issues, and the status of mandates and compliance. The panel discussions are part of the 2006 AIM Annual Showcase and RFID Interactive taking place at the Hyatt Newport Beach in Newport Beach, California, USA from February 22-24, 2006. http://www.aimglobal.org/members/
news/templates/aimpress.asp?
articleid=629&zoneid=1

AMERICAN EXPRESS ANNOUNCES MCDONALD'S TO ACCEPT EXPRESSPAY FOR CONTACTLESS PAYMENTS

NEW YORK, January 19, 2006 -- American Express today announced McDonald's USA as the latest national merchant partner to accept ExpressPay from American Express. Cardholders can use ExpressPay at more than 12,000 McDonald's restaurants nationwide. http://home3.americanexpress.com/
corp/pc/2006/mc_express.asp

Via Licensing Expands Call for Patents for Its Near Field Communication Patent Licensing Program

Call for essential patents now includes NFCIP-2
San Francisco, January 26, 2006—Via Licensing Corporation is pleased to expand its outstanding call for essential patents reading on the Near Field Communication (NFC) specification to include the NFCIP-2 standard as published as ISO/IEC 21481, ETSI TS 102 312, and ECMA-352. The NFCIP-2 specification increases the range of applications of NFC enabled devices by allowing them to communicate with ISO/IEC 14443 and ISO/IEC 15693 smart cards and tags. http://www.vialicensing.com/news/
via_pr_0601_nearfield.html

RFID Solutions Vendor RF Code Names Robert Hart Vice President Of Operations

Manufacturing and Operations Veteran Joins Management Team
MESA, AZ (January 30, 2006) RF Code, Inc., a leading developer of RFID asset tracking solutions, today announced the appointment of Robert Hart as the company's vice president of operations. http://www.rfcode.com/
press_releases.asp

THE NEW GRYPHON™ 2D READER FROM DATALOGIC

Datalogic extends its successful family of hand held readers with the new Gryphon™ 2D reader
Bologna, 1st February 2006 - Datalogic has enlarged its winning family of Gryphon™ hand held readers with the new Gryphon™ D432, that enhances Datalogic's offer for 2D scanning and image capture applications. http://www.datalogic.com/_vti_g2_pr
Art.aspx?idA=330&rpstry=18_

SMARTCODE™ CORP. UNLEASHES LOW COST RFID TO THE $1.32 TRILLION MICRO PAYMENTS MARKET

SmartCode Corp.'s new SmartPay™ Product line offers embedded RFID solutions to meet the ISO14443 standard which has been adopted by MasterCard, Chase Bank and American Express RFID Credit Card solutions.
New York, NY. February 07, 2005. SmartCode Corp. - The RFID Company™, the world’s leading manufacturer of low cost, high performance RFID hardware solutions announced today its new SmartPay™ RFID solutions for the Contactless RFID Credit Card Market. http://www.smartcodecorp.com/
newsroom/07-02-06.asp

2nd Generation Active RFID Commercialization Plans Announced

Portland, Maine - Parco today announced plans to commoditize active RFID tag technology with plans to commercialize a multiple PHY/MAC tag. The tag has an expected operational lifetime of up to 5 years and will be encapsulated to enable easy sterilization procedures. http://www.parcomergedmedia.com/
content.php?content=Press_Releases&
Action=Show&ID=67

Exavera Technologies Completes Integration with Parco Wireless' API and SDK

Exavera Technologies. and Parco Wireless have collaborated to develop new integrated asset and personnel tracking packages designed to reduce the overall cost of RFID ownership to hospitals. Featuring converged wireless systems, the combined solution will enable hospitals to deploy RFID tracking systems into more areas within the facility at substantial savings. http://www.parcomergedmedia.com/
content.php?content=Press_Releases&
Action=Show&ID=64

Torino 2006 on the right track with ASK contactless smart card technology

Sophia-Antipolis, February 10, 2006 In a world first for contactless technology, ASK delivers a single contactless card for both public transport and highway toll payments.
ASK cards and tickets are being used by Gruppo Torinese Trasporti (GTT) and Società Italiana Traforo Autostrade del Frejus (SITAF) to drive an innovative ticketing and fare collection system during the 20th Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. http://www.ask-rfid.com/uk/news/news_article.php4?id=0

Intermec and Cascade Collaborate to Create RFID Forklift of the Future
to Enhance Warehouse Worker Productivity and Efficiency

EVERETT, Wash., Feb. 9, 2006 - There's more to a forklift than first meets the eye. In the emerging world of RFID-enabled inventory tracking, the forklift can become a powerful supply-chain information tool. Intermec Inc., an RFID pioneer and leading supplier of Gen 2 RFID technology and equipment, and Cascade Corp., the world's largest manufacturer of forklift attachments, are teaming to develop a forklift system that incorporates RFID technology into a forklift's very infrastructure, replacing today's cumbersome and inefficient bolt-on approach to data collection. http://www.intermec.com/eprise/main/
Intermec/Content/About/NewsPages/
pressRelease?&pressID=679

SAVI Technology’s Department Of Defense RFID II Contract Ceiling Increased To $424.5 Million

Procurement contract for RFID Products and Services Extended Two Years
WASHINGTON, DC – Feb. 13, 2006 – The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has increased its RFID II contract value with Savi Technology from $207.9 million to $424.5 million and extended the ordering period for the company’s active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) products and services by another two years -- through January 31, 2007. The contract amendments were made by the U.S. Army’s Information Technology, E-Commerce and Commercial Contracting Center (ITEC4), and the executive agent for the DoD is the office of the Product Manager, Joint-Automatic Identification Technology. http://www.savi.com/news/2006/
2006.02.13.shtml

Sirit Introduces New HF RFID Reader Module

INfinity 196 designed to address emerging high frequency applications and secure transaction market opportunities
TORONTO, Feb. 15 /CNW/ - Sirit Inc. (TSX: SI), a leading provider of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, is pleased to introduce the INfinity 196, a high frequency (HF - 13.56 MHz) reader module designed to address a wide array of HF applications including cashless payments, secure transactions, access control, identify or product verification, and item level tracking in supply chain applications. http://www.sirit.com/index.php?option
=com_content&task=view&id=146&
Itemid=144

TrenStar Names Edward R. Flaherty as Chief Financial Officer

DENVER — February 16, 2006 — Mobile asset management specialist, TrenStar Inc., today announced the appointment of Edward R. Flaherty as chief financial officer. Mr. Flaherty, a seasoned executive brings more than 25 years of management and finance experience to the company. http://www.trenstar.com/resources/
pr_edward_flaherty.asp

WJ Communications Announces Generation 2 Firmware Upgrade to Support MPR Reader Modules

Smallest Hand-Held Solution Available With Gen 2 Capability
SAN JOSE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 02/08/2006 -- WJ Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: WJCI), a leading designer and supplier of RF solutions for the wireless infrastructure and RFID reader markets, today announced the availability of a firmware upgrade to support the EPCglobal Class 1 Generation 2 standard for its MPR series PCMCIA type II reader cards™. Generation 2 RFID technology provides significantly better read range and performance and can be used anywhere, worldwide. The MPR series are designed for UHF Gen 2 functionality and are FCC certified. These readers represent a new level for size, standards-based compatibility, ease of use and performance. WJ is the first company to offer the industry's smallest solution with Gen 2 capability for compact RFID form factors, such as handhelds and printers. http://www.marketwire.com/mw/
release_html_b1?release_id=109031

SAMSys Technologies Reports Fiscal 2006 Q1 Financial Results and Holds Investor Conference Call

TORONTO, Feb. 14 /CNW/ - SAMSys Technologies Inc., ("SAMSys"), (TSX:SMY), www.samsys.com, of Toronto, an international provider of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reader hardware solutions, today reports on the Company's unaudited fiscal 2006 first quarter financial results for the three-month period ended December 31, 2005. http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/
February2006/14/c2155.html

Symbol Technologies Schedules Earnings Conference Call to Discuss Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2005 Results

2006-02-08 Holtsville, NY Symbol Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:SBL), The Enterprise Mobility Company™, today announced that it is scheduled to report financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2005, on Wednesday, February 22, 2006. In addition, a teleconference is planned for 5:30 p.m. (ET), the same day, at which time the Company will discuss the results. http://www.symbol.com/
category.php?fileName=PR-905_
fourth_quarter_2005_results.xml

The Final Comment

Like fishing – check out this home video. http://www.pelourinho.com/movies/
fishing.html

Hip, hip hooray for hippos http://www.hippos.com/

Mind Games http://www.queendom.com/
mindgames/index.html

Fight ignorance: the straight dope http://www.straightdope.com/

Find your ideal presidential candidate http://www.selectsmart.com/
PRESIDENT/

Every day's a holiday: http://www.earthcalendar.net/
index.php

All About Albert Einstein http://www.westegg.com/einstein/

Coca Cola Collectors, Unite! http://www.pl8s.com/coke.htm

Mean Kitties http://www.meankitty.com/gallery.htm

Check out these vanity plates: http://www-chaos.umd.edu/misc/origplates.html

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