Qualcomm is a world-leading wireless technology innovator, and its products and technologies are widely used in smartphones, tablets, laptops, routers, as well as automobiles, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and other fields. Qualcomm has always been at the forefront of the global smartphone processor market, forming a fierce competition with MediaTek, Apple and other manufacturers. Samsung, Xiaomi and VIVO are all Qualcomm's customers.
Recently, Qualcomm announced that it plans to integrate UHF RFID functions into its mobile device chipsets. This move will not only promote the popularization of RFID technology in the consumer market, but also bring unprecedented convenience and intelligent experience to users.
UHF RFID technology, namely ultra-high frequency radio frequency identification technology, has played an increasingly important role in supply chain management, retail, logistics and other fields in recent years. Through RFID tags, companies can track and monitor the entire process of products from production to sales, greatly improving the transparency and efficiency of the supply chain. However, traditional RFID technology mainly relies on professional reader equipment, which limits its wide application in the consumer market.
Qualcomm's integration of UHF RFID functions into mobile device chipsets is precisely to solve this problem. Once this technology is realized, consumers will be able to easily read product information with RFID tags through their smartphones or tablets without the need for any professional equipment. This will not only greatly improve the user experience, but also bring more business opportunities and innovation possibilities to enterprises.
Always working closely with Impinj
Qualcomm's decision is not groundless. In fact, Qualcomm has been working closely with Impinj, the manufacturer of UHF RFID chips, and partners such as retailer Decathlon to promote the integrated application of RFID technology on mobile phones and mobile devices. All parties are working together to overcome technical barriers and promote the popularization and development of RFID technology.
According to Matt Branda, vice president of product management at Impinj, although there are still some challenges for large-scale consumer use of RFID technology, the integration of UHF RFID with mobile devices is developing rapidly. Aileen Ryan, president of the RAIN RFID Alliance, also pointed out that Qualcomm plans to focus on launching enterprise mobile devices equipped with RFID technology in a few quarters, and consumer devices are expected to follow closely.
However, the popularization of this technology also faces some challenges. For example, the proliferation of RFID tags and privacy protection issues need to be properly addressed. In order to ensure the sustainable development of technology and user trust, companies need to find a way for consumers to choose what information to share with whom and at what time. Companies such as Impinj are addressing these issues by introducing technical means such as protection mode, making RFID tags invisible when not needed, thereby protecting user privacy.
Expected to open up multiple consumer markets with huge potential
The integration of RFID functions into mobile phone chips will open up multiple consumer markets with huge potential and greatly promote the growth of RFID tag shipments. Here are a few that I can think of:
1. Retail and e-commerce market
Smartphones with RFID will bring great changes to the retail industry. For example, sporting goods retailer Ten Sports has begun testing enterprise RFID smartphones to determine whether this technology can improve operational efficiency and improve in-store customer experience. By allowing consumers to directly connect to products through RFID-enabled smartphones, retailers will be able to provide a more seamless omni-channel shopping experience and usher in a new era of product services.
In addition, the popularization of UHF RFID technology will also bring new opportunities in the fields of supply chain management and sustainable development. With the advancement of EU Digital Product Passport (DPP) legislation, companies need to digitally record the entire process of products from manufacturing to disposal or recycling. UHF RFID technology is one of the key tools to achieve this goal. By integrating UHF RFID readers in mobile phones, consumers will be able to easily access information such as the manufacturing history, characteristics and features of products, so as to make more informed choices. At the same time, companies will also be able to better track the use of products and improve the efficiency of recycling and reuse.
In addition, consumers can easily trace the source and circulation path of goods through RFID technology to improve the authenticity and credibility of goods. RFID technology can also be used for anti-counterfeiting labels to help consumers identify counterfeit and inferior goods and protect their own rights and interests.
2. Smart Home
Users can quickly inventory and find household items through mobile phones with integrated RFID functions, realizing the intelligence and convenience of home life. RFID technology can also be used for identity identification and permission management of smart home devices to improve home security.
3. Internet of Things Device Interconnection
After the RFID function is integrated into the mobile phone chip, the mobile phone will become an important entrance and controller of the Internet of Things devices, promoting the interconnection and interoperability of Internet of Things devices. This will promote the widespread application of Internet of Things technology at all levels such as families, communities, and cities.
In the future, with the continuous efforts of technology companies such as Qualcomm and the close cooperation of partners, the integrated application of UHF RFID technology in mobile devices will achieve greater breakthroughs. This technology will bring consumers a more convenient and intelligent shopping experience, while creating more business opportunities and innovative value for related companies. In the near future, UHF RFID technology is expected to become an indispensable part of mobile devices such as smartphones, bringing more convenience and possibilities to our lives and work.
This paper is from Ulink Media, Shenzhen, China, the organizer of IOTE EXPO (IoT Expo in China)
