Technology Advances

Wireless data transmitters that cost one penny to produce challenge limited QR code technology.

 

Researchers in Korea have devised a cheap way of transmitting data from objects to mobile phones when swiped.

They have printed small "rectennas", a cross between an antenna and an AC/DC current converter, onto plastic foils using electronic inks.

 

The rectenna uses radio waves emitted from a smartphone to transmit data to it from a tiny chip.

 

The printed rectennas cost less than one penny per unit to produce and could be used as an alternative to QR codes.

 

The technology behind them, Near Field Communication (NFC), is already used in devices that enable shoppers to make card payments by touch.

 

Read more:

http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-19208112

 

Via Gust MEES