Identiv and InPlay Introduce Next-Generation BLE-Enabled Smart Labels for Industrial IoT Applications
Rhea-AI Summary
Identiv (NASDAQ: INVE) and InPlay have announced a collaboration to develop a new portfolio of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled smart labels for industrial IoT applications. The smart labels, powered by InPlay's IN100 NanoBeacon™ SoC, will feature real-time tracking capabilities, sensor integration for temperature, humidity, and motion monitoring, and configurable form factors. Expected to launch in late 2025, the labels will be priced between $1-$2 per unit at high volumes.
The smart labels will offer extended read ranges compared to standard RFID labels, AES-EAX cryptography for security, and compatibility with BLE gateways and smartphones. The solution targets high-value applications in cold-chain compliance, pharmaceutical and food logistics, and asset tracking.
Positive
- Strategic partnership combining Identiv's RFID expertise with InPlay's BLE technology
- Competitive pricing at $1-$2 per smart label at high volumes
- Multiple advanced features including real-time tracking, sensor integration, and extended read ranges
- Addresses growing markets in cold-chain, pharmaceutical, and food logistics
Negative
- Product not commercially available until late 2025
- Requires high production volumes to achieve target pricing
Insights
Identiv-InPlay's BLE smart labels offer next-gen IoT tracking with sensor integration and extended range, available late 2025 at $1-2/unit scale pricing.
The Identiv-InPlay partnership represents significant advancement in industrial IoT tracking technology. The core innovation integrates InPlay's IN100 NanoBeacon™ SoC into specialized smart labels with active BLE broadcasting capabilities. This enables continuous, real-time asset visibility previously unattainable with passive RFID solutions.
The technical architecture delivers several key advantages:
- Enhanced read ranges compared to standard HF/UHF RFID
- Versatile sensor integration (temperature, humidity, motion)
- Configurable form factors for application-specific requirements
- AES-EAX cryptography for secure data transmission
- Compatibility with existing BLE infrastructure, including smartphones
The $1-2 per label pricing at scale indicates these are positioned for high-value tracking scenarios where condition monitoring justifies the investment. This price point reflects the technological sophistication while remaining accessible for specialized applications.
The late 2025 commercial timeline suggests substantial development work remains, positioning this as a forward-looking R&D announcement rather than an imminent product launch. The technology addresses genuine market needs in sectors requiring granular environmental monitoring and real-time location data.
New BLE smart labels target high-value logistics with real-time condition monitoring, addressing critical gaps in cold chain and pharmaceutical tracking.
This collaboration directly addresses persistent challenges in high-value supply chains where environmental condition breaches can destroy product value or compromise safety. The portfolio specifically targets cold chain compliance, pharmaceutical logistics, and food traceability applications – sectors facing increasing regulatory scrutiny and compliance requirements.
The technology offers significant operational advantages over current tracking solutions:
- Real-time condition visibility rather than checkpoint-based monitoring
- Continuous environmental parameter tracking without manual intervention
- Streamlined integration with existing BLE infrastructure
- Customizable form factors to accommodate diverse packaging requirements
At $1-2 per unit at scale, the pricing strategy aligns with high-value logistics applications where the per-unit monitoring cost represents a small fraction of the protected cargo value. This positions the solution for specialized segments rather than mass-market implementation.
The late 2025 availability timeframe suggests Identiv is making a strategic long-term investment in next-generation tracking technology. This timeline allows potential customers sufficient lead time for integration planning while indicating we're seeing early-stage product development rather than a completed solution.
Companies collaborate to develop high-performance, scalable BLE smart label portfolio for cold chain, logistics, and healthcare applications
This collaboration marks a shared commitment to delivering innovative, scalable solutions for high-value, specialized use cases, spanning cold-chain compliance, pharmaceutical and food logistics, and asset tracking. Currently in development, the BLE smart label portfolio is expected to be commercially available in late 2025.
"We're excited to collaborate with InPlay on this next-generation BLE smart label portfolio," said Kirsten Newquist, CEO of Identiv. "By combining Identiv's leadership in specialized RFID and BLE inlay and label design with InPlay's ultra-low-power BLE technology, we're developing innovative solutions that will offer real-time visibility and traceability for critical applications that require real time tracking and condition monitoring."
Next-Generation Technology, Smarter Data
The upcoming smart label portfolio will be powered by InPlay's IN100 NanoBeacon™, an ultra-low-power BLE System-on-Chip (SoC). The BLE smart labels will offer:
- Active broadcasting of BLE identifier, enabling real time tracking and visibility
- Integration with sensors to suit specific application needs, including temperature, humidity, and motion
- Configurable form factors to better fit specific application requirements
- Compatibility with low-cost BLE gateways and smartphones
- Extended read ranges compared to standard HF and UHF RFID labels and tags
- Encryption and message authentication with AES-EAX cryptography
"This new BLE smart label portfolio showcases InPlay and Identiv's ability as partners to develop specialized IoT solutions that are accessible and adaptable to a range of high-value applications," said Jason Wu, Co-founder and CEO of InPlay Inc. "Together, we're addressing real-world challenges with next-gen BLE labels that are secure, scalable, and smart."
Scalable, Cost-Effective Innovation
The Identiv–InPlay BLE smart label portfolio is being designed with scalability in mind. At high production volumes, pricing is expected to range between
Representatives from Identiv and InPlay will attend RFID Journal LIVE! 2025 in
For more information about Identiv and InPlay's BLE-enabled smart label portfolio, please contact Identiv IoT sales at iotsales@identiv.com.
About Identiv
Identiv's RFID- and BLE-enabled IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. Its solutions, integrated into over 1.5 billion applications worldwide, drive innovation across healthcare, consumer electronics, luxury goods, smart packaging, and more. For additional information, visit identiv.com.
About InPlay
InPlay Inc. is a pioneering technology company specializing in the development of advanced wireless communication solutions for the IIoT market. Our products are designed to deliver high performance, ultra-low power consumption, and robust security, addressing the most demanding requirements of industrial and consumer applications. With a commitment to innovation, InPlay continues to drive the evolution of wireless connectivity.
Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding expectations for the smart label portfolio, including the anticipated commercial availability and pricing thereof. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside Identiv's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to delays in developing, marketing or selling the smart labels; the ability to achieve anticipated cost targets per label; and the factors discussed in Identiv's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and subsequent reports Identiv files with the SEC.
Identiv Media Contact:
Sophie Pearson
Identiv, Inc.
spearson@identiv.com
InPlay Media Contact:
Serj Stepanian
InPlay Inc
serj.stepanian@inplay-tech.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/identiv-and-inplay-introduce-next-generation-ble-enabled-smart-labels-for-industrial-iot-applications-302443428.html
SOURCE Identiv
FAQ
When will Identiv (INVE) launch its BLE-enabled smart labels?
How much will Identiv's new BLE smart labels cost?
What features do Identiv's BLE smart labels offer?
What markets is Identiv targeting with its BLE smart labels?
Who is Identiv partnering with for the BLE smart labels?
