RFID tags from UPM Raflatac connect a French magazine to the internet

The French publication Amusement is bridging the divide between traditional print and online magazines. Each 700 g copy of the magazine focusing on new technology and lifestyle is equipped with a UPM Raflatac RFID tag – providing readers with a link to exclusive content online.

The latest issue of Amusement is the result of a joint effort between French high-tech company Violet and GS1 France. NFC tags (size 15x15 mm) from UPM Raflatac are fixed in the middle of the first double page of Amusement’s fourth issue. The NFC tag is designed to work with Violet’s new 'Mir:ror' RFID interrogator, which plugs into a computer’s USB port. When the magazine’s RFID-tagged page is brought near the interrogator, the tag’s unique ID number is scanned and exclusive online content launched.

UPM Raflatac, the world’s number one manufacturer of passive RFID tags and inlays, has  enhanced its NFC product portfolio continually.

“We consider this latest issue of Amusement to be an excellent door-opener for connecting traditional and new media using minute RFID tags. As part of UPM, a leading manufacturer of magazine papers, we view this as a highly attractive, real-life field of application,” says Mr Mikko Nikkanen, Business Development Director, RFID, UPM Raflatac.

Using RFID technology provides fantastic new opportunities for print genres such as game and hobby magazines and trade papers. RFID technology fast-tracks these publications from conventional business into a new era. NFC tags enable a more individual two-way data transfer than 2D codes, for instance, and allow magazines to offer exclusive internet content and downloadable mobile phone applications.

“These publicly-available applications are shining examples of the latest ways in which we can use RFID technology – ways that have already been tested and approved in the BtoB world. As the cost of RFID components has already come down significantly, we see opportunities for totally new industry take-offs based on innovative and value increasing services for the consumer,” says Pierre Georget, CEO of GS1 France.

The latest issue of Amusement is available from selected stands and sales locations throughout Europe and the United States. It includes access to the following digital applications online: a video game designed by the artist Messhof, an interactive multi-user device by Digital Shadow, an interactive installation by Factoid (Pierre Nouvel, Valere Terrier) and The Tone, a 3D video by Gkastere, and wallpapers by Philippe Jarrigeon.

For more information about the magazine, please see www.amusement.fr .

For further information, please contact:
Mr Mikko Nikkanen, Business Development Director, UPM Raflatac, RFID, tel. +1 828 275 5162