The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Beacosystem

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Jenny Stanley, Founder of Appetite Creative, explains how connected packaging is transforming products into digital engagement channels. From QR codes and Digital Product Passports to data-driven marketing and post-purchase experiences, she shares real campaign insights, best practices, and emerging trends shaping retail and CPG. Discover how brands are using packaging to build loyalty, gather first-party data, and create meaningful two-way conversations with consumers. Jenny’s Most Meaningful Songs: “Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqCo3fr8-OM “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CigMPtm4FM “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk3XycambgI Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products  with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we speak with Infineon Distinguished Engineer, Steve Hanna, about security in Ambient IoT, AI, and connected systems. We explore real-world risks like counterfeit goods and privacy breaches, plus practical approaches such as cryptographic identity and low-power security. Steve also shares insights from standards work at IETF and Matter, along with career advice and personal reflections. Steve’s Favorite Songs: “Everyday Is A Day of Thanksgiving” by Dr. Charles G Hayes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ooK66xOpZg “This Is My Song” by Lloyd Stone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXooDIWVRZs (Anything by Earth Wind & Fire): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztiH7D-fHwsMyUF8r15vsQ Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products  with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Retail’s next transformation isn’t driven by chatbots—it’s powered by scale, signals, and ambient IoT. In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thaddeus Segura, SVP of Product at Vusion, the global leader in electronic shelf labels, joins again. They explore how tens of millions of connected labels are reshaping pricing, fulfillment, computer vision, and in-store intelligence—and why these real-world signals are the foundation for the AI-driven store of the future. https://bit.ly/4aSBkog Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, retail strategist Leon Nicholas—VP of Retail Insights & Solutions at Smurfit WestRock—breaks down the forces reshaping modern commerce. Leon explains why smart packaging, AI, automation, and shifting consumer behavior are transforming everything from supply chains to in-store experiences. He reveals how retailers can stay relevant, why “everything will be tagged,” and how small chains can now punch above their weight. A fast, insightful look at retail’s future. Leon’s Top 3 Songs: “Aqualung” by Jethro Tull: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4zPu3ISCGs “Copacabana” by Barry Manilow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYvyzg3KtpY “Endless Love” by Diana Ross: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubrfaD9DIus Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and products  with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we talk with Lawrence Richenstein, Founder and CEO of WePower Technologies, about how kinetic energy harvesting is powering the next wave of battery-free IoT devices. Lawrence shares WePower’s journey from startup rescue to innovation leader, unveiling self-powered sensors and switches that generate energy from motion—redefining sustainability, reliability, and the future of ambient IoT. Lawrence’s Most Meaningful Songs: “In My Room” by The Beach Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l71pbhqnvNM “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” by Led Zeppelin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZitPJMh60A “Positive Vibration” by Bob Marley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0DU5uhoq-4 Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, José Cantera from the IOTA Foundation explains how IOTA’s distributed ledger technology is transforming global supply chains. We discuss the Tangle, the Twin project in Africa and the UK, and Europe’s Digital Product Passport, showing how open-source, energy-efficient infrastructure is building trust, transparency, and sustainability across industries — turning blockchain theory into real-world impact. Jose’ Favorite Songs: “It’s The End Of The World” by R.E.M.: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0GFRcFm-aY “Chariots Of Fire” by Vangelis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8a-HfNE3EIo “Philadelphia” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z2DtNW79sQ Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we unpack Avery Dennison & Wiliot’s latest partnership, share lessons from coding with AI tools like Cursor, and explore Amazon’s Alexa+ upgrade. Then, we sit down with Ersan Günes, SVP IoT & Head of AI at Inpixon, to discuss Chirp technology, AI-powered tools like Ask Pixie, and how IoT and AI are converging to reshape factories, logistics, and smart environments. Ersan’s Favorite Songs: “Lose Yourself” by Eminem: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFYQQPAOz7Y “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YkADj0TPrJA “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of ambientChat.ai — Using AI to connect people with places and things with an app that puts you in control of YOUR data. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Qualcomm’s new Dragon Wing Q6690 chip, bringing RFID to smartphones—a long-promised shift for auto-ID and IoT. We also speak with Jason Wu, CEO of InPlay, about the $1 Bluetooth beacon and how InPlay’s NanoBeacon technology lowers costs, simplifies deployment, and opens new markets from smart labels to cold chain monitoring. A timely look at IoT’s evolving economics and ecosystem. Jason’s Favorite Song: “Tian Mi Mi” by Teresa Teng: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc2tW0jFHPo&t=3s Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, we welcome back Amir Khoshniyati, Head of Strategy and Business Development at Wiliot. Amir shares insights on Gen 3 battery-free Bluetooth tags, why they’re a breakthrough for scaling ambient IoT, and how partnerships are key to success. We explore real-world use cases in retail, food, and logistics, plus Wiliot’s evolving ecosystem and vision for a connected, sustainable future. Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Mr. Beacon, we welcome back Giampaolo Marino of Energous to discuss the company’s new battery-free Bluetooth sensor and software platform, e-Compass. We’ll explore how ambient IoT is transforming cold chain, logistics, and asset tracking by reducing waste and cutting costs. From energy harvesting breakthroughs to defining what ambient IoT really means, this episode dives deep into the future of always-on visibility and the business opportunities it unlocks. Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Jérôme Vernet, VP of Sales at Dracula Technologies, reveals how inkjet-printed organic photovoltaics harvest energy from ambient light—even indoors—to power IoT devices without batteries. From smart building sensors to asset trackers, learn how this customizable, sustainable technology reduces maintenance, improves design flexibility, and even works in moonlight, opening new possibilities for the ambient IoT revolution. Jerome’s Top 3 Favorite Songs: “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ8ixdXRCOo “My Lady Blue” by Eric Serra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWlqFFAQ4Vk  “Un Homme Heureux” by William Sheller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiZh-_Jlofk Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, whose IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Sze Wong—Co-Founder of Zenith Venture Studio—shares his journey from startup failures to building a venture studio that offers more than just funding. Learn how Sze helps non-technical founders turn deep industry knowledge into successful businesses, why boring problems are big opportunities, and how hands-on support beats traditional VC models. A must-listen for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators alike. Sze’s Top 3 Favorite Songs: “Unknown” (Listen on the podcast to try and guess what song this is) “I Believe” by Shin Seung Hun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNBnPvsufvk “Tong Hua” by Michael Wong: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBTmypxD2mU Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbientGPT, the AI assistant that connects people to places, products and the brands behind them. For brands AmbientGPT represents a way to go beyond optimizing your business with AI to securing a place in the new AI purchasing paradigm. Our sponsor Identiv’s https://www.identiv.com IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also proud to be sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thomas Roedding, CEO of Narravero, unpacks the rise of Digital Product Passports (DPPs). We explore how DPPs drive compliance, sustainability, and customer engagement under EU regulations. Roedding shares Narravero’s hands-on work with over 200 clients and explains why DPPs are more than a legal necessity—they’re a powerful business tool. Learn how to let your products “talk” in a smarter, connected future. Thomas’ Top 3 Favorite Songs: “The River” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7BUXRsTbvI  “Bochum” by Herbert Grönemeyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvauzdH0fHY  “River Flows In You” by YIRUMA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92IlKBhKbWM  Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Identiv https://www.identiv.com, who’s IoT solutions create digital identities for physical objects, enhancing global connectivity for businesses, people, and the planet. We are also sponsored by Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Kirsten Newquist, CEO of Identiv, shares her journey from Avery Dennison to leading one of the most innovative companies in IoT. Kirsten discusses Identiv’s unique engineering, new growth strategy, and their impact on healthcare and smart device solutions. She also highlights her values-driven leadership approach and offers personal insights on building resilient, purpose-led teams in a fast-evolving, connected world. Kirsten’s Top 3 Favorite Songs: “Don’t Worry Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ-MySzAac “Rise Up” by Andra Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDffmI0ncfo Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Our sponsor is Blecon http://www.blecon.net. Blecon enables physical products to communicate with cloud applications using Bluetooth Low Energy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Mr. Beacon, Mark Jacobstein—Co-Founder of Near Horizon and former colleague of Sam Altman—joins us to unpack the evolving venture landscape. We discuss AI’s impact, fundraising challenges, and how his venture builder model helps startups go from idea to execution. Mark shares personal lessons from Silicon Valley, career advice for the next generation, and why staying curious is key. A sharp, insightful conversation for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone navigating tech’s rapid shifts. Mark’s Top 3 Favorite Songs: “Fake Plastic Trees” by Radiohead: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Z_41J-uKPI  “The Wheels On The Bus”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_04ZrNroTo “Thunder Road” by Bruce Springsteen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2X0Gf9jfz8 Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Donna Lanzetta—CEO of Manna Fish Farms and Manna Seafood Blockchain—shares her journey from attorney to aquaculture pioneer. Discover how she’s building offshore fish farms, fighting seafood fraud with blockchain, and creating a transparent, sustainable supply chain. From ocean to plate, Donna’s tech-driven, vertically integrated approach empowers consumers and supports ethical sourcing. Tune in to explore the future of seafood, digital traceability, and how small businesses can drive big change. Donna’s Top 3 Favorite Songs: “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttEMYvpoR-k “Hold Your Head Up” by Argent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvfxI9yD2dM “Tapestry” by Carole King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FiR2Eb4NSM Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Thomas Knothe, Chair of JTC 24, shares insights into the new Digital Product Passport (DPP) standards. As one of the few cleared to speak publicly, Thomas reveals how DPPs will transform global commerce, ensure sustainability, and drive regulatory compliance. Don’t miss this rare conversation that explores the future of digital-physical convergence—and the major opportunities it creates. Thomas’ Favorite Songs: “That’s So True” by Gracie Abrams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqiDw1WrbFo  “Like a Prayer” by Madonna: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaHQYTm14Kc  See Thomas’ presentation on Digital Product Passports standards HERE  Mister Beacon is hosted by Steve Statler, CEO of AmbAI Inc. — creators of AmbAI, the AI agent that connects people to products and the brands behind them. AmbAI also advises leading brands on Ambient Intelligence strategy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, Kevin Dewald, founder of SimpleBLE and former Neuralink engineer, joins to discuss simplifying Bluetooth development, building cross-platform solutions, and what it’s like working at Neuralink. He shares insights on Elon Musk’s high-performance teams and how Bluetooth can even work inside the human body. A must-listen for developers, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts! 🎧 Tune in to discover the future of wireless power! Kevin’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning: “A Moment Apart” by ODESZA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xarC5jAiO7w “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZUfdnmtg4Y “Basket Case” by Green Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKjEdYrx9P0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The Mr. Beacon Podcast, we explore the future of wireless power with Giampaolo Marino, SVP of Strategy & Business Development at Energous. We discuss how Energous is revolutionizing ambient IoT with its PowerBridge Pro, enabling battery-free sensors for retail, logistics, and manufacturing. Giampaolo shares insights on IoT adoption, infrastructure simplification, and the launch of the Ambient IoT Alliance. Plus, we dive into his Italian roots and favorite music. 🎧 Tune in to discover the future of wireless power! Giampaolo’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning: “Volare” by Domenico Modugno: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jWsIpAbo-8 “Con Te Partiro” by Andrea Bocelli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdx5nGphnAI “All of Me” by John Legend: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfgJQUiQFes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Fabio Belloni, CEO of Quuppa, returns to discuss the latest in real-time location systems (RTLS). We explore Quuppa’s cutting-edge Bluetooth angle-of-arrival technology, its impact on logistics, sports, and healthcare, and exciting new use cases like tracking kids in trampoline parks and dogs in pet hotels. Fabio also shares insights on RTLS market trends, hybrid positioning technologies, and Quuppa’s future. 🎧 Tune in for expert insights on the evolving world of precise location tracking! Fabio’s Top 3 Songs with Meaning: “The Wall” by Pink Floyd: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r48BLz42NuI “Alabama Live” by Alabama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpytxOjj2zo&list=OLAK5uy_nlKHwhjNVe3krWXTsq3aQYNJw8cMmdsXk “Italian Techno from the 90’s” by Various Artists Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.