Connected Packaging: Turning Every Product Into a Digital Media Channel

Andy Ellwood, Founder & CEO of Stretch, joins the Mr. Beacon Podcast to discuss reinventing grocery shopping with AI-powered insights. By turning shopping lists into smart comparison tools, Stretch helps consumers save time and money. Andy also shares lessons from building in public, the power of shopper-first design, and his vision for AI agents that advocate for consumers in retail.Andy’s Top 3 Songs“Difference Maker” by NEEDTOBREATH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2LtB9KLf98 “My Little Girl” by Tim Mcgraw: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZVsGVE1qCg “Come Thou Fount Of Every Blessing” performed by Chris Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax_NMWLEb6U 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.

Simon Ford, founder of Blecon, returns to the Mr. Beacon Podcast to discuss a major milestone for the company and the broader IoT industry. Blecon’s new collaboration with Zebra enables existing frontline devices to become nodes in a Bluetooth network, unlocking asset tracking and operational visibility without new infrastructure. Simon and I explore practical use cases, supply-chain insights, and why this approach could help IoT finally scale.Simon’s 3 Favourite Movies“Baby Driver” directed by Edgar Wright:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTvJJnoWIPk   “A Beautiful Mind” starring Russel Crowe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWwAOutgWBQ  “Toy Story” starring Tom Hanks and Tim Allen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-PjgYDrg70 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, 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=mk3XycambgIMister 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-fHwsMyUF8r15vsQMister 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/4aSBkogMister 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=ubrfaD9DIusMister 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-4Mister 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=4z2DtNW79sQMister 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=HgzGwKwLmgMMister 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=3sMister 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.