Our Product Pick

A new handheld for "the future of commerce" has been unveiled by Global Payments (Atlanta, GA). Assigned as "AI-First Genius," in ultra-thin format, suitable for aprons and pockets, it has advanced computing power and neural processing capability to handle workloads locally, rather than cloud. Associates may assist customers with AI-powered Voice Ordering. Additional features include: full payment capability (EMV, NFC, MSR), multiple built-in microphones, always-on connectivity (5G), and fast charging (USB-C). "A next-generation handheld, purpose-built with advanced hardware and intelligent software," in the words of David Rumph, President of SMB at Global Payments, "to help servers spend less time on transactions and more time with guests."

AI-First Genius by Global Payments

COMPANY BUSINESS

AnyPay, Anywhere

A wider path to payment acceptance has been cleared by AnywhereCommerce (Fresno, CA), with its function "ACtap," now supporting Fiserv, TSYS, Elavon, and Worldpay. As part of the company's platform, entitled AnyPay, it brings Apple's Tap to Pay on iPhone, alongside company's SoftPOS for Android. In making this announcement, Jeff Park, Chief Revenue Officer at AnywhereCommerce, emphasized opportunities for ISVs, ISOs, and PSPs (Payment Service Providers).

Available as white label, ACtap offers customization with the AnyPay SDK (Software Development Kit), AnyPay Mobile POS, and AnyPay CloudPOS. A number of benefits are cited: advanced transaction capabilities such as off-line store-and-forward, security tokenization, pre-and incremental authorization, and digital receipts. An API (Application Programming Interface) format facilitates boarding and billing.

"This expansion brings Tap to Pay on iPhone together with Android SoftPOS support in a way that helps our partners modernize in-person acceptance without adding unnecessary complexity," projected Park. "With AnyPay, partners can deploy faster, support more use cases, and scale across processor environments with a single platform strategy." With this release, AnywhereCommerce has also debuted multiple Android devices, purpose-built and certified specifically for SoftPOS.

AnywhereCommerce Expands AnyPay

MagTek Cuts to the Chase

A new partnership between Cutflow (Dover, DE) and MagTek (Seal Beach, CA) addresses "mobile first" merchants. A joint solution has the business management platform of Cutflow supported by hardware and the Magensa Payment Protection Gateway of MagTek. It favors the MagTek DynaFlex II Go, certified to PCI (Payment Card Industry) DSS 6.

Intended for "micro and small businesses," Cutflow includes omnichannel commerce, inventory and service control, marketing and customer engagement, and financial reporting and business analytics. It supports use of smartphones, tablets, and kiosks, in iOS or Windows O/S. As examples of merchants, the two partners cite food trucks, pop-up retail concepts, restaurants, and personal service providers.

"Cutflow is focused on empowering entrepreneurs with enterprise-grade technology that remains simple and accessible," expressed Ariel Perez, CEO of Cutflow. "Our platform is built to be secure, flexible, and device-agnostic, supporting a broad ecosystem of hardware and payment partners." Added John Arato, Chief Sales Officer at MagTek: "Cutflow brings a solid product into the marketplace that meets and engages the customers regardless of where they are located."

A New Partnership Between Cutflow and MagTek

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A Message From the Editor

As we enjoy another year--our 20th!--our mission remains constant: to fill the need for timely, focused, non-biased news in the channel for POS & Auto ID (and now Mobility). If anything, that need grows more pressing in the face of new technologies, go-to-market strategies, business models, and consumer expectations. We look forward to continuing our mission, and welcome your suggestions and thoughts on improvements.

Michael Kachmar, Editor

Short Takes

-PAX Technology (Jacksonville, FL) has opened its second office in the U.S. at 7000 Central Parkway, #1100/Office #35/#36, Atlanta, GA 30328.

-Square (Oakland, CA) has announced Square Restaurant Inventory by MarketMan (New York, NY).

-Toast (Boston, MA) has called upon Fello (Butler, NJ) to address the event technology rental market.

-Fiserv (Milwaukee, WI), under exclusive partnership, has launched Clover Reserve Powered by Tabit. It targets full-service and fine-dining.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Elo Tap Dances

An addition to the payment hardware family at Elo (now part of Zebra Technologies) sees the Elo Pay 15" Tap to Pay. In addition to its enlarged, commercial-grade, projected-capacitive touchscreen (Format 16:9, Resolution 1920x1080, Contrast 800:1), it incorporates non-contact NFC (for SoftPOS). As computing, it carries Qualcomm QCS6490 CPU, 8 GB RAM, 64 GB Storage, and Android 14 O/S.

In dimensions of 17.9"/455 mm (L) x 9.8"/250 mm (W) x 0.9"/22 mm (D), weighing 4 lbs./1.8 kg, Elo 15" Tap to Pay addresses mobile, stand, self-service, or wall-mount environments. It offers connectivity in wired (USB, LAN) or wireless (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi). In concert, there's Elo Edge Connect (peripherals), Elo Essential Edge (tools and kits), EloView (remote device management), and EloCare (service options).

"From assisted checkout to self-service kiosks, businesses are looking for integrated payment solutions that are sleek, reliable, and easy to deploy at scale," referenced Craig Witsoe, CEO of Elo (Knoxville, TN). "The Elo Pay 15" Tap to Pay joins our growing portfolio of payment integrated devices--from handhelds and tablets to fixed systems of POS." Another new model in this family, Elo Pay to Tap Z30, has 15" merchant-facing display as well as 10" customer-facing display (CFD).

Elo Pay 15" Tap to Pay POS

Star in Control

A module for direct cash-drawer control, designated mC-Connect Drawer (MCD10), has been unboxed by Star Micronics America (Somerset, NJ). In use with cash drawers with standard RJ-12, it extends cash-drawer control for today's varied store environments. With RJ-12, the mC-Connect Drawer works alongside existing printer-driven set-ups. It solves cases where the desktop receipt printer is not present (such as mobility) or where flexibility is required (such as space-constraints).

In shared environments, it supports up to four cash drawers. "It monitors drive voltage and executes open commands only when sufficient power is available," notes Star Micronics America, "helping prevent drawer opens. [Also,] commands are held and executed when the device is ready, supporting consistent operation across high-volume retail and restaurant environments."

All networks are supported: USB, Ethernet, Wireless LAN, or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), as well as iOS, Android, and Windows O/S. Also, it works with Star Quick Set-Up Utility, Star Windows Software, and StarXpand SDK (Software Development Kit). In its product portfolio, Star Micronics America, a leader in thermal printers, includes cash drawers: Value Series (CD3), Choice Series (CD4), and Max Series (CD5).

Star Micronics mC-Connect Cash-Drawer Controller

Worth Your While

MWAA
Midwest Acquirers Association
July 22-23
Chicago, IL

RSPA RetailNOW
Retail Solutions Providers Association
July 26-28
Las Vegas, NV

Partner First Conference
ScanSource
Aug. 31- Sept. 1
Arlington, TX

Loupe Americas
Labels & Outer Packaging/Label Expo
September 15-17
Chicago, IL

WSAA
Western States Acquirers Association
September 15-17
Palm Springs, CA

VARTECH
Bluestar
September 21-22
Mohegan Sun (CT)

FS/TEC
Informa
September 23-25
Grapevine, TX

IAAPA Expo
International Association of
Amusement Parks & Attractions
November 16-20
Orlando, FL

MJBizCon
MJBizDaily
December 1-4
Las Vegas, NV

On the Line Card

-Aldelo (Pleasanton, CA), purveyor of Aldelo Express POS for Restaurants, has showcased its new Aldelo 10" Android POS Terminal and Aldelo 5" Handheld Mobile POS Terminal.

-CipherLab (Plano, TX) has presented its RK96 Cold Storage Mobile Computer for temperatures as low as -30 Degrees C/-22 Degrees F.

ALLIANCES

FreedomPay & Ordr "Team Up"

An integration of payment technologies--Next Level Commerce by FreedomPay and Connect Layer by Ordr--addresses the sports and live entertainment industry. A resulting ecosystem, driven by API (Application Programming Interface), includes ticketing, POS, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). As major features, the two new partners identify: enterprise payment security (via Point-to-Point Encryption), widespread commerce infrastructure (with 15,000 third-party partners), and gathering of customer Business Intelligence (BI).

"FreedomPay processes billions in transactions around the world, and now that same capability sits inside Ordr's ecosystem," remarked Ryan Bott, CEO at Ordr (Salt Lake City, UT). "For executives in the experience economy, it means they finally understand their customers without forcing clunky loyalty programs." As customers, Ordr has, among others, the Vegas Golden Knights, Pittsburgh Penguins, Edmonton Oilers, and Resorts World Las Vegas.

"The live experience industry demands commerce infrastructure that performs flawlessly under extreme conditions, with zero margin for error," reflected Christopher Kronenthal, President of FreedomPay (Philadelphia, PA). "Ordr has built a differentiated intelligence layer that sits on top of the payment system and turns raw transactions into strategic insights for operators. By integrating our gateway and security platform with Ordr's intelligence engine, we're giving sports and entertainment the same caliber of unified commerce that the world's largest retailers and hospitality brands rely on."

FreedomPay and Ordr Collaborate for Sports and Entertainment Venues

A Valorous Effort With Landi

A new agreement links payment hardware from Landi Global (Jericho, NY) with the processing platform of Valor PayTech (Atlanta, GA). It will bring new devices--following engineering collaboration and certification--later this year, according to the two companies. A current hardware portfolio of Valor PayTech remains fully supported. (A full line of payment and POS hardware has been developed by Landi Global.)

"Valor brings one of the clearest platform visions in the U.S. payments market along with a powerful distribution network," declared Peter Stewart, EVP-Americas at Landi Global. "Landi contributes the strength of global manufacturing scale and world-class device engineering excellence. By embedding our innovative R&D intelligence directly into Valor's platform, we're able to move faster, certify smarter, and bring next-gen devices to market, shaping the future of the payment experience."

Since its acquisition by private-equity firm Lovell Minnick Partners in September 2025, Valor PayTech has recast its leadership. Eric Bernstein, Co-Founder and Former CEO, now serves as Strategic Advisor. In addition, Vaden Landers, CEO of Suede, now has responsibility for Suede (including the former Merchant Industry) and Valor PayTech. Others include Daniel O'Connell, COO; Josh Johnstone, CMO; Maxim Rokhline, Chief Product and Technology Officer; Ben Love, Head of POS Hardware and Software; and Patrick Sandlak, Head of Global Sales.

A Payments Bundle of Valor PayTech and Landi

Code Corner

A First Person in 3PL

A new Warehouse Management System (WMS) has been engineered for Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs). According to its developer, DispatchTrack (Campbell, CA), it solves problems inherent in this category. As such, it features: billing and settlement complexity, simultaneous multi-tenant/multi-retailer operations, shared inventory, cross-dock workflows, and warehouse and delivery management in one platform.

As described by DispatchTrack: "3PLs receive inbound shipments from dozens of retailers and manufacturers, often commingling inventory across clients to maximize space and labor, move freight straight from inbound to outbound docks without ever putting it away, and have to bill clients accurately for every touch--then pay drivers and carriers correctly on the other side." Led by Satish Natarajan, Founder and CEO, DispatchTrack WMS seeks to fulfill such requirements (and "Last Mile").

DispatchTrack Warehouse Management System

In the Zone

A trio of new software solutions were exhibited by Zebra Technologies at its recent Zone Conference in Nashville, TN: Nucleus, Workcloud Business Intelligence (BI), and Workcloud Integration & Orchestration (IO). In support of the company's products, Zebra Nucleus simplifies how operators set-up, secure, manage, and optimize their device fleets. As such, it consolidates Zebra's DNA Mobility Software Suite.

"Our new Nucleus platform provides our customers and partners with a common interface for configuration and control across our entire portfolio, simplifying deployments and accelerating the time to value," stated Tom Bianculli, CTO, Zebra Technologies (Lincolnshire, IL). Also, Zebra's Workcloud BI provides insights via role-based mobile dashboards, and, as the "central nervous system for data flow, there's Workcloud IO.

Automating Workflows at Zebra

ENVIRONMENTS/PLATFORMS

Of Further Reflection at NCC

An upgrade to its Reflection POS, in the form of Version 4.5.2.1, has been fashioned at National Computer Corporation (Greenville, SC). Among enhancements are three significant functions: dual pricing, surcharging, and cash discounting. As terminals for its hundreds of resellers in retail and restaurant POS, NCC supports CRS/SAM4s (Saint Paul, MN), HP (Palo Alto, CA), and Touch Dynamic (South Plainfield, NJ).

In the case of dual pricing, Reflection POS now calculates the price based on preprogrammed percentage, adds it to the guest check and the transaction, and tracks for reporting. In surcharging, in partnership with Datacap Systems (Chalfont, PA), Reflection POS identifies the customer's credit card--eliminating stored-value or debit cards--via its Bank Information Number (BIN). In cash discounting, the percentage of cash discount is applied, shown on the customer receipt, and tracked.

"Our partners are navigating new demand for surcharging, cash discounting, and dual pricing," reported Chuck Prince, President of NCC. "We listened and included new features in our release that give them the freedom to equip restaurants and retailers with the capabilities they want, remove the guesswork, and let them operate compliantly." In March, NCC celebrated its 40th Anniversary in POS.

A Dual-Pricing Feature in NCC's Reflection POS

Closing the "Gap" at Esper

An advanced, enterprise-grade, over-the-air (OTA) device management solution for Android O/S has been rolled out by Esper (Seattle, WA). On the same infrastructure as the company's established, dedicated Android O/S (dubbed Esper Foundation), the new Esper Airwave ensures delivery of security firmware updates (patches). In current product preview, it will enter general release for OEMs later this year.

It works with any build in AOSP (Android Open Source Project), emphasizes Esper, regardless of MDM (Mobile Device Management). In making the announcement, Esper pointed to recent changes in compliance standards. It includes last year's updates to the PCI (Payment Card Industry) DSS 4.0.1, as well as soon-to-be mandated changes to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Each requires necessary security patches to be installed within 30 days.

"Device lifecycle and security support has become one of the most pressing operational challenges for enterprises running mission-critical edge deployments at scale," relayed Yadhu Gopalan, Co-Founder and CEO of Esper. "The hard truth is most OEMs in the dedicated device space either have no OTA solution at all or what they have isn't built for enterprise demands. Airwave closes that gap."

Esper Offers Airwave for Device Updates

Key Advertiser Links

Be sure to visit these vendors for the latest in channel products and offers for resellers.

POS & Peripherals
AnywhereCommerce
Bixolon America
Epson America
FEC POS
HiStone
HP
MagTek
POSBANK USA
Posiflex
Sam4s/Shin Heung Precision
Star Micronics
Washburn Computer Group

Barcode Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Woosim Systems

Cash Drawers/Cash Handling
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

Data Collection
Star Micronics

Integrated Payment Solutions
AnywhereCommerce
Datacap Systems
MagTek

Receipt Printers
Bixolon America
Brother Mobile
Epson America
Star Micronics
Woosim Systems

Stands, Mounts, Cradles
apg/APG Cash Drawer
Star Micronics

INTEGRATION

A Sticky Situation

A rebranding at POS Supply Solutions (Middleton, MA) has its POS Sticky Linerless Labels now stocked as POS QuickStick Receipt Labels. A new name better reflects how restaurants, including quick-service (QSR), use the product, according to the consumables supplier, in accompaniment with drink cups, take-out bags, and food boxes. (With less emphasis on linerless reduction of label backing material.)

A quartet of products are listed. As everyday food packaging, and easily removable, the company offers QuickStick Peel. Intended for textured or difficult surfaces such as ribbed coffee cups, wax-coated bags, or recycled containers, it has semi-removable QuickStick Hold. A more permanent adhesive accompanies QuickStick Seal. A new line, QuickStick Peel Lite, extends the roll length and employs thinner thermal paper, for more labels per roll and fewer roll changes.

"Restaurants and QSR operators aren't thinking about linerless labels--they're thinking about getting orders out quickly and accurately," related Stephen Enfield, CEO at POS Supply Solutions. "By introducing QuickStick Receipt Labels and simplifying the adhesive options, we're making it easier for customers to choose the right products for their workflow." In keeping with health concerns, and recent regulations, QuickStick are non-phenol (including BPA and BPS).

POS Supply Solutions Stocks QuickStick Receipt Labels for Restaurants and QSR

Tek & TSC: Let It RAIN

A simplified workflow for labeling in RFID has been completed by Teklynx International (Milwaukee, WI) and TSC Auto ID (Brea, CA). It employs software from Teklynx, specifically its Windows-based CodeSoft, with thermal printers from TSC Auto ID. With GSI's new "++" encoding schemes, it embeds Web URLs directly into the EPC Memory.

"RAIN RFID has never had more momentum than right now," observed Travis Wayne, Product Manager at Teklynx Americas. "With initiatives like the EU's emerging regulations for Digital Product Passport (DPP) and GS1's Sunrise 2027 (2D Migration), organizations need RFID solutions that are accurate, reliable, and built for global standards. Our RAIN RFID improvements deliver the path forward."

As additional benefits of this unified workflow, the partners cite increased encoding performance, compliance readiness, and print consistency for high-volume labeling environments. Available for CodeSoft 2025, and newer versions, enhanced RAIN RFID capabilities are downloadable from the Teklynx Driver Service Packs. A family of mobile, desktop, and industrial printers for RFID typify TSC Auto ID.

Collaboration on Expanded RAIN RFID Capabilities

[Editor's Note: Speaking of barcode labeling, and the transition from 1D to 2D, GS1 US (Ewing, NJ) has introduced an Interactive Online Cost-Benefit Calculator.]

Channel Factoid

AX for CX

Retailer Problem:

Current tech stack can't
fulfill customer experience
needs (cited by 65%)

Seen as Solution:

70% - Assisted Selling/
Endless Aisle

66% - Cross-Channel
Order Handling

28% - Non-Selling
Customer Assistance

28% - Enterprise-Wide
Inventory Visibility

27% - Cross-Channel
Customer Visibility

Source: "2026 AX Insights Study,"
by Retail Systems Research, for Jumpmind.

Agent Experience (AX) Drives Customer Experience (CX)

HELLO GOODBYE

An ISV With Starch

As part of its move to corporation status, enjoying growth, the ISV Wash-Dry-Fold POS (Broken Arrow, OK) has named Ian Gollahon as CEO. A longtime employee, Gollahon has served as Head of Sales and Software Development, and, in 2020, led the company's shift to cloud-based Software as a Service (SaaS). As part of this evolution, Founder and CTO Brian Henderson will now serve as Chairman of the Board.

"For a decade, Ian has been the definitive steward of our brand," commented Henderson. "From securing our intellectual property to navigating complex vendor relations and marketing strategies, he possesses a rare blend of financial sophistication and operational grit." Established in 2016, Wash-Dry-Fold POS claims 20% of the current laundromat market in the U.S.

"It's a privilege to serve our customers and lead our small team," shared Gollahon. "Kindness, focus, and gratitude will be constants at every level of value that we deliver." Appropriately, Henderson and Gollahon own and operate their own chain, Liberty Laundry, which grossed $2.5 million in top-line revenue in 2025 from three locations in Oklahoma.

Ian Gollahon, CEO, Wash-Dry-Fold POS

Hitting His Digimarc

A new CEO, Paul Carreiro, has been enlisted at Digimarc Corporation (Beaverton, OR). A long career in technology includes CEO of Elemica, President of Global Field Operations at Kinaxis, Managing Director and President, EMEA, Infor Global Solutions, and EVP/GM of SAP Industries North America. As readers will recall, Digimarc pioneered digital watermarking--including code or image--of consumer packaged goods.

"I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Paul to Digimarc. He brings a powerful combination of technical fluency, platform and ecosystem thinking, and global commercial leadership, along with a proven track record of scale-up success," contributed Riley McCormack, Former CEO, who remains on the Company’s Board of Directors. "Digimarc is exceptionally well positioned for what lies ahead, and Paul is the right leader to drive our strategy and execution from here."

"What attracted me to Digimarc is straightforward: the company sits at the intersection of markets where trust and authenticity are becoming not just important, but mission critical," enthused Carreiro. "We are living through an inversion of trust as Artificial Intelligence accelerates the creation and manipulation of physical goods and digital content at a scale we have never seen. The ability to verify what is real, authentic, and original is fast becoming foundational infrastructure, and Digimarc is uniquely positioned to solve that challenge."

Paul Carreiro, CEO, Digimarc Corporation