With the explosion in popularity of wearable activity trackers in recent years, people have access to a huge variety of stats and analysis tools to help them set personal goals and track their performance. But there is a problem: many of these devices are way off the mark when it comes to accuracy. According to the experts at the Finnish research centre VTT, the answer to this challenge lies in the algorithms that form the backbone of the software in these devices; improve the number crunching and you can provide users with a smart solution that not only accurately tracks activity, but also learns as it goes along.

The Multi-Color Corporation (MCC), which is based in Batavia, Ohio, and Talkin’ Things (Las Vegas, Nevada) recently announced that they have become the first Internet of Things packaging platform providers to combine augmented reality (AR) and NFC technology to create a unique customer experience in connected product that is expected to help boost its sales. This label demonstrates how advanced smart packaging can be by interacting with the consumer via AR facial recognition and incorporates dynamic scenarios dependent on users’ emotions.