Qualcomm’s Dragonwing Q-6690 mobile processor has integrated UHF RFID capabilities for applications in retail, logistics and manufacturing.

The processor includes built-in 5G, Wifi 7, Bluetooth 6.0 and ultra-wideband, supporting proximity-aware experiences and global connectivity. Designed to support form factors from ruggedised handhelds to retail point-of-sale systems and smart kiosks, the Q-6690 offers OEMs and ODMs a scalable and upgrade-ready platform with software-configurable features that can be upgraded over the air.

“The Dragonwing Q-6690 combines integrated RFID, AI and next-gen wireless capabilities in a single, scalable platform, designed to accelerate innovation across industries including retail, logistics and manufacturing,” said Art Miller, vice president and head of retail at Qualcomm (www.qualcomm.com). “We are particularly excited about working with retailers today that need platforms that are not only powerful and connected, but also adaptable to evolving customer expectations, from smarter kiosks and handhelds to real-time inventory analytics and contactless experiences.”

The integrated RFID capabilities eliminate the need for external RFID reader modules, therefore enabling smaller, more efficient device designs. This integration eases the enablement of security-focused, contactless use cases such as access control, asset tracking, inventory management and product authentication, suitable for retail, logistics and industrial applications. For more information on the benefits of embedded RFID, visit www.qualcomm.com/news/onq/2025/08/how-integrated-rfid-enhances-handheld-devices-qualcomm-dragonwing-q-6690.

Software-configurable feature packs let OEMs choose their offerings depending on the computing demands, multimedia capabilities, camera support or peripheral configurations they need, with the ability to upgrade over the air without redesigning hardware. This modular approach not only accelerates time to market and reduces certification overhead but also extends product lifecycles by enabling over-the-air upgrades as needs evolve.

“At Decathlon, we’re relentlessly pursuing ways to elevate the customer experience while optimising our operations,” said Hervé D’Halluin from French sports goods retail chain Decathlon (www.decathlon.com). “Since 2004, we’ve fully leveraged RFID technology across our entire value chain. By 2019, we had already achieved 100% Rain RFID tagging of our products. Now, The Dragonwing Q-6690, with its fully integrated RFID and AI capabilities, represents a game changer. It’s set to maximise our operational efficiency, amplify smarter in-store customer experience and support our sustainability goals through enhanced product traceability.”

Aileen Ryan, CEO of the Rain Alliance (therainalliance.org), added: “Qualcomm’s integration of RFID – also known as Rain technology – into the Dragonwing Q-6690 empowers retailers and logistics companies to put Rain-enabled devices into every employee’s hands, unlocking unprecedented productivity improvements and sales potential, from digital product passports and circularity to automated checkout, product authentication, asset tracking and inventory management. This represents a seismic shift that will democratise the internet of things, reshape industries and create entirely new markets.”