YPB Group Ltd’s (ASX:YPB) anti-counterfeit tech is now compatible with Android devices as part of a global marketing launch.
The ASX-lister is looking to commercialise its MotifMicro1 (MM1) software, which is the only anti-counterfeit solution of its kind that can be read with a smartphone.
MM1 underwent an initial iOS marketing launch in late April, but several of YPB’s global partners suggested including Android capability could accelerate the technology’s pathway to pilot trials.
Select Android users can test the MM1 authentication technology via Google’s Firebase app development platform.
“Enthusiastic feedback”
Executive chairman John Houston said: “Feedback from participating channel partners and end customers has been insistent for the inclusion of Android capability in this first marketing release of MotifMicro1.
“Indications have been that there are greater business-to-business opportunities with possibly shorter sales cycles in ultra-high-volume applications and geographies where Android dominates.
“I’m pleased and encouraged by the enthusiastic feedback from channel partners and potential end-customers regarding MotifMicro’s technical prowess and relevance to their needs.”
The anti-counterfeit market
YPB’s solution is an answer to a staggering jump in the value of the counterfeit goods and piracy market over the last decade. Looking ahead, Frontier Economics estimates this sector could be worth as much as US$2.8 trillion by 2022.
MotifMicro seeks to combat this industry with a solution that combines smart packaging with smartphone-readable technology.
Invisible to the eye, the MM1 particles and can be printed on a wide range of products, where they can be identified and authenticated with a smartphone.
YPB hopes to offer the tech as a commercial solution in both the business-to-business and business-to-consumer markets. Someday, it could be used on passports, packaging, consumer goods and government documents.
As of late April, YPB has invested $7.5 million in the MotifMicro solution.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, YPB has outlined a series of milestones to reach before it executes MM1’s commercial launch.
These include a controlled release on Google’s Firebase platform — an extension of the earlier launch on iOS’ TestFlight system — paid trials and commercial contract execution.
Ultimately, these steps will lead to a fully-fledged commercial release on the Apple App and Google Play stores.