The Mr. Beacon Ambient IoT Podcast

Hosted by Stephen Statler

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238

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Proximity and location technologies are key to the Internet of Things (IoT) and are causing our digital and physical worlds to converge. Mr. Beacon is a series of interviews with the leaders of companies that are at the center of this revolution. Steve Statler wrote "Beacon Technologies", a survival guide for people that want to design solutions that use Bluetooth beacons to create experiences that combine location awareness with the power of cloud computing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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May 19, 20261 hr 15 min

Bluetooth to Space: How Hubble Network Is Reinventing Global IoT Connectivity

This week on the Mr. Beacon Podcast, I talk with Art Tkachenko about enabling Bluetooth devices to communicate directly with satellites. We explore Hubble’s hybrid terrestrial and satellite IoT network, ultra-low-cost global asset tracking, beamforming technology, AI-assisted engineering, and the future of Ambient IoT. It’s a fascinating look at how space-based connectivity could dramatically expand what’s possible for connected devices worldwide.Art’s Top 3 Songs:“Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHi9mKq0slA“Mushroom Jazz” by Mark Farina: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6k0FlHGrZE “Bicycle” by VAVAN: youtube.com/watch?v=9HNorccyEno&feature=youtu.be 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 who delivers asset tracking and condition monitoring using the devices your team already carries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 202653 min

AI, What Is It Good For? With Curt Schacker of TrackVision

What is AI actually good for? Curt Schacker, Co-founder of TrackVision, joins me to answer that question with a real-world example that will resonate with anyone who has ever stared down a mountain of pre-project groundwork. The conversation explores where AI genuinely delivers, what it still cannot replace, and why the hardest part of any implementation might soon get a whole lot easier.Curt’s Top 3 Movies“It’s a Wonderful Life” by Frank Capra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLR3gZrU2Xo“The Shawshank Redemption” by Frank Darabont: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLl99DlL6b4“Notting Hill” by Roger Michell: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RI0QvaGoiI 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.

April 21, 202652 min

From “Search” to “Find”: Transforming Manufacturing with Ambient IoT

In this episode of the Mr. Beacon Podcast, Dr. Karsten Königstein of Sinfosy explains how ambient IoT is transforming manufacturing by turning smartphones into powerful tracking tools. Using Bluetooth and QR codes, his team delivers real-time, precise visibility into assets and workflows. The result is a scalable, cost-effective system that replaces “search” with “find” across modern industrial environments.Karsten’s Top 3 Songs“Eye Of The Tiger” by Survivor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qDML_BCju8 “We Are The Champions” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5GkgVhFeZY“Who Wants To Live Forever” by Queen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cxn_5Barsk0Mister 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.

April 7, 202651 min

The Truth About AI Content: Why C2PA Might Save the Internet

Dominique Guinard returns for his fifth appearance to explore C2PA, a rising standard for verifying digital content in the age of AI. As synthetic media becomes harder to detect, C2PA acts like a “nutrition label” for images, video, and text, revealing provenance and authenticity. We discuss how it works, who’s adopting it, and why it matters for misinformation, trust, and the future of digital media.Dom’s Top 3 Movies“Cube” by Vincenzo Natali: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esjc0rPj3K4 “Asteroid City” by Wes Anderson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FXCSXuGTF4 “Inefficient joy” by Laurent De Martin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NHPriQIduI 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.

March 24, 202645 min

The Smart Grocery Revolution: How Stretch Is Reinventing How We Shop

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.

March 10, 20261 hr 8 min

The Ambient IoT Tipping Point: Every Zebra Device is a Cloud Gateway

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.

February 10, 202653 min

Connected Packaging: Turning Every Product Into a Digital Media Channel

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.

January 27, 202641 min

Secure by Design: Ambient IoT, AI, and the Future of Trust

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.

January 13, 202643 min

100,000 Radios Per Store: The Quiet IoT Revolution Reshaping Retail

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.

November 18, 202557 min

Retail 301: The Science Behind the Shelf with Leon Nicholas

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.