An RFID System in Your Pocket 

Nothing can replace a good shopping buddy who is quick with a word of advice or an opinion about that shirt you are trying on or the new coat you are interested in.

Nonetheless, a group of researchers is developing a mobile shopping assistant that may come close to giving the advice a good friend can offer. Called Tip and Tell, it is made up of a personal digital assistant (PDA) that is equipped with an RFID reader. Shoppers scan RFID tagged items in a store and are immediately provided with instant information regarding the product.

Tip and Tell will give shoppers suggestions about coordinating items such as the right necktie for a man’s suit. And it may also offer instant customer reviews so shoppers can read what others think - much like they do online today.

Tip and Tell, based on RFID, is the next big step toward multimedia interactive shopping.