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Preparing HPzenAi content

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Smart Tags

Updating the Display

How to write content to an HPzenAi E-Ink Smart Tag over NFC using the HPzenAi app.

How NFC Updates Work​

HPzenAi Smart Tags update by tapping an NFC-enabled smartphone running the HPzenAi app directly against the tag surface. The phone's NFC field transmits the new content wirelessly, and on battery-free models it also supplies the energy needed to refresh the E-Ink display. The display update completes in 1–3 seconds and the new content remains on screen indefinitely — no battery, no power, no connectivity needed to retain the image.

Requirements​

Steps​

  • NFC-enabled smartphone — iOS 13 or later, or Android 6 or later.
  • HPzenAi app installed and signed in.
  • Tag within 3–5 cm of the phone's NFC antenna (battery-free models) or within 10 cm (billboard model).
  • For HPZ-ST-BILLBOARD-DISPLAY-1: battery charged above 10% via USB-C before updating.

Writing Content to a Tag​

Use the HPzenAi app to select a content template, fill in the details, then tap the phone to the tag to write.

Steps​

  • Open the HPzenAi app and tap Smart Tags in the main menu.
  • Tap Write to Tag.
  • Select a content template: Price Label, Product Info, QR Code, ID Card, Shelf Label, Billboard Notice, or Custom Text.
  • Fill in the content fields — text, price, name, QR code URL, or image as required by the template.
  • Tap Prepare Update — the app compiles the display image and readies the NFC write payload.
  • Hold the back of the phone flat against the tag surface with the NFC antenna area over the tag.
  • Keep the phone still and do not lift it until you feel the vibration or hear the confirmation tone — typically 1–3 seconds.
  • The app displays an Update Successful message when the write completes.

Finding the NFC Antenna on Your Phone​

The NFC antenna position varies by phone model. If the tag does not respond immediately, move the phone slowly across the tag surface until the update begins.

Steps​

  • iPhone: NFC antenna is at the top of the device — position the top third of the phone back over the tag.
  • Samsung Galaxy: NFC antenna is in the centre of the device back — position the middle of the phone back over the tag.
  • Google Pixel: NFC antenna is in the upper-centre of the device back.
  • If unsure of your phone's NFC position, check the manufacturer's specifications or search online for your model.

Updating Billboard Tags (HPZ-ST-BILLBOARD-DISPLAY-1)​

The LiPo-powered billboard uses its built-in battery to drive the larger display refresh. Follow these additional steps for the billboard model.

Steps​

  • Confirm the billboard battery is charged — charge via the USB-C port on the tag if the battery indicator is low.
  • The billboard NFC antenna is located behind the display panel — position the phone NFC antenna directly over the display area.
  • The NFC update range for the billboard is up to 10 cm — greater than battery-free models due to the larger internal antenna.
  • Hold the phone within 10 cm of the billboard display until the update confirmation is received.
  • The billboard display refreshes with a full black-white cycle before showing the new content — this is normal and takes 2–4 seconds.
  • The billboard can be updated while wall-mounted if the phone can be positioned within range.

Performing a Full Display Refresh​

A full refresh clears display ghosting and resets the E-Ink pixels for a clean image. Do a full refresh whenever you notice faint remnants of previous content.

Steps​

  • Open the HPzenAi app and navigate to Smart Tags.
  • Select the tag you want to refresh.
  • Tap Full Refresh.
  • Hold the phone against the tag as normal — the display will cycle through black and white before showing the refreshed content.
  • A full refresh takes 2–4 seconds, compared to 1–2 seconds for a partial update.

Tips for Reliable Updates​

Steps​

  • Always use the latest version of the HPzenAi app — updates include NFC optimisations and new content templates.
  • Keep the tag surface clean and free from metallic stickers, foil labels, or conductive materials that block NFC.
  • Do not attempt NFC updates through thick card, metal shelving, or metal door frames — these absorb the NFC field.
  • For high-volume retail environments, assign a dedicated staff tablet or phone for tag updates to maintain consistent NFC antenna positioning.
  • After any firmware update to the HPzenAi app, perform a test write on one tag before updating your full tag inventory.