The unveiling of iBeacon technology in 2013 by Apple generated a lot of buzz. Even today beacon devices remain the most fascinating devices to hit the internet of things. Beacon is here to stay and has immense potential. Now is the time to get serious in your business about the impact of these devices.
Table of Contents
To start, what is the beacon technology?
Let us examine iBeacon technology’s technological details in more detail. Fundamentally, iBeacon is a Bluetooth low-energy proximity-detecting protocol created by Apple. Nearby mobile devices with appropriate apps or operating systems receive data transmitted via beacons. Based on location awareness, these signals can initiate a range of actions, including sending content or notifications to users.
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iBeacon technology sends signals to surrounding mobile devices via small Bluetooth-enabled gadgets known as beacons. Apps can utilize these signals to determine when a user is close to a particular area and then display appropriate notifications or content. Due to its ability to provide focused and customized consumer encounters, this functionality holds great potential for various businesses, including the Retail Industry, Museums, Travel Industry, Hospitality Industry, and more.
iBeacon’s concept uses Bluetooth Low Energy, or BLE, signals to detect proximity. Users’ devices detect the signals from these beacons when they travel inside their range, which causes pre-programmed actions within the relevant apps to start. The way businesses communicate with their clients is revolutionized by this seamless integration of digital experiences and real venues, which also increases user engagement.
What is BLE?
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), a wireless technology, transmits small amounts of data over short distances efficiently. Initially called Wibree, BLE was included in Bluetooth 4.0 in 2009. Slower than traditional Bluetooth, it connects low-data-rate devices. BLE aims to revolutionize low-energy devices like beacons and smart gadgets. Its low power requirement enables long battery life, lasting months or years on a button battery.
Beacon did not have any data on them. They did not connect to the internet. They are very simple devices. They have a university identifier. This technology is extremely safe, and secure and has a particular purpose that it intends to fulfill.
A revolutionary development in customer involvement and proximity marketing is iBeacon technology. Through the innovative application of BLE signals and accurate location tracking, businesses may improve user experiences, increase revenue, and cultivate brand loyalty. The adoption of iBeacon technology is poised to alter how people interact with physical areas and effortlessly get pertinent information as smart environments and linked devices continue to improve.
The foundational communication structure for iBeacon technology is provided by Bluetooth Low Energy. It provides two fundamental modes of communication: two-way Bluetooth connection-based communication and one-way Bluetooth advertising-based communication. In most beacon applications, devices emit signals to adjacent receivers in a one-way communication style.
A 21-byte payload is a specific format for data transmission defined by the iBeacon protocol. A Universally Unique Identifier (UUID), a major value, a minor value, and a signal power value are all included in this payload. These characteristics aid in recognizing and differentiating between certain beacons and the locations or points of interest they are connected to.
Even with the phone locked or the app running in the background, region monitoring is still possible. The beacon communicates with the receiving device in a **one-way** manner. Users can only be tracked as they travel about the transmitters by the installed app, not by the beacon. There are several different iBeacon-compatible transmitters, such as USB sticks, tiny coin cell devices, and standard USB dongles with Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities.
The Light House Analogy…
Let’s break down iBeacon technology using the analogy of a lighthouse. The beacon has only one simple purpose: to send out a single and say ‘I am here’. It is unaware of any mobile devices around it. It doesn’t connect to them. It doesn’t steal their data. It just sends signals saying hey I am here, I am a Beacon, just like how the lighthouse does. The lighthouse doesn’t see the ship but the ship does see the lighthouse. In the same way, Beacon devices work.
To illustrate…
To better understand how iBeacon technology works in practice, let us examine a scenario at a museum display. Each beacon in the gallery is uniquely identified by its major, minor, and UUID values, which serve to pinpoint its position and specific displays. An app on visitors’ phones detects the corresponding beacon signals when they approach different artworks and open relevant content or information.
iBeacon technology offers a powerful tool for enhancing customer experiences and engagement in a range of contexts. Using BLE signals and precise location monitoring, businesses may offer clients tailored information, promotions, and services based on how close they are to specific locations. The increasing impact of technology on the retail, hotel, and other industries will determine the direction of location-based services and personalized experiences in the future.
A beacon can be any gadget with a Bluetooth capability awareness antenna. All gadgets, including small battery-powered devices, iPhones, and Android phones, can transmit packets that can be understood as beacons. Beacons often work with any platform. The original creator of the iBeacon protocol was Apple.
There is a common misconception that Apple owns Beacon or regarding the distinction between Beacon and iBeacon. As was previously said, a Beacon is a physical device with Bluetooth capabilities that can transmit packets. Conversely, iBeacon functions as a layer within that packet. Various layers from various sources are possible. Not just Apple products can use beacons and iBeacons. They provide you access to all of your customer base. For instance, Google created Eddystone, a protocol akin to the iBeacon standard for iOS and Android smartphones. Other beacon protocols that exist include GeoBeacon and AltBeacon.
What can Beacon be used for?
- Beacons can improve in-store experiences, foster customer loyalty, and increase revenue.
- Beacons automate tasks like turning on/off lights or opening garage doors without buttons.
- Beacon technology offers contextual details, like extra information during aquarium visits.
- Restaurants can use beacons to let customers order and view menus digitally.
- Indoor navigation can be made easier with beacons.
These represent merely the very beginning. Depending on the business’s creativity, there are countless applications for this technology.
For more information about the application of iBeacon Technology please visit our blog How iBeacon Technology Has Marked Its Presence In The Mobile App World In Different Business Verticals?
Ever since this technology became available, businesses have been using beacons to enhance their operations.
- Virgin Atlantic used beacons at London’s Heathrow Airport to notify first-class travelers of electronic boarding passes and onboard entertainment.
- Numerous well-known retailers, like Walmart, Macy’s, Target, and others, have made significant investments in this technology to provide customized shopping experiences.
- Major stores like Lord & Taylor, Timberland, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, CVS, and Target have already incorporated beacon technology to elevate in-store shopping experiences.
- MLB and Apple used iBeacons in MLB stadiums. iPhone users with the MLB Ballpark app received push notifications when near an iBeacon. And thousands of more are there.
Beacon vs GPS and NFC
In the context of location-based services, beacon, GPS, and NFC (Near Field Communication) technologies have distinct functions. GPS uses satellite signals to pinpoint a user’s exact location when they are outside. Due to signal constraints, it is less useful indoors but great for tracking and navigation over long distances. NFC, on the other hand, has to be in close proximity to other devices in order to start a conversation (usually within a few centimeters). It is frequently utilized for data transfer between devices, access control systems, and contactless payments.
Beacon technology uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to determine whether a user is close to a certain place. More precise location information is available than with GPS, making it perfect for indoor settings. Beacons are flexible and can cause mobile devices to perform certain tasks, such as sending out tailored material or notifications in response to a user’s proximity to a beacon.
GPS works well for outdoor navigation, NFC allows for close-quarters communication between devices, and beacons work well for inside context-aware experiences. Every technology has advantages and uses, and they can work in concert to improve user experiences and spur creative thinking in a variety of contexts.
Conclusion
The most advantageous feature of beacon technology is its ability to identify consumers in physical stores using any mobile operating system. Beacons can deliver relevant advertisements and encourage contactless activities like cashless payments and electronic check-in procedures in addition to boosting loyalty.
The potential of beacon technology begins where GPS falters. Beacons can enhance the shopping experience for customers not only in retail establishments but also at museums by providing more details about various exhibitions. The technique can also be used to determine which product sections people visit most and least frequently
Also read: Different Usages of iBeacon Technology
Also read: Benefits of iBeacon Technology and its Future
CDN for iBeacon?
We at CDN Solutions Group can assist you in developing a feature-rich mobile application integrated with your beacon device to make a cutting-edge iBeacon application solution.
Improve the user experience of your clients through our iBeacon application development services, and increase sales and revenue generation from this beautiful vicinity-based Technology.
We have the most talented group of experts with explicit knowledge and experience in iBeacon Application development. Allow us to offer you amazing business solutions by consolidating them with the leading and trend-setting innovations.
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