Do you know we are already using Beacons? Your mobile itself is a Beacon. Surprised? Yes it is. “Let’s get closer to iBeacon: An example of the emerging Internet of Things”
iBeacon- A new way to experience your surroundings, enabling physical experience using Digital Network.Apple has figured out the technology to use Bluetooth low energy (BLE) naming it iBeacon creating a buzz and getting credit as well. It was first introduced with iOS7. Many technology giants work on BLE but Apple now introduced “A way to connect with real life world”; digitally, based on proximity.
It gives context to users based on precise proximity to the things in the physical world. This is how iBeacon connects “Physical to Digital”. We can say that iBeacon is an example of the emerging Internet of Things (IoT), with this more physical things can be represented digitally.
To understand the functionality of iBeacon technology we need to be aware of few common terminologies:
Proximity (UUID Universal Unique Identifier):
We always talk about proximity but what is it?
“It is the distance between the device and a found iBeacon it uses for the far, near, and immediate values to describe the distance.” We can say this distinguishes your beacon from other Beacon.
Accuracy:
When two or more beacons are placed at the same distance from the device, or if they have the same proximity value, then the accuracy will be determined by the closest one. Its value represents the distance in meters.
Received Signal Strength (RSSI):
It’s the strength of the Bluetooth signal. It depends on two values:
- Major: Used to specify a particular beacon within group
- Minor: Used to identify specific beacon
iBeacon platform support and compatibility: To use Beacons, everyone should have appropriate hardware and software.
- Android.
- Its own creation iOS.
- Forbes points out, Internet of Things Apple iBeacon is already in almost 200 million iOS devices, and that number is rising quickly as people are stepping out for new ones.
We are sure you must be eager to learn “How iBeacon Works”
We have streamlined things to understand the process and functionality of iBeacons
Step 1: Beacon transmits signal to app
Step 2: App traces the beacon signal and sends data to server
Step 3: Server traces app signal, checks beacon DB
Step 4: Server checks content DB
Step 5: Server sends information to mobile device which will be visible as push notification in Apps.
iBeacon is created to enable your phone to do things when you are close to specific location or things, for instance, alerts, notifications etc. Now phones and tablets can see what they are close to.
Where iBeacon can be implemented and use? Check out:
Watches, Tags, Detectors, Automations, Retail Stores, Parks, etc.
Few examples to see how iBeacon app can be used and implemented:
Retail store:
- Interact with customers virtually
- Give offers in new surprising way
- Greet customers when they enter and exit store
- Digital Payments
Sports + Entertainments Parks:
If people pass from sports venue they will get notification about upcoming events, opening day, ongoing events etc.
Automation:
Automatic payment if car passes from toll booth.
Hospitality:
Restaurant that offer ordering and pickup could improve customer experience by notifying guest services automatically and vice versa.
Hotels:
When a user is close or steps in - within a defined distance - the door unlocks.
Hope you understand Apples iBeacon. Now let’s enter into “The World of iBeacon Apps”
So far we have explained how iBeacon apps can change your real life experiences. If you are technology or enterprise giant or a “Creative Thinker” you can get in touch any time with our iBeacon development team.
If you are a developer and wish to learn more, please go ahead and search for more info in the Apple’s official documentation: https://developer.apple.com/ibeacon/. Let’s enter in to the world of “ Internet of Things”.
