What is an iBeacon?
If you’ve recently been to the cinema, your local shopping centre, a sports stadium or even a restaurant there’s a high chance you’ve passed by an iBeacon.
An iBeacon is a small device that transmits Bluetooth signals. It was first implemented by Apple and was their star innovation of Bluetooth low-energy (BLE) wireless technology with a goal to provide location-based data and services for its iOS platform. iBeacons can now be recognised by Android devices too.
The technology allows Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices with the appropriate app installed to establish its distance from an iBeacon. This communication helps devices be more accurately location-aware, especially in indoor locations. Prior to iBeacons most mobile apps would (and still do) rely solely on GPS. GPS can work fine in open spaces but once a user is surrounded by high buildings or underground, location tracking isn’t as accurate.
iBeacons come in all shapes and sizes starting from something not much bigger than the size of a thumb to a size of a clenched fist. They’re powered by batteries and last anything from 3 months to 2 years. Pricing can vary from $10 to $80 depending on casing and battery types and there are many different manufacturers building them.
They can be placed in shops, restaurants or anywhere businesses would like to interact with people based on close proximity. We have been working on the Everythere mobile app, which integrates iBeacon technology. Everythere’s first client was WA Museum where they placed iBeacons next to objects of interest. As museum visitors came close to a particular object, media displayed on their device offering them a digital layer of detail.
These nifty devices are very useful but they do have their time and place and in some cases GPS is enough so before purchasing a bunch of these for your app compare the pros and cons thoroughly.
