iOS7: a new location technology called iBeacons

If we have already been able to see in detail a good part of the new features ofiOS 7in several detailed articles, he
is one that we have not yet talked about and which is hidden under the name of
iBeacons.
If in English, beacon means beacon or alarm signal, we will see in
the sequel that Apple hides under its namea very localization system
accurate based on Bluetoothand more:

Today, to determine its position, the iPhone can rely on two
different sources: GPS and WiFi which both allow you to
give an approximate position within a few meters. If for navigation
exterior this is more than enough, if you want to be interested in navigation
interior then things change greatly and it is absolutely necessary to have
recourse to other, more precise sources.

During the
keynoteApple has not elaborated on the issue and iBeacons is not in
reality only appeared via an inscription on a slide.

If we know a little more today it is thanks to the developers present at
theWWDC 2013.

How does it work?

Technology uses iPhone's Blutooth Low Energy (LE) connectivity
and consumes very little energy. There is therefore nothing to fear for
autonomy.
For the rest, the iPhone will then be able to communicate with small transmitters
very inexpensive and placed anywhere including indoors. So when
the iPhone will come into contact with one of these transmitters, we can imagine that a
action will occur: turn on the light or even unlock a
porte.

Guidance even inside

Obviously, developers are going to take advantage of this technology
and integrate it into their applications. We can imagine, thus quite easily
how iBeacons could guide the visitor to an exhibition in a museum or
even attract his attention as he walks freely among the
oeuvres.
Another application, this technology could help travelers find their way
in the mazes of airports, train stations, metro stations and other places where
it is absolutely impossible to use GPS. She could also
be of great help to visually impaired people.

Beyond simple guidance

If the applications in terms of guidance are likely to be numerous,
iBeacons is also a boon in terms of targeted advertising.
Some companies likeAdomaly
already show support for Apple technology. The company
question claims to be able to offer merchants solutions
allowing the customer to be alerted to a promotion, to offer a discount card
loyalty via Passbook…

The company goes even further and explains that it can replace POS with
this interactive marketing tool by offering good deals, but also
games in store and additional information on this or that product.

iBeacons and NFC

You have understood, it is not the NFC technology intended
talk almost everywhere and which requires the user to be willing to approach
receiver's smartphone. Even though some applications may seem
close, with Bluetooth LE, Apple has chosen another approach which allows
precise location that we talked about above.

In addition to iBeacons, Apple also announced the arrival of AirDrop on iOS
which also uses Bluetooth LE this time to exchange files
quickly. This therefore indicates once again that Apple affirms its choice of
Bluetooth LE especially since its entire range with the exception of the iPhone 4 is
already compatible.

Knowing this, we can say that there is little chance that Apple will launch
one day in NFC in turn, because yes, Bluetooth LE also allows
payment.

Whether it's localization or marketing, chances are
so that we will hear about iBeacons again very soon.

source 1,
source 2