iBeacon can open opportunities for IoT in retail

With iBeacon, Apple is going to dump on NFC and embrace the internet of things

The new iOS7 includes a new technology named iBeacon that allows retailers to send data over short distances to consumers.

Based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), iBeacon opens a new dimension by creating a beacon around regions so an app can be alerted when users enter them. Compared with Near field communication (NFC), BLE can transmit over a range of 50 meters while NFC is limited to 20 cm.

This technology opens a wide range of new consumer applications based on indoor geolocation, such as virtual fencing and location-based promotions.

It can also provide an alternative to the ZigBee® protocol for home applications, enabling a wider spread of Smart Home/Internet of Things use cases.