Posts from the ‘Technologies’ Category

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.