Understanding iBeacon Technology

iBeacon or Beacon as its sometimes known as, is a abouttechinfo that allows mobile App users to listen for signals from beacons in the physical world. The iBeacon technology allows mobile Apps to deliver hyper-contextual content to users based on a location. This technology makes use of Bluetooth low energy.

Bluetooth Low Technology

This is technology that is used for transmitting data over short distances. From its name, this technology consumes very low energy. According to the creators of the App, the Bluetooth low technology can last up to 3 years on a single coin cell battery.

When it comes to cost, the technology is 60-80% cheaper than traditional Bluetooth.

Bluetooth low energy is ideal for simple applications that require small periodic transfers of data. Classic Bluetooth is the most preferred type of Bluetooth.

How iBeacon Works

As mentioned, the beacons installed in your phone listen to transmitted signals and respond accordingly when the phone comes into range. For example, if you pass a beacon in a shop, the retailer’s shop will display a special offer alert for you. If you visit a museum, the museum’s app will provide you with special information about the closest display.

iBeacon is a big deal as it allows brands, apps, and retailers to understand where the customers are in the brick and mortar environment. Since the involved parties know where the customers are, they are able to send valuable messages and advertisements in the customer’s phone.

How The Technology Differs From Other Technologies

There are a number of ways in which iBeacon differs from other location-based technologies. One of the differences is that iBeacon is a one way transmitter to the receiving device. You also must have installed the iBeacons app in your device for you to interact with the beacons.

Points To Note

Although, the iBeacon technology is designed to pass advertisements, the adverts won’t be a bother to you as the technology doesn’t send useless messages. Also, the technology won’t deliver notifications until a given threshold is attained.

If you are receiving a lot of notifications, you can stop them by changing the permissions. You can also stop the notifications by switching off Bluetooth or by uninstalling the iBeacon app.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about iBeacon. Although, the technology was started with the aim of sending adverts and letting consumers know about available offers, it’s now being used for other functions such as money transfer.