iBeacon introduction and overview

iBeaconApple's answer to Near Field CommunicationChristian Glover Wilson December 2013

Contents

Considerations

iBeacon Demo

Implementation Opportunities

What is Apple iBeacon?

What is Apple iBeacon?

Apple iBeacon

There is a lot of talk about what iBeacon might mean for micro-location and wireless payments. . .

iBeacon is an Apple software development kit (SDK) for the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Proximity profile.

A feature of Bluetooth 4.0 built to consume low

amounts of energy.

A small Bluetooth transmitting device which talks to BLE enabled devices.

What is iBeacon?

• Bluetooth LE proximity profile

• Beacon ‘characteristics’

• Existing iOS Location APIs integration

• 128 bit encryption

• Bluetooth LE for Android

Technology behind iBeaconiBeacon SDK

What can a Beacon tell us?

Proximity

Beacons report:• The iBeacon identity ID• A short phrase• Proximity• Accuracy of proximity measure

What can a Beacon tell us?

Triangulation

• Proximity to several beacons can provide precise location by triangulation

• The more dense the beacons, the greater the precision

What can a Beacon tell us?

• Optimal range of 10-50 meters

• Android OS 4.3 and above, iPhone 4s and

above, PCs, Laptops

• Security built-in

• Cost $20-30

• Optimal range of 4cm

• Android, some PCs

• Reliant on security of app implementation

• Cost 10c per tag

Bluetooth LE vs NFCBluetooth

Bluetooth in Action - Apple TV set upBluetooth

Tap phone against the TV for your first iTunes sign in. Eradicates the need to use Apple TV remote to enter letters one at a time.

Bluetooth in Action - PayPal Hands-free wireless paymentsBluetooth

PayPal its soon to release Bluetooth 4.0 dongle device which will make it easier to pay with PayPal than a credit card.

• Knows who you are when you walk in. • Extending PayPal’s reach to POS.• Check-in to pay; no need to open application. • 10-50 meter range.•Geo-fencing and micro-location.

Bluetooth in Action - Bluetooth tracking devicesBluetooth

• 4.1 mm thick• Buzzer and light• Alert when something gets out of

range & moves closer in range• Lasts up to 1 year• Use on pets, keys, luggage, car

iBeacons in Action - MLBBluetooth

• Partnered with Citi Field• Guide to the park and to your seat• Auto display tickets at gate• Location based ads & information

Bluetooth in Action - Apple StoresBluetooth

iBeacons in Action - Macy’s and shopkickBluetooth

• Partnership with shopkick• Deals offered on store entry• Beacons by particular items for special offers

What can act as an iBeacon?The Beacon

iOS 7 devices: iPhones and iPads Dedicated Beacon hardware

Hardware BeaconsThe Beacon

Blue Cats

Raspberry Pi

EstimoteRoximity Qualcomm

Implementation Opportunities

Retail OpportunitiesImplementation Opportunities

Route FindingImplementation Opportunities

Electronic DisplaysImplementation Opportunities

Museums, exhibitions, zoos, etcImplementation Opportunities

AnalyticsImplementation Opportunities

• Knowing user’s location allows powerful analytics

• Can inform store layout, staff deployment, etc

Passbook integrationImplementation Opportunities

• Coupons pushed directly to Passbook• Passes presented based on geo-fencing,

enriched based on micro-fencing• Receipts immediately viewable

Considerations

Considerations

• Too easy to spam with messages! • User must have Bluetooth enabled• Interference is an issue, especially in built up areas• Range can be affected severely by density of people,

position of walls, etc• Testing is vital to tailor the experience to the space• Calibration of the beacons is essential as well as their

spacing

iBeacon in Action - a demo

A second traveler explores the airport terminal and receives personalized coupons on his phone from nearby stores, markets and restaurants.Coupons

Coupons sent to a user’s phone based on their interests

Menu Board

A menu board personalized to the diner

Bill Payment

A restaurant bill paid by touching a phone to an iPad

Christian Glover Wilson, VP, Technology & [email protected] | +1 917 310 5249

Contact Information