What is Beacons?
Beacons are small, inexpensive Bluetooth low energy devices that broadcast identifiable signals up to about 50 meters. Mobile apps and devices with Bluetooth capability can detect these signals when in close proximity to a beacon and trigger location-based actions and features.
For example, a retailer may place beacons throughout a store. As customers with the retailer's app walk around, their app detects the beacons' signals. The app can then send customers location-based notifications, coupons or product information. Or an airport may use beacons to provide location-specific flight updates to travelers.
Compared to GPS or WiFi triangulation for location services, beacons provide more precise micro-location accuracy down to 1-3 meters. They also work indoors where GPS typically fails. This enables a variety of micro-interaction and contextual computing use cases based on precise proximity to a specific point.
Beacons help enable the Internet of Things by allowing devices and environments to respond contextually to nearby users and devices. Setup is easy, with battery-powered beacons simple to deploy and maintain for years at a time.
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