Apple's iBeacon uses Bluetooth technology to enable micro-location capabilities. iBeacons can detect nearby iOS devices and send them targeted messages and coupons. Retailers are implementing iBeacons to provide customized offers, interactive maps, and digital signage. Challenges include preventing message spam and ensuring beacons work reliably across varying environments.

1. iBeacon
Apple's answer to Near Field Communication
Christian Glover Wilson
December 2013

2. Contents
Considerations
iBeacon Demo
Implementation Opportunities
What is Apple iBeacon?

3. What is Apple iBeacon?

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

6. 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?

7. • Bluetooth LE proximity profile
• Beacon ‘characteristics’
• Existing iOS Location APIs integration
• 128 bit encryption
• Bluetooth LE for Android
Technology behind iBeacon
iBeacon SDK

8. What can a Beacon tell us?

9. Proximity
Beacons report:
• The iBeacon identity ID
• A short phrase
• Proximity
• Accuracy of proximity measure
What can a Beacon tell us?

10. 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?

11. • 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 NFC
Bluetooth

12. Bluetooth in Action - Apple TV set up
Bluetooth
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.

13. Bluetooth in Action - PayPal Hands-free wireless payments
Bluetooth
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.

14. Bluetooth in Action - Bluetooth tracking devices
Bluetooth
• 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

15. iBeacons in Action - MLB
Bluetooth
• Partnered with Citi Field
• Guide to the park and to your seat
• Auto display tickets at gate
• Location based ads & information

16. Bluetooth in Action - Apple Stores
Bluetooth

17. iBeacons in Action - Macy’s and shopkick
Bluetooth
• Partnership with shopkick
• Deals offered on store entry
• Beacons by particular items for special offers

18. What can act as an iBeacon?
The Beacon
iOS 7 devices: iPhones and iPads Dedicated Beacon hardware

19. Hardware Beacons
The Beacon
Blue Cats
Raspberry Pi
EstimoteRoximity
Qualcomm

20. Implementation Opportunities

21. Retail Opportunities
Implementation Opportunities

22. Route Finding
Implementation Opportunities

23. Electronic Displays
Implementation Opportunities

24. Museums, exhibitions, zoos, etc
Implementation Opportunities

25. Analytics
Implementation Opportunities
• Knowing user’s location
allows powerful analytics
• Can inform store layout, staff
deployment, etc

26. Passbook integration
Implementation Opportunities
• Coupons pushed directly to Passbook
• Passes presented based on geo-fencing,
enriched based on micro-fencing
• Receipts immediately viewable

27. Considerations

28. 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

29. iBeacon in Action - a demo

30. 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

31. Menu Board
A menu board
personalized to the diner

32. Bill Payment
A restaurant bill
paid by touching a
phone to an iPad

33. Christian Glover Wilson, VP, Technology & Strategy
christian.gloverwilson@tigerspike.com | +1 917 310 5249
Contact Information