Bluetooth beacons are small wireless devices that broadcast Bluetooth signals to nearby smartphones and other devices. They are an important component of location-based services and proximity marketing.
What are Bluetooth Beacons?
A Bluetooth beacon is a small wireless transmitter that uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to send signals to compatible mobile devices and applications nearby. The signal contains a unique identifier that can be detected by apps running on smartphones, tablets and other devices.
Bluetooth beacons have a typical range of 50 meters indoors and around 100 meters outdoors. They are often used to provide location-based information and services to users in proximity. For example, a museum may deploy a network of Bluetooth beacons so that visitors with a compatible app can get extra information about exhibits as they walk around.
Bluetooth beacon technology was originally developed by Apple and introduced at their Worldwide Developers Conference in 2013. It has since been adopted by Google and others under the open Bluetooth Beacon specifications.
Beacon Hardware
The most common type of beacon hardware is a small USB-powered device about the size of a deck of cards. Most beacons have built-in batteries that last 1-2 years before needing replacement. They emit Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals at regular intervals, like a lighthouse.
Major beacon manufacturers include Estimote, Kontakt.io, Radius Networks and Gimbal. Prices for beacon hardware have fallen steadily and consumer-grade beacons can now be purchased for $5-$30 per unit.
Beacon Software and Protocols
In order for Bluetooth beacons to communicate with mobile apps and other programs, they must broadcast signals using agreed-upon software protocols and data formats.
The most widely used protocol for Bluetooth beacons is called Eddystone. It was developed by Google and defines how the beacon identifier data is structured in the broadcast signal.
Another common protocol is iBeacon, which was created by Apple. It is based on a similar data format as Eddystone. Developers typically build apps to work with either Eddystone or iBeacon protocols.
Uses for Bluetooth Beacons
Bluetooth beacons have many promising uses across a variety of industries:
- Retail – Provide deals, product info, indoor navigation in stores
- Museums – Audio tours, interactive exhibits and maps
- Hotels – Guest greeting and room unlocking, indoor navigation
- Offices – Conference room scheduling, employee location monitoring
- Airports/Transit – Gate information, navigation assistance
- Events – Ticketing, merchandise deals, parking payment
The potential services and capabilities enabled by Bluetooth beacons are only beginning to be explored. As adoption increases, they promise to provide robust location-aware experiences, especially indoors where GPS loses accuracy.