iBeacon is a Bluetooth-based indoor positioning system enabling location-aware experiences. The major use cases of iBeacon include:
- Retail: iBeacons in stores can push coupons, product information and promotions to nearby shoppers’ smartphones. This allows more targeted marketing and improves shopping experience.
- Indoor Navigation: A network of iBeacons combined with positioning algorithms provides accurate indoor navigation and wayfinding in venues like airports, museums, malls. Users get turn-by-turn directions.
- Information Guide: iBeacons can send contextual notifications and location-based tips to users in proximity. For instance, details about an exhibit when a museum visitor is close to it.
- Offline to Online: iBeacons enable connecting offline experiences to online channels via mobile apps. Stores can let customers check-in, get coupons, vote simply by shaking their phones near an iBeacon.
- Asset Monitoring: Valuable assets can be tracked in real-time using iBeacons, generating alerts if moved. This prevents theft and loss in banks, hospitals etc.
- Car Locator: iBeacon-based positioning in parking garages helps users quickly locate their parked cars by showing directions on their phones.
In summary, iBeacon technology has a versatile set of application scenarios for proximity marketing, indoor navigation, information discovery, audience engagement and asset monitoring. With innovative solutions, iBeacons are enabling deeper integration of offline and online experiences across industries.
