When we last checked in on iBeacon technology, we were watching it unveil on the retail front and making predictions about where the technology would possibly expand to. Well, some exciting things have been happening on the iBeacon front. We’re starting to see the iBeacon technology pop up in all sorts of different locations and it’s pretty interesting to see the wide range of uses that businesses have found within the technology.
Where exactly has iBeacon technology expanded into?
Starbucks: During the keynote of the WWDC a few weeks ago, Apple revealed a new iBeacon feature in iOS 8 that will allow the Starbucks app to reveal itself on the lock screen of your phone when it detects an iBeacon at a participating Starbucks location.
Pebble: Pebble smartwatches are pretty huge right now and watches now use iBeacon to detect the proximity of your Pebble to your iPhone so you can use your watch to find your phone.
Happy Hour Pal: This is a Honolulu-based startup that helps consumers search for happy hour specials. The iBeacon technology allows businesses to send push notifications to nearby customers’ smartphones within about 250 feet.
Mingleton: This is a dating app and this one is pretty interesting. The app itself allows people in a bar to start chat conversations before they know exactly who they’re talking to. They’re using iBeacons it a step further and if they decide to meet the app will use iBeacon to find the other interested party.
Home Automation Systems: Apps like “Launch Here” allows you to put beacons around your house. Then, when you get close to a beacon an app will automatically launch on your phone (ex: sitting on the couch in front of the TV a TV remote app will launch).
Android: Android apps that have been created by an individual retailer can access the iBeacon platform for Android 4.3 or higher. A special SDK must be downloaded by Android users to access the notifications and interactivity with iBeacon.
Classrooms: a new app called “BeHere” allows automatic classroom attendance to be taken and also gives students the ability to press a button on their phones to signal from help from the teacher.
Virgin Atlantic: They have installed iBeacons in their Upper Class section of the terminal at the London Heathrow Airport. The beacon then triggers an app to automatically show a passenger’s boarding pass when they approach the gate.
Shortwave: This new app uses iBeacon technology to turn your smartphone into a location-based anonymous messenger. It allows you to talk to anyone else using the app within a 70-foot radius.
iBeacon technology is slowly catching on across all sorts of markets. Do you know of any more companies other than retail brands that are using this technology? How are they using it? Feel free to post below with comments or questions!
