iBeacons in Sports – Proximity matters!

By the end of 2013, Apple in the United States to build more than 200 Apple Store iBeacon base station, providing in-store wireless communication systems. When a user holds iOS7 phone or tablet PC into the store, they will receive store discounts and other promotional messages. Google's Android 4.5 update in the new "Nearby" function and iBeacon like, Google will iBeacon as a competitor action is obvious. And GPS positioning technology is different, iBeacon can be applied to a variety of non-GPS signals indoors.

iBeacon is simply the use of geographic location to receive notification service. Developed by Apple Inc., iBeacons is based on low-power Bluetooth technology (Bluetooth Low Energy, which is Bluetooth 4.0) indoor positioning system, when the device is automatically created into iBeacon after the signal area, the corresponding APP program will receive push messages. Plus the resource consumption is very small, a small battery-powered one or two years time, and successfully overcome geographic limitations, restaurant, exhibition hall, department store, does not have any indoor GPS signals, making it easy to apply to various business activities, it is no wonder the Apple R & D, Google also came to grab market share. Apple developing this technology is not limited to iOS system to use, even if Android or Window Phone handset can accept information iBeacon issued.

With the popularity of smart phones and wireless technology, so Social, Local, Mobile three can be more closely and seamless. In social terms, means of communication between people through iBeacon become more diverse, for example, you can use this technique never met a stranger and say hello in the department; while waiting in line, you can also invite people around you game together, spend their time. The localized LBS services and mobile applications can integrate online and offline activities and resources, real-time conversion of target customers to take action with respect to the actual situation of integrated marketing activities have a positive impact.

iBeacon positioning accuracy is extremely high, so that errors can be reduced in less than 1 cm, the system can not solve the GPS precise positioning indoors distress. In addition, GPS positioning for the battery life of the device is a big challenge, but iBeacon advent of technology can continue to navigate for users without consuming a lot of electricity in the case. With high accurate positioning features, iBeacon not only be used in commercial activities, and even classrooms, tutorial classes, seminars and other activities of this technology can be applied as long as with a cell phone, the students walked into the classroom, the teacher will be able to automatically "roll call." completed, NBA, MLB and other major sports events are also offered fans the stadium application iBeacon navigation and location services push message.

http://www.sporttechie.com/2014/03/24/how-can-the-digital-marketers-of-mlb-teams-capitalize-on-the-new-ibeacon-systems-being-installed-in-ball-parks/