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According to the managing director of Avatar New York, Todd Johnson, “Google recently teamed up with electronic beacon experts to create an open format Bluetooth low energy, or BLE, technology.”
This technology will inspire companies to create new apps that use beacons to communicate with nearby devices. Beacons are devices in commercial areas that can transmit messages or communicate with apps on nearby smartphones.
For example, a beacon can help a person find a bus stop and offer useful information, such as live departure times. Alternatively, a beacon can transmit a discount offer to a nearby store. Any smart device with Bluetooth can interact with a beacon.
Google has named its new, open format technology for BLE beacons “Eddystone.” Anyone can use Eddystone, and it expands the capabilities for beacon systems. Eddystone supports various frame types for multiple use cases. It also supports versioning, which makes it easy to introduce new functions.
A cross-platform technology, Eddystone works with iOS, Android and other operating systems that are compatible with BLE beacons. It is also available on the open source Apache v2.0 license on GitHub, so everyone can access and use it to build targeted apps that engage local consumers.
Eddystone contains Ephemeral Identifiers, which is a security feature that prevents unauthorized decoding. EIDs will enable businesses to help consumers with private matters, such as finding lost keys or luggage.
Companies that use Eddystone for app development will have two major benefits: precise location targeting and improved semantic contexts. Google is adding two new APIs to support these features.
The Nearby API for iOS and Android will make it easier for apps to communicate with beacons and devices for improved context, such as specific art exhibitions or bus stops. The Proximity API will allow developers to associate beacons with semantic location and relevant data, all of which are stored in the cloud.
According to Google, these APIs will work with existing location APIs, such as Places. Furthermore, a simple firmware update will make an existing BLE beacon compliant with Eddystone.
At Eddystone’s core is an extensible, open protocol that offers interoperability. In the near future, Google plans to work with hardware manufacturers to introduce a certification process for Eddystone.
Along with Eddystone, Google is improving its own services and products for beacon use. Google Maps is adding beacon-based transit notifications that offer real-time access to station schedules. Google Now is using contextual information to prioritize relevant cards, such as a restaurant’s menu options.
Beacons are even becoming useful when mobile apps are unavailable. Eddystone beacons will work within the Physical Web project, broadcasting useful URLs that improve people’s interaction with their immediate surroundings.
From a marketing perspective, Eddystone promises relevant information to optimize local targeting. Companies would be wise to consider Eddystone’s technology for their apps.
Avatar New York is an innovating, award-winning New York web design firm dedicated to providing clients with responsive websites that help grow brands and convert visitors to customers. With an expertise in web development, branding, cloud hosting, mobile app development, and CMS and e-commerce solutions, Avatar New York’s top tier designers have the ability to create intelligent websites for any type of business.
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