What is actually ... a beacon?
The word beacon is derived from the English term for "beacon". In line with this meaning, iBeacons are Bluetooth transmitters that can locate smartphone users within a range of up to 150 meters. All that is required is that the respective user has installed the mobile app on their smartphone that can receive iBeacon signals.
iBeacons are powered by batteries or electricity, transmit in the ms frequency range and are inexpensive to purchase. Apple introduced iBeacon technology in 2013 as an NFC standard based on Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
Push messages can be sent to smartphone users via iBeacons in the form of texts, images and videos. One successful application can be found in the retail sector. Here, iBeacons are used to address customers locally via smartphones with push messages when they are in front of the store or in the store.
On the one hand, this type of customer approach can have a personalized effect on individual shopping experiences and purchasing decisions, but on the other hand it can also improve the orientation of visitors. iBeacons are therefore also used in the areas of outdoor advertising, trade fairs, stadiums, museums and industry.
Term explained by: Max WeilandThe Swiss start-up was appointed to the Goldbach Group's Digital Media Accelerator this year and has already successfully completed a capital increase as part of a financing round.
