Google recently announced Eddystone -- open source beacons that will provide some competition for Apple's iBeacon.
The bluetooth beacon platform is both open source and cross platform, which means the small battery-powered devices will be compatible with iOS, Android and other devices. The bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons can trigger actions when a smartphone or tablet device similar to other beacons, similar to the technology that is already in use by many retailers.
However, instead of broadcasting a unique message publicly, Google announced Eddystone has a way of communicating privately to particular individuals. Ephemeral Identifiers (EIDs) enables beacons to send a signal that only "authorized clients" can identify. A possible application of EIDs is secure luggage identification or finding lost keys.
Open Source Beacons
Google's Eddystone is an Open BLE Beacon Format That Can Communicate Privately
Trend Themes
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Open Source Beacons — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new applications for open source beacons that can communicate privately.
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Cross Platform Compatibility — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create devices and software that can seamlessly connect and interact across different platforms.
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Ephemeral Identifiers — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore secure identification and communication systems using ephemeral identifiers.
Industry Implications
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Retail — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement open source beacon technology to enhance customer experiences and improve in-store navigation.
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Hospitality — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize open source beacons to personalize guest experiences and provide seamless connectivity throughout hotels and resorts.
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Transportation — Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop secure identification and tracking systems using open source beacons for luggage, keys, and other valuable items.