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.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Open Source Beacons
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new applications for open source beacons that can communicate privately.
- Cross Platform Compatibility
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create devices and software that can seamlessly connect and interact across different platforms.
- Ephemeral Identifiers
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore secure identification and communication systems using ephemeral identifiers.
Sectors Adopting This
- Retail
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement open source beacon technology to enhance customer experiences and improve in-store navigation.
- Hospitality
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize open source beacons to personalize guest experiences and provide seamless connectivity throughout hotels and resorts.
- Transportation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop secure identification and tracking systems using open source beacons for luggage, keys, and other valuable items.
