# Open Source Beacons Google's Eddystone is an Open BLE Beacon Format That Can Communicate Privately By Alyson Wyers | Published 2015-07-15 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eddystone References: [mashable](http://mashable.com/2015/07/15/google-eddystone-beacons/) & [googledevelopers.blogspot](http://googledevelopers.blogspot.ca/2015/07/lighting-way-with-ble-beacons.html?linkId=15518168) [Google](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-find-my-device) recently announced Eddystone -- open source beacons that will provide some competition for [Apple's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-square) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chipolo-one-point). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### 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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Open Source Wearable APIs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/open-wearables.md) - [Device-Locating Digital Ecosystems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-find-my-device.md) - [Ecosystem-Enabled Universal Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-square.md) - [IoT-Enabled Driving Safety Beacons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sigfox.md) - [Bluetooth Finder Tags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aircard-pro-and-airnotch-pro.md) - [Tracking Device Safety Implementations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antistalking-measures.md) - [Accessibility-Focused Wireless Technologies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluetooth-special-interest-group.md) - [Hidden Tracker-Detecting Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bluesleuthlite.md) - [Sleek Compact Tracker Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pebblebee-tag.md)