Introduction to iBeacon and BLE

iBeacons are small devices that transmit data via Bluetooth Low Energy, this technology presents incredible opportunities for live events.

Smartphones can detect these signals as well as transmit data as iBeacons. When within range of an iBeacon, events like push notifications and server calls can be triggered inside apps.

As business owners, mobile marketers and developers, iBeacon technology presents us an incredible opportunity to build sophisticated, proximity based apps to solve problems and engage customers.

In this talk, we’ll explore:

1. What are iBeacons and BLE?
2. How to detect iBeacons inside your apps
3. How to make your iOS device act as an iBeacon
4. Potential applications / Apps using iBeacon

Introduction to iBeacon and Bluetooth Low Energy

As iBeacon technology becomes an integrated part of the smartphone experience, it presents incredible opportunities for live events.

By eliminating friction at registration and delivering relevant information when attendees need it most, iBeacon enables conference organizers to deliver a more concierge-like experience.

Julius Solaris, Editor of the Event Manager Blog, shares 9 ways he sees iBeacon transforming face-to-face meetings.

9 Ways iBeacon Will Transform Events

Demos:

iBeacon Hardware Demo Example

In this iBeacon demo, we discuss Bluetooth Low Energy chips and show a number of different beacon options. We cover what values an ibeacon advertises, Apple’s advertising wrapper, key items to consider when evaluating beacons, and the ibeacons we plan to use in our custom apps and soon to be released ibeacon platform.

iBeacon Starbucks Ordering

In this iBeacon demo, we show an advertising and order process simulation for Starbucks. This same example is applicable to any other location where you might enter a store and wait in line to place an order, and probably your favorite lunch spot or restaurant. Here a person enters Starbucks, is presented with some information and places an order which is transferred to the counter for processing and completion. All without ever getting in line. Imagine the magical experience this would be for any store or restaurant, and the operational efficiencies it would enable.