Turn off the Ad Banner  

To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.

    -----------------------------------------------

     This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,

     located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.

    -----------------------------------------------

Appeared on: Saturday, December 7, 2013
Apple Knows Where you Are Inside Its Stores With iBeacon

While GPS will guide you how to get to the nearest Apple store, iBeacon has been designed to guide you around once you're inside.

On Friday, Apple began using the iBeacon technology at its U.S. stores to send you messages about products, events and other information - tailored to where you are inside. Of course, in order to get the information you'll have to download the Apple Store app give it permission to send notices based on your location. You must have Bluetooth turned on and have the latest operating system, iOS 7.

IOS devices using iBeacon send out signals through Bluetooth. If the signal reaches multiple Apple devices at the same time, each of those devices will display the notification at the same time. iBeacon will display a notification customized to individual users is when a user has ordered an item online and has come to an Apple Store to pick it up.

In-store location technology raises privacy concerns. Apple said that it does not collect information about shoppers inside its stores. The company said notices are triggered when the app senses a location beacon nearby, without Apple's beacon needing to even know you're there.

Google, Microsoft and other tech companies will likely follow suit with their own location technology.

Tweet