Apple Inc. ‘s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iBeacon technology is still the “King of the Hill” in regards to the beacons, but its success is spawning many imitators who are taking new devices in interesting directions. Although none of these companies poses no threat to the powerful Cupertino company, present an interesting portrait of how Apple acts as a trigger for innovation, opening new fields where other then pursue the possibilities that branch in all directions from the trunk of the main idea. “”
Some of the most notable examples include:
MTI, a Japanese company, offers a headlamp system that prevents Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), such as those used by iBeacons connections. Instead, their positioning beacons transmit signals through 20 kilohertz sound, too low for the human ear to detect but easily picked up by the microphones of smartphones, even in noisy conditions. This helps avoid the “Bluetooth congestion” caused by excess beacons operating in a confined area.
Slightly less accurate, i2Cat uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) to provide location services by ambient light sensor signaling a smartphone. This technique can not accurately determine the location of the iPhone within 3 feet, but can provide position data for less demanding applications.
Gimbal Geofence functions more like a traditional iBeacon, with BLE, but adds encryption schematics beacon. This blocks all applications from using a store beacons except for special applications store design themselves. Several different variants in the headlight design is also included in the range of gimbal, including those that focus on the performance of proximity, geofencing, and “detection of interests” which adjusts the headlamp experience to individual interests end users.
While smaller companies have come up with a smorgasbord of fascinating beacon variants and even some technologies that exceed the usefulness of iBeacon own, none of these new companies are likely to leave even come close to Apple (AAPL) of its position dominant in the world of information geofencing.
Signature Tim Cooks’ already secured the business of larger players such as American Airlines and Major League Baseball. After investing in iBeacons, these companies are not likely to discard their sunk costs for any alternative however brave and resourceful David trying to take the Cupertino Goliath. Moreover, Apple (AAPL) offers the inestimable advantage of being fully integrated remote “ecosystem” – as noted by American Airlines, the decision to use iBeacons was easy, since approximately 85% of the company’s customers used aviation support iOS mobile devices.
Source: Apple iBeacon competitors
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