The technology enhances location detection in enclosed, smaller spaces and opens opportunity in the retail sector and beyond that had not previously been easily executed. It can be used to direct customers through a space, provide location based information or even to enable hands free, in store payment options. Retailers can use the technology to push coupons or other relevant messaging to consumers when they enter a store and look at specific products. Major League Baseball is implementing a program that uses the technology to direct fans around ballparks and provides discounts on concessions.
In terms of payment, the technology will allow a consumer to walk into a store, pick and complete their purchase without going through a checkout. Apple is not the only company to introduce hands free payment options. Both PayPal and Square have recently introduced products in this area. The companies are all playing in different levels of the stack. Paypal has provided a hardware solution, software from Square and an OS solution from Apple. It will be interesting how this technology is used in the future and what approach wins.
How do you think it will be used in your sector? What approach do you think will win?
I think iBeacon is under the radar now. I see it as the connection between the machine web (products with RFID sensors) linked to the consumers (mobile web) and making the ease of transactions in stores. Imagine what Apple could do with its TouchID incorporated into Tablets that double up as POS terminals. It is worth looking at a broader architecture of the store and the key actions and interactions by the consumers with the store (including accessing information and perhaps returns as well).. Could lead to efficiency gains as well as stores being seen as more personalized than standardized.
ReplyDeleteiBeacon is a connection between the machine and consumer webs, but it isn't the only one. Apple is not the only one in the game. Paypal and Square are offering payment solutions that solve similar challenges that Apple's iBeacon does. I personally like Apple's approach. They have made it platform agnostic. They are not creating a limiting platform, but rather working with something that will work across several devices and OS.
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