The iBeacon is one of the great novelties of the iOS7 system and can have a great impact on trade, since as its name suggests, it's a beacon.
The iBeacon system could allow a store to install the wireless transmitters, which connect via Bluetooth Low Energy, to an iPhone and tell the phone its location with respect to products, the store and other options.
The iPhone could carry out many additional functionalities if it is equipped with specific applications.
Apple says it has started to stock up on iBeacon transmitters and that in the next few days they will begin installing these sensors in many of its stores in the United States. These transmitters will be placed on the tables that house the products, in addition to the accessory sections. The technology will serve as a way to both improve Apple's shopping experience, and at the same time, seek to increase the sale of products.
The technology may be used in conjunction with the next update of the App Store from Apple. The service will allow customers to upload a product and then receive a notification on their iPhone with additional information, such as prices and its features. The application combined with iBeacons will serve as a "Smart Sign".
For Apple's flagship devices, such as Macs and iPads, the system could allow a customer to receive a notification about the next related workshop session with the product. It could also be used to locate the waiting customers for the next appointments of the Genius Bar, it could be used for the presentation of the announcements or offers related to nearby products or even for the purchase of products with greater security through the Apple Store app.
Users can choose to not receive these alerts.
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Source - Apple Stores to implement iBeacon location technology to improve service, boost sales