These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance.
Please be informed that Hubspot, in its capacity of service provider, collects your data on an anonymized basis. If you however submit a form via Hubspot, you acknowledge and agree that your personal data will be used for marketing purposes.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Please be informed that Hubspot, in its capacity of service provider, collects your data on an anonymized basis. If you however submit a form via Hubspot, you acknowledge and agree that your personal data will be used for marketing purposes.
Finding the nearest coffee corner
How can you find the closest coffee machine at 7 o’clock in the morning in a large venue you have never been before? That was the only thing I could think of when I was waiting in the lobby of the airport. An indoor GPS-like system would do the trick, wouldn’t it?
3 hours later, I sat on the plane, taking a nip from my Starbucks cup of pleasure. Next to me was a guy called George. George happened to be the owner of Bluepath, a company specialized in beacon technology. And do you know what they focus on? On navigation in buildings, location sharing, position bookmarking, … What a coincidence!
Beacons are small devices that you can attach to a wall or countertop. By means of Bluetooth connections, they transmit messages or prompts directly to a smartphone or tablet.
It sounded like an ultimate chance to combine our companies’ strengths and create solutions. Think of building applications (mobile and web) and connect those with this beacon technology.
Let’s have a look at the possibilities.
You probably remember the huge map at the entrance of your favorite park, with the red circle indicating ‘You are here’. These days, the ‘You are here’ sign can be found on your mobile. Quite a lot of theme parks have downloadable apps, with an interactive map, making it easy for you to locate yourself, and see the nearby attractions. With the beacon technology, this is now also possible for indoor locations, such as airports, shopping malls, and indoor theme parks.
The indoor positioning API contains the algorithms and interfaces to provide a state-of-art indoor positioning system. It’s designed to be integrated also in an existing mobile.
The API chalks out the shortest distance to your point of interest using the best routing algorithms.
Every day we use our smartphone. Sometimes even more than we realize. Why not use it more accurately? And benefit from it?
The capabilities of the beacon technology are there. It is up to you how to use it.
Author: Nick Thienpondt. You can follow Nick on Twitter (@NThienpondt) or connect with him on LinkedIn
