Apple, on Tuesday, released the specification for iBeacon under the “Made for iPhone” program, allowing third-party manufacturers looking to build products to incorporate the iBeacon name to their devices (if they meet certain criteria).
Manufacturers have to register to the MFi program to use the iBeacon name for free. Specifications are provided after signing a non-disclosure agreement.
Beekn reports “The move means that the iBeacon trademark, which has ended up being applied by the media to a whole slew of devices that act as beacons, will now be used with a bit more control from Cupertino.”
“As we’ve noted elsewhere, beacons that carry the iBeacon name are conforming to two things:
- They broadcast Bluetooth LE ‘signals’ in a way that conforms to the Apple standard for what those signals should contain
- They have use of the iBeacon trademark
But there’s no particular restriction in place which makes an iBeacon incompatible with Android or other phones. So while a beacon might carry the iBeacon name, this simply means that it has access to the trademark and that it has been configured to work well with Apple devices.”
Apple introduced iBeacon, a micro-location technology with iOS 7 based on Bluetooth Low Energy, that is theoretically compatible with many iOS and Android devices.
Till date, the iBeacon technology have been used in several retail environments including the Apple Store and Macy’s flagship store in New York, as well as during events like CES and MLB games.
Recently, MLB announced successful iBeacon installations at Dodger Stadium and Petco Park that will send notifications including info about the game and stadium through the MLB at the Ballpark app.
