What are Bluetooth beacons (“iBeacons”)?

Bluetooth beacons are small radio transmitters that broadcast their own identity numbers as a simple Bluetooth signal. This signal can be received and interpreted by smartphones, e.g. to get location-based messages or to calculate positions based on signal strengths. Thus, the logic and intelligence is implemented in the receiving devices – beacons themselves cannot send messages or collect and store user data. Battery-powered beacons can operate for several years. It is also possible to connect beacons directly to the power grid. Apple’s beacon standard is called “iBeacon”, Google’s standard is called “Eddystone”.