iDevices Releases iBeacon Support For Broadcom, WICE Smart Chips

iDevices, LLC, www.iDevicesinc.com, the premier app-enablement company and creator of the iGrill®, announced today that its custom software stack for Broadcom WICED Smart chips now supports iBeacon technology.

In addition, iDevices, LLC has launched a line of iDevices Beacon, fully developed wireless beacon devices with integrated Broadcom WICED Smart (Bluetooth Smart enabled) chips and iDevices firmware.

But what’s iDevices All About?

iDevices began its journey with the conception and development of the iGrill®, one of the first app-enabled devices, following with the launch of the popular iShower® water resistant Bluetooth speaker. Following these successful launches, iDevices emerged as a premier development and consulting company for the app-enabled market. iDevices has integrated all required resources in-house to create and launch app-enabled products, both independently and with partner companies.

iBeacon Support for Developers

In August 2013, iDevices announced the release of its custom module and software stack for Broadcom Bluetooth Smart chips. The company is now offering the support of iBeacon functionality to engineers using the Broadcom WICED Smart BCM20732 or BCM20736 system-on-chip (SoC). iBeacon is a technology Apple introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth Low Energy and geofencing to provide apps with a whole new level of micro-location awareness, such as trail markers in a park, exhibits in a museum, or product displays in stores

iDevices’ CTO and VP of Engineering, Shawn Monteith says, “The enormous rush of interest paired with our clear competitive advantage has encouraged iDevices to emerge itself in the vast opportunity that iBeacon technology presents to not only retail but so many other applications.”

Through the addition of iBeacon support for Broadcom Bluetooth Smart SoCs, developers now have easy access to micro-locating functionality. The iDevices module development kit is available for purchase here.

iDevices Beacon Will Transform Customer Interactions

iDevices Beacon, now for pre-sale on the iDevices website, can be strategically placed anywhere in a physical space to broadcast radio signals to smart devices with proximity of up to 150 feet. Consumers with an associated app installed on their phone will receive personalized micro-location based notifications when they walk within proximity of the Beacon.

The most frequent use cases to date occur in retail locations and are used for in-store analytics, proximity marketing and contactless payments. For example, upon entering a store, a customer receives a welcome message. While browsing through clothing racks, the retailer sends highly targeted product information, sizing availability, reviews, offers, etc. Finally, when the customer is ready to make a purchase, the retailer turns the shoppers’ smart device into a POS system.

The applications of Beacon are endless and are only just being uncovered throughout the industry. Clothing stores, public transport, banks, grocery stores, hospitals, sports stadiums and museums, the list goes on.

One particular application in which iDevices will be using the technology is at the Consumer Electronic Show in January 2015. Lianne Kersey, iDevices’ Marketing Manager, says, “We will be using iBeacon Technology to its fullest at CES 2015 by placing our own Beacon throughout our 40’x45’ booth and firing notifications off for product information, giveaways and exclusive content.”

The iDevices Beacon, now available for pre-sale, is a small USB complete with a battery pack requiring 2 AAA batteries (for an average battery life of 3-4 months). The USB can also be plugged into a standard Apple wall adapter for continued battery life.

Initial features of the iDevices Beacon include:

· Multiple power options.

· Compact size.

· 150 foot Bluetooth Smart range.

· Simple app integration.

· Authentication.

· Security options.

The iDevices Beacon is set to ship in Q3 of 2014. Pre-order your iDevices Beacon today for $49.99 (complete with a battery pack) at http://idevicesinc.com/beacon.