Today Apple introduced specifications for Bluetooth LE devices that utilize the company’s iBeacon API. iBeacon is a proximity based communication method between mobile devices and beacons; it allows for everything from alerts about sales when you enter a store to enabling transactions. By applying to participate in Apple’s Made For iPhone (MFi) program, developers of beacons agree that their device conforms to Apple’s standards for the broadcast of necessary Bluetooth LE signals; in return developers are granted access to use the “iBeacon” trademark with their device. The good news, according to Beekn.net, is that there doesn’t seem to be anything out of the ordinary or proprietary about Apple’s specifications, presumably allowing Bluetooth LE Android and Windows phones and tablets to play nice. iBeacon is currently deployed in a small number of stores and is about to launch in 20 Major League Baseball stadiums.
