Samsung Announces Proximity, Their Version Of iBeacon
Samsung has announced Proximity, a bluetooth based marketing platform that utilizes a users location to show relevant ads and information. If this sounds vaguely familiar that is because it is basically identical to Apple’s iBeacon technology. iBeacon is already in a number of different stores and has seen relative success, with Macy’s having moved from trialling the service in 2 stores to a nationwide roll out. Retailers have reported an increase in their app usage and ad engagement because of the service. iBeacon is also available in a number of MLB stadiums, airports, and restaurants. Samsung is adding Proximity to their Android overlay so the service will always be running. With iOS, the user must run the app for the business they are in for messages to appear. There is no word on when Proximity will launch.
