Google recently extended its IoT strategy with a new product that at first glance looks very much like Apple’s iBeacon, but in fact is much, much more than that. They call it Eddystone.
Industry insiders and analysts are all trying to figure out how this technology will change the way companies communicate with consumers. They envision a world where shopping malls and city streets are saturated with beacons (miniaturized Bluetooth radios), which can be setup to broadcast marketing messages to all Android smartphones in the vicinity. Given the fact that eight out of 10 smartphones in the world are based on Android, the potential impact of this technology is immense.
However, I posit that Eddystone technology has vast applications beyond simple beacons.
First, Eddystone can be adopted into any Bluetooth-equipped device. What does that mean in practice? Each light bulb, thermostat, smart socket or smart finder that uses Bluetooth can leverage this communication method and be used to gather various data such as location, temperature, humidity, etc. Such devices will also be able to send messages to any Android user nearby.
Second, Google will gain a vast number of sources generating data about its Android users. Each Android device will continually provide Google with beacon interaction data, such as location.
Third, this data trove delivered by Google will provide marketers with unparalleled, never-before attainable knowledge about their customers. Not only will the marketers be able to send messages to their customers, but they will also be able to deliver such messages with the context dimension taken into account.
Will Eddystone alter the world around us? Very much so.
In the not too distant future, consumers will be able to purchase various internet-connected appliances powered by OORT. The largest manufacturers of consumer electronics are jumping on the IoT bandwagon and will soon offer many connected devices, which will learn from and adapt to our behaviors and patterns
For example, an OORT-powered coffee machine will learn when we wake up and make a fresh espresso without our interaction. Even more, thanks to analytics, it will also determine when we are running out of coffee and offer automated home delivery.
Smart light bulbs will turn on when we come home and adjust their color, temperature and brightness to the personal preferences of each user. The manufacturers of such commodity devices will gain a communication channel with its end-customers, which, thanks to Eddystone, will be more valuable than ever before.
Here we are, on the verge of a new era. When I reflect back, it is hard to believe that just last year my proclamation that Bluetooth will change the world was met with wide-ranging skepticism. As leaders in Bluetooth, we are excited about the future, and can only say - we told you so.
About the author:
Radek Tadajewski founded or co-founded and scaled up a few successful companies, including a large Polish gold trader. During his career he successfully went through five IPOs. Currently CEO of OORT Inc., an American company from the IoT sector and CEO of Grupa Trinity S.A.
Edited by
Ken Briodagh
