Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may fit its stores with iBeacon transmitters that will be connected to user’s iPhones to take the shopping experience a step further. Transmitters would be connected to the iPhones or iPads, and would convey messages to the users, giving them more information on the product they are looking at.
iBeacon, good or bad?
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) equipped iOS7 with iBeacon, which came as a surprise to many. A report from 9To5 Mac suggests that iBeacon transmitters will be placed on the tables at Apple stores, which usually keeps well spaced-out products.
Nordstrom used this technology, but landed into controversy after users came to know that they were being tracked. As a result, the retailer stopped the practice. However, other retailers such as Old Navy use these sorts of technologies to gather more information about the user.
There are strong possibilities that this technology may disturb customers’ personal space rather than just informing them about the product. Through these technologies the customer is vulnerable as companies have greater access to the information.
Apple planning more uses of iBeacon
Apart from providing information, iBeacon is undergoing tests to know if it can be used for other purposes like identifying customers waiting for Genius Bar appointments, displaying ads or the deals related to the nearby products or for the products that the user is purchasing. Apple is also testing a feature that could inform the user of a repair being ready to pick up if they are near the Apple store. Through iBeacon transmitters, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) can gather when the customer is in Apple store, but geofence technology will further enhance location accuracy.
According to the reports, Apple is in the process of testing and developing a new indoor mapping feature for the next version of iOS. Users could get help from these Maps application in navigating through stores and buildings. Apple can integrate iBeacon with this application for providing more detailed information.
Earlier this year, Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) started testing iBeacons in conjunction with Major League Baseball to offer iPhone users a better experience in baseball stadiums.
