iBeacon VS. Eddystone

Raytac Corporation

A BT4.1 & BT4.2 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF51802)

www.raytac.com

Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

email: service@raytac.com  
 https://raytacblog.wordpress.com/

http://bluetooth.tokyo

What is Eddystone

Eddystone is the standard for the beacon using the BLE that Google announced in July 2015.

It is available includes a number of broadcast frame types on all platforms that use the BLE, such as iOS as well as Android open standards, designed to give developers and venue owners flexibility in their beacon developments and applications. Eddystone helps beacons using the Proximity Beacon API, including adding attachments in the cloud and monitoring their health.

https://developers.google.com/beacons/

Feature

Eddystone's biggest feature is not intended to become a black box such like iBeacon service, works only for iOS. Eddystone program code is designed to be an open standard and has been published in GitHub.

The difference between iBeacon and Eddystone is the "broadcast frame type"

iBeacon transmits ID only (1 Type)

Eddystone transmits not only ID, but also URL and TLM. (3 Types)

Unlike iBeacon, Eddystone provides target users to receive the message through URL without app installing as long as the Bluetooth is turned on. 

Packet

Eddystone is allowed to transmit 17 bytes every packet.

Thus, in case of URL broadcast frame type, the data must be downsize to fit in this 17 bytes limitation

User Scence Example

• Real time Bus location and operation status
• Approaching or nearby the poster, the URL link will pup up feeding immediately
• Nearby Restaurant information feeding.
• Nearby Shops information feeding

Eddystone is designed to compensate the demerit of iBeacon's, which is standardization.

However, iBeacon so far is still the most well-known and widely applied service right now as well as iPhone is the most well selling single mobile phone all over the word. 

Thus, the trend of which one will prevail the competition between Eddystone Vs. iBeacon is still a interesting topic and lead the delimma for developers and user to observe closely.

Nordic nRF For HomeKit

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 & BT4.2 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution 
(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF51802)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: service@raytac.com


Nordic recently have released several tools to create a quick breakthrough to Apple iOS HomeKit application.

These nRF51 Homekit SDK provide developers with a unique solution for HomeKit products that meets all requirements on size, power consumption and performance.
It enables the implementations, running HomeKit accessory Protocol (HAP) and application firmware. Nordic designed ultra-low power SoCs is the ideal solution for battery powered HomeKit products.

For reader's refer, Raytac summarized all detail in below link

HomeKit SDK Link
https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/Bluetooth-Smart-Bluetooth-low-energy/nRF51-HomeKit-SDK

nRF HomeKit App now is available to be downloaded in App Store

https://www.nordicsemi.com/eng/Products/nRFready-Demo-Apps/nRF-For-HomeKit

BLE Lock Solution - VLock-BLE

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution (nRF51822 & nRF51422)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: service@raytac.com

Our partner Embeda just released the BLE Lock Solution.
http://www.embeda.com.tw/tw/?p=7216

• Smart Phone is the ID
• Can set up the sensor distance (1~5M). Near field to unlock the door (Handsfree)
• Up to 80M (max) Remote function
• Memory up to 250 smartphone white list
• Memory up to 42 pin code smartphone list
• 3 modes： iPhone Only /  iPhone ＋Pin-Code /  Pin-Code Only
• Unique  iOS  ID function，every phone has unique ID
• Keypad light
• 2 sets Output : Door Control &  Alarm Control
• 2 sets Input : Door Sensor 及  Exit  Button
• Standalone 
• Anti-Tailgate 
• Configureable by smartphone app

BLE Lock Module Solution Released

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution (nRF51822 & nRF51422)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: sales@raytac.com

• Mobile phone acts as the ID without Card or Key
• Can detect the sensor distance 1~5M，Handsfree 
• Upto 50M distance to remote the lock
• Memory 250 ID (Whitelist)
• Memory 42 sets Pin Code Only 
• 3 Modes：iPhone Only or  iPhone ＋Pin-Code or  Pin-Code Only
• Unique iOS  ID function，every phone has individual UUID
• Keypad luminited
• 2 sets output : Door Control 及  Alarm Control
• 2 sets input : Door Sensor 及  Exit  Button
• Standalone Working 
• Anti-Tailgate Protection
• Configureable

Apple iBeacons Find Their Way Into McDonald's

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution (nRF51822 & nRF51422)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: service@raytac.com

Quoted from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/aarontilley/2014/12/18/mcdonalds-ibeacon

iBeacons are small, low-power Bluetooth devices, licensed by Apple, that stick to walls or sit on objects and interact with iPhones and iPads.  One of their main uses so far has been to help retailers and other merchants establish greater intimacy with customers who are willing to identify themselves in a store.  iBeacons are a marquee example of the burgeoning Internet of Things (IoT).

Ever since iBeacon made its debut on the iPhone in 2013, it’s been heralded as the next big thing for retailers. Using the Bluetooth low energy radio on your smartphone, iBeacon technology can track your location within a few feet of where you are and push you special deals and advertisements onto your phone as you pass by stores. But so far, we’ve yet to see much uptake with retailers.

It looks like McDonald's is taking the plunge. 26 McDonald’s franchises in Columbus, Georgia have been testing out the technology with its customers. In a four week trial, these fast food joints have been pushing special deals for McChicken Sandwiches and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets. The promotions pushed McChicken Sandwich sales up 8 percent and Chicken McNuggets up 7.5 percent.

“In the fast food world, these are big numbers,” said Robert Hanczor, the CEO of San Diego-based iBeacon startup Piper, which made the app for McDonald’s to send the promotions. “They saw significant statistical change in consumer behavior.”

Based on these initial results, Piper is working on rolling out iBeacon programs to other McDonald’s franchises in the southeast for an additional 263 retail locations.

“Consumers won’t know these small radio devices are responsibly for the content they’re receiving,” said Hanczor, “but they’ll appreciate retailers are connecting with them with relevant information they can act upon.”

GoGlove--A wearable wireless remote to control your phone.

An awesome remote control now listed in kickstarter

GoGlove: Life has a Soundtrack. Control Yours.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/264813863/goglove-life-has-a-soundtrack-control-yours

Why not take a took of the video which will be much easier to know how the impletment it is rather than read the words

How it works

No matter you are a sportmania or just work out for losing weight, GoGlove must be the best pal to bring fun, enjoy the moment without the distraction of your smart mobile devices

Why not just visit their website right now and know more about~

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/264813863/goglove-life-has-a-soundtrack-control-yourshttps://www.kickstarter.com/projects/264813863/goglove-life-has-a-soundtrack-control-yours

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution (nRF51822 & nRF51422)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: sales@raytac.com

Beacon Application by Airfy

 Raytac Corporation
A BT4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 solution (nRF51822 & nRF51422)
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208
email: service@raytac.com

Congradulatinos!

Here, we would like to introduce the best beacon implement by our parter, Airfy, has successfully developed the Beacon implement.
http://www.airfy.com/en/beacon/

We would like to suggest all customers those who is interesed in such products may approach tthem through Kickstarter.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/261147844/airfy-beacon-imagination-meets-smart-home-automati?ref=nav_search



Following contents are quoted from Kickstarter made by Airfy

 Make your home interactive and let your imagination take over. The airfy Beacon brings you affordable smart home automation!

The product - we will send you our airfy Beacon to make your home smart. 

What you need to use airfy Beacon:

• airfy Beacon (buy here)
• Light automation - Philips HUE™ (buy here at $366 perk)
• NEST™ for smart heating
• Smartphone
• airfy Beacon App
• Internet connection
• Don't have a HUE? Get our Smart Home Starter Kit for $366

Please kindly visit following link for more detail!
 https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/261147844/airfy-beacon-imagination-meets-smart-home-automati?ref=nav_search

BT4.0 Products For MFi Program

Raytac Corporation 勁達國際電子有限公司

A BT5 & BT 4.2 & BTv4.1 module maker based on Nordic nRF51 & nRF52 solution 

(nRF51822 & nRF51422 & nRF52832 & nRF52810 & nRF52840)

www.raytac.com          email: cs@raytac.com          Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

As the leading BLE(BT4.0) module maker, we often recieved the customer's request to have the module join MFi Program.

Per  Apple's explanation, a device using only Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) / BTLE / Bluetooth 4.0 or standard Bluetooth profiles is no need to join the MFi Program.

Customers' products, which aimed to connect to an Apple device (iPad & iPhone), based on Raytac's BT4.0 modules does not need to join MFi Program


 Reference data from:
 https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getFAQ.action#1-1

I want to develop an accessory that communicates with an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy. Do I need to join the MFi Program?

No. Accessories which connect to an Apple device using only Bluetooth Low Energy/BTLE/Bluetooth 4.0 or standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS are not part of the MFi Program.

What types of accessories and technologies are not part of the MFi Program?

Accessories that do not use any of the MFi licensed technology listed above are not part of the MFi Program. For example:

• Accessories that use only standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS
• Accessories that use only Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) (note: BTLE-enabled HomeKit accessories and BTLE-enabled MFi Hearing Aids are part of the MFi Program)
• Accessories that connect to an Apple device through the headphone jack and do not use any MFi licensed technology
• Non-electronic cases

The First iOS Presenter App "BLE SlideShow" released! Enjoy the perfect remote scrolling experience in your iPad/iPhone!

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.0 module maker based on Nordic nRF51822 solution
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

In order to satisfy the needs of more and more consumers using iPad or iPhone to performance the presentation, Raytac used the advanced BT4.0 module to build up the presenter which can work for iPad and iPhone for scrolling function.
Thus, as long as consumer is holding a presenter produced from Raytac can enjoy a perfect presentation experience through difference system, Windows/Mac/iOS by RF or BT4.0 Mode.

The App named as "BLE SlideShow" listed in app store for iPad and iPhone 
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ble-slideshow/id790306394?mt=8

Raytac Developed BT4.0 Solution Based on Nordic nRF51 Series

Raytac Corporation
A BT4.0 module maker based on Nordic nRF51822 &nRF51422 solution
www.raytac.com
Tel: +886.2.3234.0208

BT4.0 Application has been widely spread dramatically.
Raytac Corporation has exerted our firmware and hardware effort to build up the solution in order to have quickly and completely response of customer's requirement.

A simple list as below refer to the achievement we have made.
(The list is updating from time to time)

1. BT4.0 Presenter Solution
2. iOS Presenter Solution
3. BT4.0 Mouse Solution
4. BT4.0 Keyboard Solution
5. BT4.0 Keyboard & Mouse Integration Solution
6. FindMe (Lost Finder) Solution
7. Heart Rate Monitor Solution
8. Blood Pressure Solution
9. Phone Alert Solution
10. Running Cadence Solution
11. Wearing Device Solution (based on MDBT40nano)


                                                                    MDBT40nano

                                                                         MDBT40

What the benefit for the Presenter uses BT4.0 Module?

So far, we have never seen a presenter which can work for all operation system.

With the merit of more and more devices equipped BT4.0 become popular, there are a new solution for people 

BT4.0 may bring the distinctive performance to help people solve this problem.

No matter you are using Windows, Mac or iOS, a BT4.0 presenter can let your presentation much easier.
Just bring a simple iPad or iPhone with a presenter with laser, a perfect performance can be in real

Example for the presenter in BT mode communicate with iOS system by BT4.0 solution 

Example for the presenter in RF mode communicate with Mac system by RF solution

Example for the presenter in BT mode communicate with Windows 8 by BT4.0 solution

Raytac Corporation
BT4.0 Module supplier based on Nordic nRF51822 solution
http://www.raytac.com/products.php?subid=16

iOS Presentation App (iPad & iPhone) By Nordic nRF51822 BLE (BT4.0) Solution

More and more users now are carrying with iPad or iPhone for business or education purpose.
Not only easy carry to travel around but also cloud storage convenience and mobility, both devices now have been widely applied for presentation, conference and meeting.
Especially, with Apple's accessory of VGA or HDMI connector, people are getting much easier to perform the presentation by iPad or iPhone



        
                Apple VGA Connector                   Apple HDMI Connector


Unless people who must have both iPhone and iPad, then can remotely control the scrolling during the presentation.
For users who owned only either iPhone or iPad only, it is really a hard situation since have to stand out of audience and next to the projector of TV in order to control the scrolling on their iPad and iPhone directly.

Presentation is a kind of performance.

The most important key will be the interaction between Speaker and Audience.

To solve this problem and help all speakers to enhance the presentation effect, Raytac Corporation has developed an App which may work with our BLE (BT4.0) presenter.

By the new designed App, people can easily export PPT /Keynote/PDF file by email.or iTunes.
With simple click the App, you then can stand out of the TV or projector, sitting with audience and enjoy a successful presentation with brilliant interaction between.

iOS Presentation App For BLE(BT4.0) Presenter

Raytac Corporation
http://www.raytac.com/products.php?subid=16