Location-based Services with iBeacon Technology

iBeacons are a new way to interact with hardware. An iBeacon is a Bluetooth Low Energy device that only sends a signal in a specific format. They are like a lighthouse that sends light signals to boats. This paper explains what an iBeacon is, how it works and how it can simplifiy your daily life, what restriction comes with iBeacon and how to improve this restriction., as well as, how to use Location-based Services to track items. E.g., every time you touchdown at an airport and wait for your suitcase at the luggage reclaim, you have no information when your luggage will arrive at the conveyor belt. With an iBeacon inside your suitcase, it is possible to track the luggage and to receive a push notification about it even before you can see it. This is just one possible solution to use them. iBeacon can create a completely new shopping experience or make your home smarter. This paper demonstrates the luggage tracking use case and evaluates its possibilities and restrictions.