How beacons work
Beacons are small devices that transmit a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE or Bluetooth Smart) signal and can be attached to fixed objects like walls and exhibits or to moving objects like roaming customer service staff.
A visitor’s smartphone searches for the beacon’s signal in the background. Once a signal is identified, an action on the visitor’s device is triggered – whether it be receiving a welcome message or coupon, pin-pointing their location on a map of the building, or information about a painting on the wall.
Beacons are very energy efficient, running on a single cell battery which can last up to two years. Unlike earlier versions of Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy does not drain the battery of mobile devices.
If you’d like to know more about how iBeacon technology can work in your museum, why not get in touch.