Improved Support for iBeacon on iOS 7 and Android

Great news!
Apple has released the 7.1.2 software update for iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch. This update contains various bug fixes and security updates including:
Improved iBeacon connectivity and stability.
Fixed a bug with data transfer for some third party accessories, including barcode scanners.
Corrected an issue with data protection class of Mail attachments.
So what does this mean for you?
iBeacon technology is becoming increasingly popular in the modern world. If you’ve gotten a notification relating to a nearby store while walking around a shopping mall then you know exactly what I’m talking about. From museums to sport stadiums, iBeacon technology is being used to provide an enhanced personal experience and this update improves the Bluetooth connection required and makes it more stable.
What about Android users?
Apple products aren’t the only devices able to get increased interaction with ibeacon technology! It used to be the case that an Android device would be constantly scanning for beacons even while running in the background (peripheral mode) which resulted in batteries draining faster than you could say “iBeacons”. Well Android users are in luck because that’s all changed!
Android released a developer preview called Android L that allows developers to program an Android device into an iBeacon. For consumers this is especially important because while scanning is running in the peripheral mode, it’ll go into standby mode until it’s actually within range of a broadcasting beacon. But what if you’re constantly getting notifications and your phone is being prevented from being put into standby mode? Android has a solution for that too. They’ve implemented a feature which allows filtering of broadcasting beacons to only pick up beacons which meet your specifications.
For more information watch the announcement video here.
For you business owners out there
The take away message is this: your customers can efficiently receive your sent notifications regardless of if they’re running iOS or Android. Your business strategy will be more effective than ever with these improvements to both operating systems! If you’re new to the game, check out PassKit.com for the easiest way to get started capitalising on iBeacon technology. Why not start today?