Apple Ready for the Future of Beacon Technology While Android Still Way Behind

Beacon TechnologyFor a long time, gadget owners and tech bloggers complained that Apple didn’t use near-field communication software in its mobile operating system. When iOS 7 came out, it included Apple’s version of the proximity notification system called iBeacon. Within a few short months, more users are iBeacon ready than Android device owners are by a lot.

According to a slide show created by a beacon technology researcher 82 percent of iOS device owners are capable of using some form of beacon technology. Only 2.5 percent of Android users run a device capable of receiving proximity notifications. The slide show is actually a bit behind. Apple recently published data showing that 87 percent of iOS devices run on iOS 7, which is iBeacon compatible.

Apple’s iBeacon technology has been a widespread hit at a few major events this year already. Major League Baseball rolled out the proximity notification system across 20 official ballparks to send information to attendees about snack prices, player stats, and more. The sleepy city of Coachella Valley has also been peppered with iBeacon transmitters for this week’s Coachella Music and Arts Festival.

Even though more Android-based devices exist on the planet, iOS users are better prepared for the future of proximity notification. I wonder what will happen to the future of NFC?

[Via: Patently Apple]

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