Beacons and iBeacon are set to change the way we shop ( again).  These low-cost bluetooth devices offer retailers the opportunity to connect with customers in-store, deliver contact-less payment and all sorts of other whizzy stuff. Beacons have multiple applications but reports suggest it will be retailers who blaze a trail in this space.

Despite the obvious initial barriers ( like users having to turn on Bluetooth, accept apps, and opt-in),  commentators seem agreed that this technology will change how we shop and quickly move to changing our home, leisure, work and education spaces.

If this Business Insider report is to be believed, half of Americans are already using mobile devices in-store. The report outlines the impact Beacon devices are set to have in the short term.  Interesting reading.  Our view is that the relevance of any push notification or in-store application is still paramount; spam is spam after all, however it is delivered.

iBeacon Devices set to change the way we shop