iBeacons Personalize Super Bowl, Shopping News

I discussed this retail technology in an earlier post and I'd encourage you to read up on it. It is an interesting application of mobile shopping; it also has the potential be an invasion of privacy.

The New York Times reports on its application during the Super Bowl XLVIII weekend. Beacons are located in and around Times Square and in MetLife Stadium, the Super Bowl 2014 venue. The Times says that for the information being provided is mostly utilitarian. Can it tell you where is the nearest bathroom, for example? It also has the ability to deliver ads or to tell you where you can purchase an item of merchandise.

The technology for the Super Bowl is running on the NFL app. Apple has been aggressive in rolling out the iBeacon transmitters, but Android users can be targeted also. Many retail stores have installed or are testing it--see the earlier post. The roll-out is already underway to MLB stadiums; expect most of them to have it by the time the season starts.

According to the Times, Robert Bowman, president and chief executive of MLB Advanced Media, the Internet arm of Major League Baseball, said stadiums were becoming “crucibles for technology.” But he said there was a bold line between gentle marketing pitches and obnoxious upselling.

Amen to that! Clearly a technology to be watched--for good or for mischief!