Qualcomm Proximity Beacons Now Commercially Available

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Qualcomm this week announced the commercial availability of Gimbal, its proximity beacons that allow companies to interact with customers via their smartphones.

Right now, Qualcomm has two variations of the Gimbal beacon: the Series 20, which is available for as little as $10 per unit and measures 95 x 102 x 24 mm, and the Series 10, which is available for as little as $5 per unit and measures 28 x 40 x 5.6 mm.  The more expensive Series 20 is weatherproof, and both models are accurate to one foot.

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Jane McEntegart
Jane McEntegart
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.

5 Comments Comment from the forums
  • vpoko
    Reason #25 to keep Bluetooth disabled on my phone.
    Reply
  • Dan_H
    So, how much do you think they will charge for the app to stop this intrusive crap?
    Reply
  • fractal123
    So now an assassination drone will be able to target you with one-foot precision.
    Reply
  • fractal123
    So now an assassination drone will be able to target you with one-foot precision.
    Reply
  • ericburnby
    12157360 said:
    So, how much do you think they will charge for the app to stop this intrusive crap?

    Intrusive? A Bluetooth device (or beacon) can't just access your phone if it wants to. You need to have an App running in the first place for this to work.

    For example, you go to the Smithsonian and run their App when you're inside. Then when you're looking at an exhibit your phone displays additional information about it.

    For directions inside a mall or other building there could be a "universal" App just for getting directions. Or Google could incorporate with Maps with this support and you turn the feature on when you need directions.
    Reply