
Proximity beacons combine BLE and NFC
The proximity beacons feature a built-in NFC tag, enabling easier implementation of interactions such as payment confirmation, loyalty point collection, and clocking-in. The NFC function is fully programmable, enabling up to 256 bytes total of NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format) records to be set up through a secure configuration API.
Featuring the latest nRF52 ultra-low-power Bluetooth Low Energy SoC from Nordic Semiconductor, the beacons are offered as providing significantly improved out-of-the-box responsiveness — triple that of previous units – and reliability, while retaining a default lifetime of over two years of battery life. Beacon lifetime can be prioritized to last up to seven years.
The single BLE + NFC combination also enables a “tap to configure” feature, which simplifies beacon deployments and testing as well as opens up new possibilities for businesses looking to use proximity and microlocation.
The new proximity beacons remain priced at $59 for a three-beacon development kit. They are available to order now and expected to ship later this month.
Proximity beacons with programmable NFC
