Definition
Nearable is a combination of the words “near” and “wearable.” It refers to small, smart electronic devices that are designed to be placed on everyday objects or people, often for the purpose of tracking and monitoring. These devices typically use wireless technology, such as Bluetooth, to communicate with smartphones and other compatible devices, providing real-time information and analytics.
Key Takeaways
- Nearable technology refers to small, easily attachable electronic devices or sensors that can be placed on everyday objects, making them “smart” and interactive.
- These devices often use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication to transmit data to smartphones, making them easily accessible and configurable through mobile applications.
- Nearables have a wide range of applications, including asset tracking, retail, healthcare, and smart home automation, providing users with valuable insights and notifications in real-time.
Importance
The term “Nearable” is important as it represents a significant advancement in the technology domain, combining the concepts of “near” and “wearable” devices.
Nearables are small, wireless smart devices equipped with sensors that seamlessly interact with other smart devices or applications in their proximity.
They enable users to effortlessly access context-aware information and improve their experience in various areas, such as location tracking, health monitoring, automation, and safety.
By exchanging data with nearby devices, nearables foster enhanced connectivity and enable the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem to become more efficient, responsive, and user-friendly.
This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries and drastically improve our day-to-day lives.
Explanation
Nearables are small, battery-powered devices that utilize Bluetooth technology to transmit data to nearby smartphones or tablets, enabling a wide range of interaction and communication possibilities between physical objects and digital devices in real-time. These devices, also known as smart beacons or iBeacons, serve various purposes – from indoor navigation and object tracking to proximity-based marketing and customized customer experiences. Nearables equip everyday objects with the ability to “communicate” their presence, location, condition, and other relevant data to other devices within a particular range.
By doing so, they create a digital environment where objects can seamlessly interact with each other and provide essential information to users or systems in a context-aware fashion. The applications for nearables extend across multiple industry sectors, presenting opportunities for innovation in retail, healthcare, logistics, tourism, and smart homes, to name a few. For example, in a retail setting, nearables can detect when a customer enters a store and send personalized offers and product recommendations to their smartphone.
By creating a more engaging and tailor-made shopping experience, businesses can significantly enhance customer satisfaction and increase sales. In healthcare, nearables have the potential to improve patient care by allowing medical professionals to track patient movement and monitor vital signs in real-time, enabling efficient resource allocation and prompt intervention when necessary. In logistics and supply chain management, nearables can optimize inventory management and streamline the overall process by providing accurate real-time information about the location and status of goods.
These are just a few examples of how nearables contribute to making our increasingly interconnected world more intelligent, efficient, and user-friendly.
Examples of Nearable
Estimote Stickers: Estimote Stickers are small adhesive wireless sensors, also known as Nearables, that help track assets and gather data to optimize a physical space. These stickers can be attached to everyday objects, such as a briefcase, chair, or shopping cart, and provide real-time location and contextual information. This helps businesses gain valuable insights, automate processes, and improve customer experiences. For example, a store can monitor customer traffic patterns, optimize product placement, and offer personalized recommendations to customers through their smartphones.
Apple’s AirTag: Apple’s AirTag is a small, coin-shaped Nearable that helps users track and locate lost items using Apple’s Find My network. By attaching an AirTag to an object like keys, wallets, or bags, users can locate these items using their iOS devices when they are within the Bluetooth range. If the object is far away, the Find My network leverages other Apple devices in the vicinity to relay the location of the lost item, ensuring the owner’s privacy.
Beacons in Museums: Many museums have adopted Nearable technology in the form of beacons to enhance visitor experience. These beacons, which are placed throughout the museum, transmit information and multimedia content to a visitor’s smartphone or tablet as they approach specific exhibits. The system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to detect the visitor’s proximity to the artwork and display relevant information, such as the history and context of the exhibit, on their device. This adds a level of interactivity and personalization, making the museum tour more engaging and educational.
Nearable FAQ
What is a Nearable?
A Nearable is a small, low-energy wireless device that uses Bluetooth technology to communicate with nearby smart devices. By transmitting data, Nearables enable various applications, such as location tracking, sensor information sharing, and user engagement. Often applied in the Internet of Things (IoT), they help create smart environments and enrich user experiences.
How do Nearables work?
Nearables work by emitting a unique identifier through Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals, which smart devices like smartphones, tablets, or gateways can detect within a specific range. Once the receiving device picks up the signal, it processes the transmitted data according to the pre-built application logic, triggering actions like notifications, recording sensor data, or aiding in object tracking.
What are some applications of Nearables?
Nearables find applicability in various domains, including retail, healthcare, entertainment, and logistics. Common use cases include indoor navigation, asset tracking and management, proximity marketing, contactless payment systems, interactive exhibits, or patient monitoring. Overall, they help provide context-aware experiences and valuable insights.
What is the difference between Nearables and iBeacons?
Both Nearables and iBeacons are wireless Bluetooth devices that use BLE technology. iBeacon is an AppleTM protocol specifically designed for location-based services, such as indoor positioning and wayfinding. Nearables, on the other hand, are more versatile and encompass a broader range of device types, functions, and applications beyond location data, as they also incorporate sensor information and user engagement capabilities.
What is the range and battery life of a Nearable?
The range and battery life of a Nearable depend on its hardware specifications and signal transmission power. Generally, Nearables operate within a range of 30-200 meters (98-656 feet), while the battery life can last anywhere from a few months to multiple years, depending on the device and usage. Some Nearables are designed for easy battery replacement or come with rechargeable batteries to ensure their longevity.
Related Technology Terms
- Internet of Things (IoT)
- Beacons
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)
- Smart devices
- Proximity-based services
