Apple wants to get certification for a new kind of device

Jul 13, 2014 23:29 GMT  ·  By
Apple sent a certification letter back in May of 2014 for a new device that is an iBeacon. The schematics point to a round device with a microUSB connection.
 
It may be too big for an iWatch, but this new device can be a router or AirPlay device and even an Apple TV. There's also a possibility that this may be an iBeacon device used in stores by Apple or other sellers.

TUAW uncovered an FCC filing from two months ago. Apple is apparently asking for certification for an iBeacon device that may work with the future HomeKit. 

 
According to the mentioned source, the testing was performed by the Chinese company Audix Technology (Wujiang) on behalf of Apple. The device is about 6 centimeters (2.3 inches) in diameter. On the bottom, it will have a micro USB port and the usual inscriptions made by Apple on all their devices. There's also an ON/OFF button. 
 
Apple support website describes iBeacon as a new technology that extends Location Services in iOS. An iPhone can alert apps when you approach or leave a location. For example, you can be alerted of a discount for a certain product as you go to the checkout counter in a store. 
 
To use iBeacon you now need an iOS 7 device with Bluetooth turned on. This technology is available on the iPhone 4s and later, the 3rd-generation iPad or later, all iPad Minis and the 5th-generation iPod touch or later. 
 
iOS 8 will bring some subtle changes to the UI of the lock screen that receives an iBeacon message. There are also more options given to the user to express his willingness to use iBeacon.