I am looking at using the bluetooth (function as a sensor) in a proximity detection app, detecting another phone/device with the same app. Has anyone tried this? I have been working with some GIS mapping data and APIs, but I think its too much to coordinate GPS points with a proximity algorithm in SQL data sets. The simpler the better... Cheers, Greg

Right now, I am looking into the possibilites of iBeacons. If I do decide to bite the bullet and buy an iBeacon, then I'll be telling everyone how to do it, but at the moment, it's a 50:50 balance. But it costs... to get the iBeacon transmitter, it's at least $100 per transmitter, and the likely hood is that you want loads. The other facts to consider is 'How many people will use afunction like this?' If the app is primarily a bluetooth app, and gets enough downloads, then it will probably be ok, however, if the function is a little detail, then it will only be used by people who look out for such functions.

iBeacons do not have to be so expensive! The popular Stick 'n Find's can be used as iBeacons! They even have their own API that they will provide you to help integrate into your app. I was looking of an iBeacon solution as well and came across these. They are about the size of a quarter, so they can be place virtually anywhere!

Could you send a link please to the iBeacon you've found. All the ones in Britain are expensive.

Here you go!! They sell for $25 apiece, but you have to buy 2 at a time. Check out the API link on the site as well!! https://www.sticknfind.com

I just bought a 6-pack of those sticknfind things… That looks really *really* neat for an idea I have for a radio station promotion… And many other ideas! Cheers! -- Smug

Please tell us more about your cool radio station promotion idea, Smug! Let the sunflowers bloom …. :-) -- Niraj

Niraj: Off the top of my head I was thinking of a kind of 'scavenger hunt' using the tokens as part of the 'lure'… You would need to visit various sponsor locations (whatever they are… car dealer, supermarket, etcetera) and in a section of the store have the sticknfind near your 'clue banner'. Have the contestant take a picture, write it down, whatever. The thing is, you want them to visit your sponsor locations. Maybe a QR Code for them to scan to get the clue. After so many clues they collect, the contestent should be able to put them together to give them the location of the final 'item' that they must find, and thus have a winner. Something along those lines. Haven't figured it 'all' out yet, but in that direction… I've been wanting to use that 'wheel' menu from Ray Wenderlich's site since I first saw it, and I think this might be the right project, lol! http://www.raywenderlich.com/9864/how-to-create-a-rotating-wheel-control-with-uikit Cheers! -- Smug

Smug, Couldnt you also do that with GPS coordinates and maps? I guess the advantage (fun) would be using the bluetooth tag to go to a very specific location. Did the reference code example include a locating example, something like sonar or increasing "ping" the closer you get? I agree, looks pretty darn cool. -G

Ledbelly, Yes you could! But that radar screen of the sticknfinds was so cool I wanted to use it, lol! Cheers! -- Smug

I just bought a couple... looks interesting. -Greg

Several tutorials on using the Core Location services for iBeacons From Cap Consulting: http://www.captechconsulting.com/blog/christopher-mann/ios-7-tutorial-series-core-location-beacons From Dev Fright -- also read through all the comments http://www.devfright.com/ibeacons-tutorial-ios-7-clbeaconregion-clbeacon/ Have fun! -- Niraj

Has anyone been able to obtain an SDK from the sticknfind folks? I keep applying, but I get no reponses at all. Cheers! -- Smug

I haven't applied yet...lol

I just applied, so we'll see!!

Same. I applied about ten minutes ago.

Did anyone receive the stickNfind devices?

I've ordered some, but yet to arrive.

It's been 6 days waiting for me. If they sent it out of the US Mainland, it could be here tomorrow, or it could take another week. I'm still trying to get the SDK. I guess I'll just email their support and see if they'll talk manually. Cheers! -- Smug

Well, I finally got the iOS SDK for sticknfind; they emailed it to me directly. I haven't signed the NDA for the Android SDK, but I will… odd that you need an NDA for android and not an NDA for iOS, but whatever… Glad to finally get a chance to play with it… Cheers! -- Smug

Hooray!!! We are expecting great things from you! ;-D

So, my Sticknfinds arrived! Yay! Then I discover that *none* of my devices have Bluetooth v4, which is required. Boo! I need to find an inexpensive device to test on, lol! I'll let you know if something ever pops up. Cheers! -- Smug

Damn you Murphy!!!!!

Smug, Have you been able to mess with the Stick n Finds' SDK yet? Any chance we can get a plugin from you? ;-D ;-D

Eventually, yes. But at the moment, I'm still without an iPhone 5, or compatible test device. It's killing me, having those things lying right there. Hopefully soon! Cheers! -- Smug

Very nice in how Travel Radar uses Local Notifications to provide range-based alerts on the Lock Screen. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/travel-radar-luggage-tracking/id806273368?mt=8 Read more about it on his blog. I left in the referencing link to give Dave Verwer the proper love. http://travelradar.awwapps.com/?utm_campaign=iOS_Dev_Weekly_Issue_136&utm_medium=email&utm_source=iOS%2BDev%2BWeekly The Blog is excellent, I love his iBeacons context-based detection scenarios for the Kitchen, TV Room, Coat room. http://blog.awwapps.com/