SFO trials beacon-based navigation system to help blind visitors explore terminal

By Trevor Mogg August 4, 2014

sfo trials beacon based navigation system airport terminal — ”[Image

Visually-impaired visitors to one of San Francisco airport’s newest terminals could soon be able to find their way around using a new beacon-based system currently undergoing testing at the airport.

The technology, which could eventually be modified for all travelers if the trials prove successful, connects a smartphone app with a network of 500 beacons placed at various points of interest around the terminal building.

Supplied by indoor positioning and navigation firm Indoo.rs, the beacons work with the app to offer curb-to-gate navigation to users. The system also alerts users to keys areas inside the terminal, including restrooms, ATMs, VIP lounges, information points, and baggage claim. Alerts are vocalized using Apple’s VoiceOver technology, which can also be used to pull up directions to specific locations in the vicinity.

Indoo.rs CEO Hannes Stiebitzhofer told The Verge the beacons are about the size of a bottle cap and cost around $20 to produce, while the battery that emits a beacon’s signal, via Bluetooth, should last for up to four years.

Beacon-based technology is steadily growing in popularity, with an increasing number of companies and organizations experimenting with the system to provide more information, special offers, or ads to people visiting places like stores and sports grounds.

Indoo.rs hopes to have its system in place for visitors to San Francisco airport in the next few months. Although it’s currently only set up for iOS devices, the company said it hopes to have an Android version ready before too long.

Contributing Editor

Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…

Mobile

Best Apple Watch 8 deals: Save on last year’s model

Close-up of a person taking a call on their Apple Watch Series 8.

One of the best smartwatches can add a lot to both your fitness routine and your day-to-day style, and the Apple Watch lineup is one people turn to frequently. The Apple Watch Series 9 is the current most recent release, but the Apple Watch Series 8 is still plenty capable, and it makes for great savings because it’s a generation old at this point. There are some Apple Watch 8 deals currently taking place, and we’ve tallied them below for your saving pleasure. So whether you’re starting a new fitness routine or cleaning up your wardrobe, don’t hesitate to shop the best Apple Watch 8 deals while they last.
Apple Watch Series 8 (GPS + Cellular, 45mm) (refurbished) — $255, was $273

This is the Apple Watch Series 8 45mm size, which is the largest you’ll find in an Apple Watch 8. It also has built-in GPS and the ability to connect to your cellular plan for connectivity anywhere you get a signal. This is a refurbished model of the Apple Watch 8. Shopping refurbished is a great way to land some savings, and you can do so knowing this watch is backed by Amazon’s renewal standards. It will still have all of the great features people love about the Apple Watch Series 8, including advanced health features and access to Apple’s software ecosystem.

Computing

Best Apple deals: Save on AirPods, Apple Watch, iPad, MacBook

Apple MacBook Air M1 open, on a table.

Apple has been a big player in the tech space for a long time, and it has pioneered some of the technology we use today, such as best wireless earbuds and the best smartwatches. If that wasn't enough, it even makes some of the best best laptops and best tablets on the market, so pretty much whatever tech you're looking for, Apple has an excellent version of it. Not only that, but Apple's ecosystem is also easily one of the best available, with only Samsung really competing in that space, and if you're already in the Apple ecosystem, then it makes sense to continue buying stuff from Apple.

Of course, Apple tech can be quite pricey, which is why we've gone out and searched through various big retailers to find you some of the best deals we can find. That includes everything from the MacBook to the AirTag, so hopefully, you can find the perfect deal that fits your needs and budget.
Apple AirTag (4-Pack) -- $80, was $99

Smart Home

This is the best smart accessory you didn’t know you needed

Nix Mini 2 color scanner used to capture precise color tones on a toy

Vibrant colors are everywhere — in nature, our daily lives, and even our homes. Sometimes, you come across a color or a shade you really love that you want to recreate, whether for a new paint job, crafts or creative work. If you aren't a master in color theory, it can be tough to reproduce the more subtle and nuanced shades. But what if there was a small, portable smart device that could help you? I want to bring to your attention the Nix Mini 2. It's a color wizard that fits in your pocket and syncs with your phone. It has a built-in high-resolution and precise sensor that scans the color(s) you want and then transmits the data via Bluetooth to your Android or iOS devices. It also integrates with creative apps like Photoshop and Nix Toolkit to "bridge the physical and digital worlds." And get this: it's on sale today for $60, usually $99.

Here's why you would want the Nix Mini 2