can we use iBeacon to transfer data via bluetooth in iOS - android?

Question

I want to know how iBeacon works actually. I found the sample code of AirLocate, but couldn't figure out how it works. iBeacon is works on BLE, so it may be possible for do data communication with other BLE supported devices via bluetooth?

As it possible to make data transfer between iOS - android device via bluetooth using BLE or beacon?

iOS had already announced iBeacon technology, but didn't find out any technical specification document regarding this. I also want to know how it works on android?

Can some one please describe about this technology and is it possible to make data-communication via bluetooth between iOS-iOS device, and iOS-Android Device?

Answer 1

No, you cannot communicate between devices using iBeacons because an iBeacons are transmit only. Mobile devices, both iOS and Android can both hear iBeacons, but they cannot talk back.

iBeacons work by transmitting a 3-part identifier and a transmitter power reference value every second (or more often.) That's it. They do nothing more. SDKs in iOS and Android listen for these signals and report them to your app, but the rest is up to the app developer.

What you suggest may be possible with a custom Bluetooth LE beacon, but it would need to be significantly more complex than an iBeacon, and you would have to build your own.

Here are a couple of links to give you more info:

How iBeacons work on Android from Radius Networks

iBeacon overview by Dave Addey

Full disclosure: I work for Radius Networks.