ABI Research, a company that provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies, has indicated there has been substantial change at the top of the indoor tech market.
An ABI report says that Google’s lack of development has allowed for Apple to take the lead within the market. The marriage of Zebra Technologies and Motorola is also expected to create a noteworthy retail tech group; meanwhile, Qualcomm has taken a fall since the decision to remain a key investor in Gimbal while taking the next steps to spin out the company.
LED (ByteLight, Qualcomm, and Philips) and magnetic field (IndoorAtlas) technologies have been making quite an impression on the market. Electronic shelf labels are becoming an important piece of technology which embraces both NFC and BLE capabilities.
Companies with an app-focus like shopkick, Aisle411 and Point Inside have also made a dent in the space, according to ABI, which and expects other companies to view shopkick as a potential acquisition target.
ABI also pointed to Insiteo, a company has seen considerable success in 2014. ABI Research believes it will be hard for another startup company to attain the same amount of success as Insiteo did within the past 12 months of activity.
ABI Senior Analyst Patrick Connolly said, “The year 2015 could see a major jump as we see the first chain-wide deployments. The widespread availability of BLE beacons makes it very easy for retailers to deploy a light system to test the water and measure shopper acceptance. We will also see the first year where Ruckus Wireless, Aruba Networks, and the newly formed Zebra/Motorola all have a comprehensive offering that most likely will combine Wi-Fi with BLE and other technologies.”
ABI Research also predicted that over the next 12 months there will be a considerable number of LED and magnetic field trials.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More