Google gives its little-used beacon technology a security upgrade

Beacons are a technological solution in search of a problem. Years ago, both Apple and Google hyped their beacon protocols — which use low-cost transmitters and Bluetooth Low Energy to track users’ positions to within feet — but the technology has fallen by the wayside. Marketers were excited by the idea of delivering location-aware coupons and notifications to customers in shops, airports, and stadiums, but customers were less thrilled, especially if it meant having their location tracked constantly.