A beacon is the natural progression of the QR (Quick Response) Code, which never had a real break-through despite its intelligent potential uses.
The most significant factor driving the need to adopt new technologies like AR and beacons is a shift in demographics.
Market research group Mintel has issued its European Consumer Trends 2016 report, identifying beacons and virtual reality as two technologies which will impact travel and leisure businesses.
Beacons are becoming increasingly deployed in the hospitality industry where they are less about selling and more about providing a step-change in service.