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The Physical Web: walk up and use anything
http://physical-web.org
Apache License 2.0
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'Nearby notifications' is built in most new Android. Will something similar ever be done for Ios? #897

Open kevindekemele opened 7 years ago

kevindekemele commented 7 years ago

I've tested the physical web using eddy stone beacons and I think it has a lot of potential. Most new Android phones show the link in notification, without the need of an app.

The fact that no app is required is really the strong point here. Yet for Ios users, you are required to download chrome, (most people use safari) AND authorize that chrome can send notification. For android, only Bluetooth needs to be switched on.

If Ios would detect physical web URL out of the box, just like Android, then the physical web will have its big break.

Are there any plans to have something like 'Nearby notifications' built in iOs ?

mmocny commented 7 years ago

What did you have in mind? There are many apps available for iOS which support Physical Web scanning. All of them require user action to use.

If you would like something to be available by default on the platform, I think only the platform owner can do that.

RemColinus commented 7 years ago

I'm also working on a project using Nearby notifications. The physical web project is really interesting.

In fact, even if Apple is pretty restricted about his phones, the notifications are sending by the browser directly. To keep it simple, let's say you focus on the 3 majors mobile browsers: Chrome / Safari / Firefox

To interact with smartphones of most users, my idea was to configure the beacon (and ibeacon, thanks apple!) considering those 3 types of notifications. You can use each browser's API to configure your notifications.

And i'm agree with your strong point that no app is needing. Moreover, you are runnig your system through major mobile browsers. So you could assume that's your web application is compatible with most users.

I am not documented enough about the beacons configuration. I just saw some tools to configure the ID of your beacon or the distance; but if you want to share your experience it may be helpful.