Question 1

Hi. Is this product has an sdk for software developments?

Accepted Answer

This beacon broadcasts the standard iBeacon protocol, as well as two standard Eddystone formats (UID and URL). To build an app to work with beacons, all you need to use are the standard beacon libraries for Android and IPhone. No special SDK is needed. If you are interested in developing an app for configuring this beacon (we already offer a free app for that), you can contact us directly via our website for SDK links.

Question 2

Can this act as a trigger in HomeKit to automate things?

Accepted Answer

Yes, iBeacons can trigger automations but not directly using the Home app on iPhones. You need to use some other third-party app for this.

One that I know of is called PushCut for iPhone. As with most of these third party apps, it still requires you to tap the screen to confirm the automation before it runs, e.g. "You have triggered an automation. Tap here to let it run"...something like that. Which takes away most of the fun of an automation.

But PushCut also allows you to set up a spare iPhone or iPad or iMac to act as a "server" for your automations. That's just a fancy way of saying they use this server method to get around Apple's "user confirmation" requirement, so then your automations can run without any needed confirmation from you.

I previously set up as a test automation so that when I walked into my office (which had a Blue Charm BC-U1 beacon installed and broadcasting), my phone would connect to the bluetooth speakers in the office and begin to play music from my selected playlist. When I left the office, it would turn off the music. It worked great, but you should double check with the documentation of PushCut to confirm this is still possible. Sometimes Apple adds "security restrictions", and apps like PushCut will lose some functionality for a while.

There are quite a few other apps that can also do something similar, but I have not tested them all. You can find them by searching for "iBeacon automation" in the Apple App Store.

ASIN	B09FYNK94F
Best Sellers Rank	#95 in Bluetooth Network Adapters
Brand	Blue Charm Beacons
Built-In Media	beacon
Color	Black
Compatible Devices	Smartphone
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (25)
Data Link Protocol	Bluetooth
Hardware Interface	Bluetooth 5
Item Dimensions L x W x H	0.24"L x 0.87"W x 0.24"H
Item Weight	0.31 kg
Manufacturer	Blue Charm Beacons
Mfr Part Number	BC-U1
Model Number	BC-U1
Number of Items	1
UPC	612637579196
Warranty Description	30 days free returns

Blue Charm Beacons - Bluetooth BLE iBeacon (BC-U1-USB MultiBeacon) - USB Powered - Long Range BLE 5.0

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