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TI supports iBeacon technology across TI's Bluetooth® Smart, dual-mode and combo-connectivity portfolio

SimpleLink™ SensorTag, new SensorTag App and CC2543 reference design with iBeacon technology, deliver fast time to market of new apps and devices

DALLAS, April 16, 2014 — (PRNewswire) —  Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced support for iBeacon technology across its Bluetooth® low energy portfolio including:

Additionally, TI launched a new location app, with iBeacon technology, for the CC2541-based SimpleLink SensorTag development kit, as well as a new low cost, small form-factor broadcaster reference design based on the CC2543. The CC2543 is a low-cost version of CC2541 optimized for beacons and broadcast applications.

About iBeacon – More than retail

iBeacon is a technology introduced with iOS 7 that uses Bluetooth low energy and geofencing to provide apps with a whole new level of micro-location awareness, such as trail markers in a park, exhibits in a museum, or product displays in stores.

"Restaurants, retailers and even sports stadiums have started using iBeacon technology, but there are many more applications that could benefit from the technology. Everything from asset trackers, retail, building automation systems, automotive and industrial applications, and a wide variety of consumer electronics," said Oyvind Birkenes, general manager, Wireless Connectivity Solutions, TI. "By providing support for iBeacon technology across our entire Bluetooth low energy portfolio as well as a new SimpleLink SensorTag location app and broadcaster reference design, we are enabling manufacturers to quickly add micro-locationing capabilities to their products."

New location App demonstrating SensorTag with iBeacon technology

A new SensorTag location app with iBeacon technology is available to download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. The app allows you to upload a floor plan and "place" SensorTags to easily set up your own indoor positioning system. The app provides feedback on how near you are to the SensorTags and can launch a user-specified URL when you are in the immediate vicinity of a SensorTag. Additionally, existing SensorTags can be updated with the latest SensorTag App through an over-the-air upgrade to be compatible with iBeacon technology.

TI broadcaster reference design with iBeacon technology

TI is also introducing a coin cell-sized, low cost and low-power broadcaster reference design that enables fast volume production of devices with iBeacon technology based on the SimpleLink CC2543. Manufacturers can also get a head start with the SensorTag reference design, which is FCC-certified and is compatible with iBeacon technology.

Support for iBeacon technology on TI Bluetooth platforms

TI offers support for iBeacon technology across its Bluetooth Smart-enabled products through royalty-free software offerings.

Pricing and availability:

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors.  By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology.  TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today.  Learn more at www.ti.com.

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SOURCE Texas Instruments

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