Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near Field Communication (NFC) are playing a key role in helping mobile technologies redefine how businesses and consumers engage with one another. BLE and NFC are two wireless communication technologies currently being installed in most of today’s computers—but what makes them different? BLE-enabled smartphones listen for signals from wireless transmitters (BLE Beacons) the size of large match boxes. NFC-enabled smartphones, on the other hand, communicate with wireless transmitters (NFC tags) the size of postage stamps.

Both communication technologies support Android, Windows Phone 8 and Blackberry—but BLE supports iOS while NFC currently does not. BLE is rooted in technology based on technology dating back to 2006, while NFC is based upon RFID technology dating all the way back to the 1940s. In terms of ease of use, with BLE—consumer responds to notifications that are generated from being in the presence of a BLE Beacon. With NFC, the consumer controls the timing and engagement with an NFC tag. Both promise to really enhance the in-store experience.

BLE is best for settings in which the consumer will be passively notified of information/offers that is relevant to a general location—high traffic areas, public venues and events. NFC is best for settings that require a one-to-one, secure delivery of information between the consumer and other entity—transportation passes, event ticketing and access cards. To learn more about both BLE and NFC, check out the full infographic below!

BLE vs. NFC [infographic]
Compliments of Retail Customer Experience

“Mobile Consumer” image courtesy of Shutterstock.