Apple Replaces Google at Top of ABI Research’s Indoor Location Technology Competitive Assessment

There has been significant change at the top of the indoor location technology market, according to ABI Research. Google's lack of progress has cost it as Apple has taken the bull by the horns and is now driving this market forward. Zebra Technologies’ proposed acquisition of Motorola will create a very impressive retail technologies group, while Qualcomm has dropped slightly following its decision to spin out Gimbal, but still remaining an important investor. Qualcomm still has a huge part to play in this industry, but it is clearly not looking to own the whole stack and play a part in all aspects of the market.

LED (ByteLight, Qualcomm, and Philips) and magnetic field (IndoorAtlas) technologies have emerged as the most potentially disruptive technologies in this space. Electronic shelf labels are becoming a vital technology, as it embraces NFC and BLE. App-focused companies like shopkick, Aisle411, and Point Inside have also established themselves firmly in 2014 and it would not surprise ABI Research to see the others follow shopkick as an acquisition target in 2015. It may surprise some to see Insiteo feature so highly in 2014, but as a location technology company expanding into a complete platform while winning important contracts, it is difficult to see another start-up that has achieved more in the past 12 months.

“The year 2015 could see a major jump as we see the first chain-wide deployments. The widespread availability of BLE beacons makes it very easy for retailers to deploy a light system to test the water and measure shopper acceptance. We will also see the first year where Ruckus Wireless, Aruba Networks, and the newly formed Zebra/Motorola all have a comprehensive offering that most likely will combine Wi-Fi with BLE and other technologies,” comments Patrick Connolly, Senior Analyst.ABI Research understands there are substantial LED and magnetic field trials also underway which should come to light over the next 12 months.

These findings are part of ABI Research’s Location Technologies Market Research, which includes Research Reports, Market Data, Insights, and Competitive Assessments focused on the indoor location market.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.