What is Physical Web?

As we know, iBeacon will always need an app. iBeacon simply broadcasts a set of identifiers : UUID, Major and Minor.

Now to do something interactive when this broadcast being detected, like a message, coupon etc., we need an app.

Now with IoT knocking at the door, The number of smart objects is going to explode, both in our homes and in public spaces. Much like the web, there is going to be a long tail of interactivity for smart objects. But the overhead of installing an app for each one just doesn't scale. We need a system that lets you walk up and use a device with just a tap

Hence comes, Physical Web. It is an early-stage experimental project, started by Google.The Physical Web is an effort to extend the core superpower of the web - the URL - to everyday physical objects. The Physical Web isn't about replacing native apps: it's about enabling interaction when native apps just aren't practical.

Physical Web involves creating an open ecosystem where Physical Web devices can broadcast URLs in the area around them. It is a web that extends to physical devices.

Suppose you are standing at a bus stop and wondering the schedule of buses operating from that bus stop. At present, the option is to do a search from mobile and you will have plenty of urls,apps that may or may not tell the current/exact schedule of that bus stop. With Physical Web in place, you will get the schedule from the physical beacon placed at that bus stop itself. The beacon will be broadcasting a url containing information about the schedule. What that means is , Google initiates a scheme where we will use the IoT through a browsing and ranking mechanism on mobile devices, much like searching the web today. How exciting is that!

Physical web developer community suggests a wide range of use-cases.

Once any smart device can have a web address, the entire overhead of an app seems a bit backward. The Physical Web approach unlocks tiny use cases that would never be practical:

• A cat collar would let you call to find the owner

• A bus tells you it's next stop

• Parking meters can pay in the cloud using the phone's internet connection

• Any store, no matter how small, can offer an online experience when you walk in

• A ZipCar broadcasts a signup page, allowing you to immediately drive away

• Industrial equipment can offer diagnostics