I have an estimote beacon, i want to display a notification, when user comes in beacon range.
I was checking estimote beacon's android integration document, and found out that it requires location permission.
Estomote official app also does not work, if location permission is not granted.
My question is how to make beacon work without asking location permission, or if beacon does not work without location permission then what's the reason of using beacon, or am i missing something very important.
Android 6+ requires an app to obtain either COARSE_LOCATION or FINE_LOCATION permission at runtime in order to detect Bluetooth LE beacons or do Bluetooth LE scans at all. Without the permission, the OS blocks beacon detections. This is not an Estimote-specific issue -- it applies to scanning for any Bluetooth LE device.
This requirement was added to protect the privacy of users. The theory is that a runtime permission dialog makes it clear to a user that the app is accessing the user's location and ensures the user is aware of this and consents to the practice.