Database Users

[Q] Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy

Other flagships have hardware that support this - does the Nexus and is Android 4.2 likely to support it? (4.1 does not).
Why is it useful? Well if you use a heart rate monitor for sports, it will last longer. It can also be used to connect devices.
It's a huge feature for me as a runner. Currently I use a Garmin 305 which is an awesome, if ugly, product. With apps like strava / endomondo and more, it would be nice to have all this, with GPS and music on one device

I believe Bluetooth 4.0 is present on this device. Check the spec sheet on Google Play, but I'm 99.99% sure.

The hardware is present for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) but as yet, no version of Android supports it.
There is an issue thread on google regarding this - if people star it google might treat the issue as a priority.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=33371
I think google is looking to NFC for nearfield communication forgetting some of the cool uses bluetooth can be put to.

kieren2 said:
The hardware is present for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) but as yet, no version of Android supports it.
There is an issue thread on google regarding this - if people star it google might treat the issue as a priority.
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=33371
I think google is looking to NFC for nearfield communication forgetting some of the cool uses bluetooth can be put to.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Broadcom BCM4330 supports BTLE (http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s549642), and according to this website: http://www.ubmtechinsights.com/repo...market-reports/Report-Profile/?ReportKey=8713
The LG Optimus G uses that Broadcom chip, so it's possible that the Nexus 4 also uses it?
According to the newly updated Android 4.2 changelog: http://developer.android.com/about/versions/jelly-bean.html
Android 4.2 introduces a new Bluetooth stack optimized for use with Android devices. The new Bluetooth stack developed in collaboration between Google and Broadcom replaces the stack based on BlueZ and provides improved compatibility and reliability.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I sure hope that we will have BTLE support with the Nexus 4. I really want to buy a Polar H7 HRM!

I'm glad someone else is concerned
It doesn't look too good. Although they have rewritten the stack, there is no mention of Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth Smart.
Apart from the issue raised with google in my first post, I have no idea how to reach out to them regarding this. Does anyone know? This is Android general rather than device specific. Pretty much all the new handsets have hardware that support BLE but there is no OS support in Android

At last - some hope. Although there is no ETA, looks like we can hope for BLE support in Android 4.3
"BLE will be the next major feature we are going to add."
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!msg/android-platform/CYtxCmtZ-WI/aIzBq7KbKVUJ

Any updates on the BLE support? I am working on a BLE breakout board and would like to get it working with the Nexus 4 rather than just the computer via a dongle. From what I've found online there is a BLE stack in 4.2, yet for some reason I can't find it or get anything to work.

What exactly would this do? I understand the low energy stuff, but I don't see what else it has, and whether we have to enable it first, or something.

yahoowizard said:
What exactly would this do? I understand the low energy stuff, but I don't see what else it has, and whether we have to enable it first, or something.
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Click to collapse
BLE is a wireless protocol that peripheral devices can use to interface with your phone. Somewhat similar to regular bluetooth (and other proprietary wireless links), it can allow a sensor to wirelessly stream data or allow a phone to control a robot or any other device with BLE. I'm not sure if that answers your question. The real benefit is that BLE uses significantly less power (upon other things) and thus can enable a new set of devices. For example, part of my dissertation is a cardiac monitoring system which I would like to connect to my Nexus 4.

Any news?
Hi guys,
Are there any news on Bluetooth 4.0 / smart ready on the Nexus 4 and maybe 4.2.2 yet?
Was someone already able to pair the Nexus 4 with the Polar H7?
Maybe I'll order one and try if it works by now.
Thanks for your answers anyway. :good:

I have the same question about BLE.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

kieren2 said:
Other flagships have hardware that support this - does the Nexus and is Android 4.2 likely to support it? (4.1 does not).
Why is it useful? Well if you use a heart rate monitor for sports, it will last longer. It can also be used to connect devices.
It's a huge feature for me as a runner. Currently I use a Garmin 305 which is an awesome, if ugly, product. With apps like strava / endomondo and more, it would be nice to have all this, with GPS and music on one device
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
Would love to play with the Stick-n-Find and/or Meterplug. And upgrade my Fitbit to the Bluetooth 4.0 version so I don't have to keep plugging that stupid dongle into my laptop.

id628 said:
+1
Would love to play with the Stick-n-Find and/or Meterplug. And upgrade my Fitbit to the Bluetooth 4.0 version so I don't have to keep plugging that stupid dongle into my laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Arrrghg - your post is what I found when searching for Fitbit, which I just bought. Very frustrating our N4's can't support the BT connection yet. I also hate that stupid dongle!

The new Fitbits use BLE too? Wow, Google need to get Android caught up, really never expect them to be behind with technologies.
So, should I send my H7 back, or wait???

Google finally started looking into BLE two days ago. See the bottom of this page:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=33371

oren_b said:
Google finally started looking into BLE two days ago. See the bottom of this page:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=33371
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added my vote to get them to acknowledge this. Amazing that nothing has been done yet.

id628 said:
+1
Would love to play with the Stick-n-Find and/or Meterplug. And upgrade my Fitbit to the Bluetooth 4.0 version so I don't have to keep plugging that stupid dongle into my laptop.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
kalipedia said:
Arrrghg - your post is what I found when searching for Fitbit, which I just bought. Very frustrating our N4's can't support the BT connection yet. I also hate that stupid dongle!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AndyCr15 said:
The new Fitbits use BLE too? Wow, Google need to get Android caught up, really never expect them to be behind with technologies.
So, should I send my H7 back, or wait???
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Fitbit One which uses BLE. I'm with you guys in hoping Google gets this feature added and supported very soon. It would be really nice!

This will be addressed with K release.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using xda premium

I wonder which one will come out first. The Fitbit Flex or a Nexus 4 update with BLE.

I'm hoping it's coming soon, I just ordered a bunch of Motes to instrument my house...
http://igg.me/at/motes/x/1655370
danny.ffm said:
Hi guys,
Are there any news on Bluetooth 4.0 / smart ready on the Nexus 4 and maybe 4.2.2 yet?
Was someone already able to pair the Nexus 4 with the Polar H7?
Maybe I'll order one and try if it works by now.
Thanks for your answers anyway. :good:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

S Health False Advertisement?

It was advertised to monitor blood glucose, and after buying a galaxy s4 there is clearly no way of logging glucose readings or connecting a blood monitor. I even called samsung mobile support and they confirmed that it supports glucose logging but they have absolutley no idea how to access the function. It seems to me that they have advertised this feature but have not built it into s health. Thoughts on this? :banghead:
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

maybe you need one of the accessories?

Open S Health, go to settings, then "add more features". There it states blood glucose as an accessory related feature.
Sent from my SGH-I337M using xda premium

McCadi said:
I even called samsung mobile support and they confirmed that it supports glucose logging but they have absolutley no idea how to access the function. It seems to me that they have advertised this feature but have not built it into s health. Thoughts on this?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OMG, what a support! You are right: You need an additional hardware accessoire or (maybe, let's hope) their software will support it, but:
tietherope said:
Open S Health, go to settings, then "add more features". There it states blood glucose as an accessory related feature.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This feature / software needs to be downloaded separately and it isn't available yet! Even if you'd get your hands on a suitable Samsung or 3rd party hardware, you may still have to wait on that in the worst case!
From a practical standpoint: I am pretty sure that Samsung will offer the above glucose and blood pressure software once their hardware is available worldwide. But they'd shoot themselves in the foot if they'd offered it now and people would buy competitor products, so that is why they are waiting to do so!

knowledgeworker said:
OMG, what a support! You are right: You need an additional hardware accessoire or (maybe, let's hope) their software will support it, but:
This feature / software needs to be downloaded separately and it isn't available yet! Even if you'd get your hands on a suitable Samsung or 3rd party hardware, you may still have to wait on that in the worst case!
From a practical standpoint: I am pretty sure that Samsung will offer the above glucose and blood pressure software once their hardware is available worldwide. But they'd shoot themselves in the foot if they'd offered it now and people would buy competitor products, so that is why they are waiting to do so!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You make a good point, I suppose I'll just be checking sammy's website until something is released. I might try getting 3rd party cables to try and connect them, I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using xda premium

McCadi said:
... I might try getting 3rd party cables to try and connect them, I'll let you guys know how it goes.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which kind of cables connected to what?
In principle you can also use totally different apps, i.e. I am sure there are already blood glucose and blood pressure items out there.
(That have their own Android app...)
And I'll definitely consider those, after Samsung published their devices in my country, because I don't plan to pay more just because it says "Samsung" or integrates with S-Health.

enable mode monitor galaxy s4 gt-i9506

how to get mode monitor on galaxy gt-i9506 withe cm13 and kalinethunter i install all this but drivers cart wifi be ??????
Help

V Strike watch

While I impatiently wait for my Omate TS, I have been poking around for an alternative. I have simple requirements (at least I thought so) that I would like: GPS, Bluetooth, and the ability to run Android apps. You see, I really just want an Endomondo watch. Enter the V Strike.
It looks very similar to the IM Watch, but includes GPS and 2G GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz). The selling point is $213, direct from China - of course.
www.chinavasion.com/kixe/
Thoughts?

Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards

shaolin95 said:
Why not the ZGPAX S5 then. Dual core as welll 1Ghz, 512MB Ram, 4GB internal with external SD card an SIM card slots. And cheaper
I got mine from ebay for $150 shipped USA seller.
I posted some videos of it running MAME emulator with a PS3 controller even.
It also runs FPSE and even the dreamcast one (textures are not correct for some things)...pretty impressive but notifications are not done...just promises so far...
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Two reasons: that ugly camera and branding.

mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.

shaolin95 said:
mmmm yeah like that one you linked to above (and most of the others on this forum area) is a world renowned brand...unless you are going with Sony, Samsung, or similar , your point is mute...but whatever...good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't mean as much as who made it, rather the placement of the brand on the front of the watch. At this point, they all seem to be Chinese Factory developed watches.

It is yet another EC-308 rebrand and not even an EC-309 so no 3G or HSPA+.

That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.

jimlivingston said:
That is good information. I do not care about 2G v 3G. I want GPS, Bluetooth (for the HRM) and the ability to run Endomondo. From the looks of it, the 308 would be fine for me. At least until the unicorn that is the TS arrives.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you are not looking for a stand alone cellular smartwatch then the SmartQ Z would be a better choice. Newer Android version, BT 4.0, water resistant and is less than half the price. I'd say hit up the SmartQ thread and see if somebody will test some apps for you.

If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Hold The Phone
jimlivingston said:
If only it had GPS for my runs.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I didn't test this myself, however, someone in the SMartQ thread says that the watch INDEED has GPS. Even though its not Advertised. Though don't quote me on that.

Amazon Fire 7" 5th Gen $50 Tablet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukv_gqlMa8g got mine and did a short 2 minute review clip, let me know thoughts. Thanks guys

Could been better at this price
Nice specs but could been better at this price. Spidotech Sleek W1 tablet offers the same features and the price is far less than the Fire tablet. It even comes with an HDMI support and external 3G dongle support.

found this
NOT a review
just a manufacture's feature demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIvwH_CvPxY
still looking for more detail on the specs
and maybe a review
ok found their website here
http://www.spidotech.com/
Android KitKat and 1.2GHz Quad-core processor
Peace
Ricci
---------- Post added at 08:09 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:58 AM ----------
it's not cheaper here in USA
35.99 British Pound equals
54.62 US Dollar
then add shipping
a slower cpu
less storage (only32 gigs sd card support)
i think this is not a good deal
i could find more faults but for USA people Fire 7 is better
Peace
Ricci

Lero Bryant said:
Nice specs but could been better at this price. Spidotech Sleek W1 tablet offers the same features and the price is far less than the Fire tablet. It even comes with an HDMI support and external 3G dongle support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
sorry, this is really stupid... I've never heard of spidotech, everyone has heard of Amazon. 50 bucks is a great price for a device like this

I would be very interested in this tablet if it had GPS. It would have a permanent place in my truck. But without GPS it's worthless to me.

paratwa53 said:
I would be very interested in this tablet if it had GPS. It would have a permanent place in my truck. But without GPS it's worthless to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure you could always buy a GPS attachment rather it be via Bluetooth or another method and it'd still probably come out to be a very cheap tablet with GPS versus other devices available with both.

misticalx said:
I'm sure you could always buy a GPS attachment rather it be via Bluetooth or another method and it'd still probably come out to be a very cheap tablet with GPS versus other devices available with both.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
From all the descriptions I can find online about the MT8127, it does contain a GPS module (see image below). However, the picture also lists the 4-in-1 wireless MT6627 chip. What is the Fire tablet using for its wireless chip?
media.bestofmicro.com/O/Y/449314/original/MT8127.jpg
A potential concern is that Amazon lists MT8127D as the SoC of the new Fire, and I don't know if the "D" has any special architectural significance.
Does somebody already have nice teardown pictures, is it viable to solder a GPS antenna to the chip, if the GPS receiver is already there?

gribo4e4eg said:
From all the descriptions I can find online about the MT8127, it does contain a GPS module (see image below). However, the picture also lists the 4-in-1 wireless MT6627 chip. What is the Fire tablet using for its wireless chip?
media.bestofmicro.com/O/Y/449314/original/MT8127.jpg
A potential concern is that Amazon lists MT8127D as the SoC of the new Fire, and I don't know if the "D" has any special architectural significance.
Does somebody already have nice teardown pictures, is it viable to solder a GPS antenna to the chip, if the GPS receiver is already there?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can find some macro pictures posted here from days ago: http://forum.xda-developers.com/ama...o-photo-amazon-fire-2015-motherboard-t3227808
But I don't think it has GPS still from a quick look but I could easily be wrong, might want to ask in the topic if anyone saw anything specific.

We used the $20 off for the first order on amazon now coupon so for $30 I think this is an amazing lil tab
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

I agree that Spidotech is a new brand as compared to Amazon but there’s no harm in giving it a try, specially at such a low price. I bought the Sleek W1 for my son and he loves it. The processor works very good and the tablet is perfect for everyday use. It also has a lot of pre-installed educational apps and games.

a1yet said:
it's not cheaper here in USA
35.99 British Pound equals
54.62 US Dollar
then add shipping
a slower cpu
less storage (only32 gigs sd card support)
i think this is not a good deal
i could find more faults....
but for USA people Fire 7 is better
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
enough said i think your trying to pimp this tablet
post this somewhere else, where people care
this place is for the Fire tablet

Lero Bryant said:
I agree that Spidotech is a new brand as compared to Amazon but there’s no harm in giving it a try, specially at such a low price. I bought the Sleek W1 for my son and he loves it. The processor works very good and the tablet is perfect for everyday use. It also has a lot of pre-installed educational apps and games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What's more important for me is the stability. I do not want my table to hang, or crash often.

Hi,
is ANY version of the Cyanogenmod ROM compatible to this Tablet yet ?

titanic1955 said:
Hi,
is ANY version of the Cyanogenmod ROM compatible to this Tablet yet ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are working on it, we just got a working recovery.
Sent from my KFFOWI using Tapatalk

johnw7 said:
What's more important for me is the stability. I do not want my table to hang, or crash often.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, the new Fire looks stable to me. No hangups or crashes. The only thing is the RAM is slow, and it takes time to load a huge app like Facebook.
In Japan, it's sold at USD45 including shipping for Prime members, and it's totally worth it for day-to-day use.

I was thinking about purchasing an Amazon Fire for the amazing low price of $50. My main device of use since it was released in 2011 has been the 1st gen Kindle Fire. It was given to me as a gift, otherwise on my own I would've never ventured into the realm of owning an Amazon device because of its initial slave device status. It's nice to see current Android development on the Fire
Sent from my Amazon OtterX using XDA Free mobile app

Can Android smartwatches be used to track seniors with Alzheimer's?

My father-in-law is beginning to show signs of Alzheimer's. Can these Android 4.4 or 5.1 smartwatches be tracked remotely with GPS using something like the Android Device Manager website's "locate my phone" feature?
Thanks

Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
Sent from my ONDA A9 Core4 using Tapatalk

RASTAVIPER said:
Why to do that and instead you are no using a more advanced application at his mobile?
Sent from my ONDA A9 Core4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Due to his disease, he has already lost two mobile phones. We think he'd be less likely to lose a smartwatch.

Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
RASTAVIPER said:
Then I would propose any smartwatch with builtin GPS, sim enabled, with Android Os (not Android wear) and Cerberus app, for advanced tracking.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

thankyouxda said:
Does such a watch exist for the US GSM (Tmobile/At&T) market other than may be Omate Rise ?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh, yes
I searched this weekend and it turns out there are quite a few!
Here's a whole Google+ community dedicated to them:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/118329295257118922433/communities/109827242607524552712

I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.

thankyouxda said:
I had already asked in that G+ group but did not get any response yet. Think many of these watches don't have the 3G band required for US GSM networks and apparently 2G is going to be turned off per the sticky post. ZGPAX S99 works on AT&T per a post here. Plus it looks like with anything other that basic phone calls (like leaving GPS on) battery won't last much long. I hope I am wrong about all these. Have been looking for a Android/Android Wear watch for a similar use case but don't know anything other than Omate rise (bad track record,expensive) and the LG urbane (verizon, expensive, need plan). Would love to find something that works that can take a 3g sim.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pinning my hopes on the upcoming Finow X1 Plus: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQBPmHpC2GQ
But I'll first need to read some convincing reviews before biting!

If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html

afblangley said:
If the purpose for getting a smartwatch is solely for safety/tracking, there are dedicated devices made for that purpose. I've seen them for kids, but I'm pretty sure they exist for seniors and medically related purposes also.
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/best-gps-child-trackers,review-2884.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but for some reason although there are many such watches for kids, there are very few for the elderly. Also, many of them rely on expensive US-based subscriptions and charge extra for other countries. The thing that I like about these full Android watches is that they're way cheaper and you can simply use a regular SIM card with cheap pre-paid service anywhere in the world. *Assuming the battery life and GPS are decent*, which is yet to be seen

Don't expect GPS-enabled watches to last for more than 1 day, without charging.
Unleashed by my M1 NOTE