Related
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.
Click to expand...
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
OK so I have been thinking about this for a while. I know the Samsung galaxy s3 and note 2 allow Bluetooth syncing. Can we try a build.prop rename for device name to spoof a galaxy s3 and see if the 4.0 can get any action? Anyone able to help me with this.
I have been in contact with Fitbit and they say the Bluetooth stack for hardware is different on each hardware. But I'm still wanting to get this working. Anyone able to assist? Fitbit one and nexus 4
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
iamdarren said:
OK so I have been thinking about this for a while. I know the Samsung galaxy s3 and note 2 allow Bluetooth syncing. Can we try a build.prop rename for device name to spoof a galaxy s3 and see if the 4.0 can get any action? Anyone able to help me with this.
I have been in contact with Fitbit and they say the Bluetooth stack for hardware is different on each hardware. But I'm still wanting to get this working. Anyone able to assist? Fitbit one and nexus 4
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.
Galaxy s4 is looking pretty good to me now. :-s
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2
I have a Fitbit One and a Galaxy Nexus at the moment. I see the latest version will sync via Bluetooth with Samsung S3 and Note 2, but the comments on Google Play mention that it works with the Nexus 4 also. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
nigelw said:
I have a Fitbit One and a Galaxy Nexus at the moment. I see the latest version will sync via Bluetooth with Samsung S3 and Note 2, but the comments on Google Play mention that it works with the Nexus 4 also. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just bought a Fitbit One. I do not even see the One on my LG Nexus 4 V4.2.2 using the standard bluetooth control panel. Maybe there's a radio diag util that'll let me see it. Android Fitbit V1.6.1 software does not offer the option to sync on my LG Nexus 4. The LG Nexus 4 DOES have Bluetooth v4.0 hardware doesn't it?
I have an SMK Link V4 LE USB Bluetooth dongle on my netbook that, after downloading the god awful 400 megabyte driver from their website, does show the Fitbit One bluetooth but the Netbook refuses to attach to the Fitbit One. The Win 7 bluetooth control panel times out. It says I never entered the number (presumably on the FitBit One). I never saw any prompt to enter the four digit code on the PC or the Fitbit One.
Fitbit.com/store shows a $14.95 wireless dongle so I can sync at work & home but I'm hesitant to buy it given support for more Android phones are "coming soon". I wish they'd communicate their plans, schedules & devices better.
John
---------- Post added at 01:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------
jzoch said:
I just bought a Fitbit One. I do not even see the One on my LG Nexus 4 V4.2.2 using the standard bluetooth control panel. Maybe there's a radio diag util that'll let me see it. Android Fitbit V1.6.1 software does not offer the option to sync on my LG Nexus 4. The LG Nexus 4 DOES have Bluetooth v4.0 hardware doesn't it?
I have an SMK Link V4 LE USB Bluetooth dongle on my netbook that, after downloading the god awful 400 megabyte driver from their website, does show the Fitbit One bluetooth but the Netbook refuses to attach to the Fitbit One. The Win 7 bluetooth control panel times out. It says I never entered the number (presumably on the FitBit One). I never saw any prompt to enter the four digit code on the PC or the Fitbit One.
Fitbit.com/store shows a $14.95 wireless dongle so I can sync at work & home but I'm hesitant to buy it given support for more Android phones are "coming soon". I wish they'd communicate their plans, schedules & devices better.
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just stumbled upon this:
URL deleted because I'm a noob.
Finally! Wireless Sync (beta) on Android!
2013 February 12
by lking
We’re excited to announce that wireless syncing with Android has arrived! Our free Fitbit App for Android now syncs your Fitbit One and Zip stats directly to the Samsung Galaxy SIII and Note II. With our app, you can sync your stats wirelessly (beta) and see how you are tracking against your daily goals, with friends, and against historic averages. You can download the app from Google Play today!
Android dashboard
Android dashboard
We know how important it is for our customers to get real-time access to their stats. Those who’ve been able to take advantage of wireless background syncing already have been telling us how they’ve worked to get their extra steps in after receiving notifications that they’re close to their goal, or how they find motivation from the instant feedback right on their Dashboard. We are very excited to bring this feature to our Android users!
We began working on the wireless sync for Android and iOS at around the same time. It took us much longer to get this working on Android phones than it did with iOS, and we appreciate our Android users’ patience in the meantime. We know many of you may be curious about the development of this feature, and we’d like to share some insight into some of the challenges we’ve encountered and what they’ve taught us in the process.
Currently, the Android OS does not provide apps with access to the Bluetooth 4.0 chips in newer phones. To work around this, some phones instead have custom software that provides access to Bluetooth 4.0. Since this software is different for each phone, our team has worked on developing a solution for each phone independently.
Fitbit is among the first to try and use the Bluetooth 4.0 in Android phones, and part of being the first means we got to help find and document any problems with the software. We also spent quite a bit of time piecing together how the software works, since it previously hadn’t been well-documented. For many of the problems we encountered, we were able to create our own work-arounds. For others, we coordinated with phone manufacturers and carriers to get more permanent fixes in place.
For phones we have yet to introduce syncing capabilities with, we’re working with phone manufacturers to see which phones will allow our app to work with their Bluetooth 4.0 capabilities. This process involves us individually checking each model of phone. There may be better support for third-party apps to access Bluetooth in the future, and once this is available we will be able to easily support all phones with this update.
We’ve been working hard to improve the wireless sync experience, but the feature is still in beta. Syncing your stats will typically take about 30 seconds. In some cases, especially where there are issues with network connection, it may take longer. We’re working hard to provide the best user experience possible, so improved syncing speed is just one thing you can look forward to seeing in future updates of our Android app.
Fitbit is dedicated to making connected devices that fit seamlessly into your everyday life, and we fully believe that incorporating Android phones in all of our future efforts is a huge part of that. We truly appreciate our Android users’ patience as we continue to work on supporting additional mobile devices. We’re closely collaborating with phone carriers and handset manufacturers to try to support more phones. There’s a number of phones we’re actively working on, but we don’t yet have an ETA on when we might be able to release updates to include them. For now, you can see a list of all of the supported devices here. If your device is not on that list, we encourage you to contact your phone carrier to ask that they work to build out further Bluetooth support. Your feedback could help us speed this process along!
Happy syncing and logging — wherever you go!
–The Fitbit team
Seems the problem is Google have not fully implemented Bluetooth 4.0 support, but Samsung for all their faults, have. Maybe we will get lucky with the next release of Android, Google IO is 2 weeks away.
Was really thinking about a Fitbit Flex but good thing I looked up wireless syncing.
bleuiko said:
Was really thinking about a Fitbit Flex but good thing I looked up wireless syncing.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
All Fitbit devices have wireless sync via the included bluetooth dongle. Real time active-sync via a Bluetooth 4.0 connection to your smartphone is what you are referring to..
G1ForFun said:
All Fitbit devices have wireless sync via the included bluetooth dongle. Real time active-sync via a Bluetooth 4.0 connection to your smartphone is what you are referring to..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup. As this is a Nexus 4 forum, I figured the distinction was obvious. Thanks for making it clear. Fingers cross for some BT4 announcement at IO.
So I have been reading reviews for the flex and one of them mentioned NFC syncing to mobile devices although the fitbit website doesn't seem to spec this feature..... Was this just a deranged reviewer??
edit: Another review explains the following
"Even if your phone isn't one of the currently compatible models (the Galaxy S III, S4 and Note II), the inclusion of NFC lets you quickly launch the app with a tap, though there will be no ability to sync."
Ruprect said:
So I have been reading reviews for the flex and one of them mentioned NFC syncing to mobile devices although the fitbit website doesn't seem to spec this feature..... Was this just a deranged reviewer??
edit: Another review explains the following
"Even if your phone isn't one of the currently compatible models (the Galaxy S III, S4 and Note II), the inclusion of NFC lets you quickly launch the app with a tap, though there will be no ability to sync."
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, that's true. It just opens up the app but doesn't sync. I hate going back to TW. Mann.
ok im going to put this out there, but why do you need to sync your fitbit with your phone at all, i use my fitbit all day long and as long as i walk within 20 feet of my pc at home with the fitbit usb adapter and software on it my fitbit syncs so does my wifes, when she gets home from work walks in front door boom sync'd i have never had to open the app to sync my fitbit manually and never seen the need to sync to app being their are indicators on all fitbits saying where you stand on activity.
You only need mobile sync if you're away from your home pc for more than 5 days.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
nigelw said:
You only need mobile sync if you're away from your home pc for more than 5 days.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oh ok ty that would be why i never thought i needed it even when i got on vacation i bring my netbook which is where it syncs.
I only have a Nexus 7 and a desktop PC, so a mobile sync will be useful when I'm away on holiday.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
m3f2u said:
No, that's true. It just opens up the app but doesn't sync. I hate going back to TW. Mann.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got no reaction after tap the flex by my nexus 4. Yes, the NFC is on
billsky83 said:
I got no reaction after tap the flex by my nexus 4. Yes, the NFC is on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its quirky, sometimes i have to make my phone have sex with my fitbit to get it launch the app thats all the nfc feature does. its 90% of the time faster to just open the app with my finger then nfc, but its not nearly as cool as fitbit/phone sex
I have a Fitbit Flex and have looked into this. Apparently mobile syncing requires BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) which our phones don't have. However, they are capable of it and BLE is one of the rumored additions for Android 4.3.
Personally I hate having to take my dongle back and forth between home and work so I'm looking forward to being able to sync on my phone.
bringing this thread back up. I know that we have BLE now in 4.3 but fitbit has not updated the app yet. Anyway we can spoof the app in Build.prop maybe to make it work?
Pretty sure that the app needs to be coded for the nexus 4 BLE driver first...
Amazed it hasn't been posted in here yet, this is going to be a busy forum pretty soon, Google announced Android Wear
http://www.talkandroid.com/200285-g...oid-wear-smartwatches-coming-later-this-year/
Motorola's first watch with Android Wear is already announced
http://www.talkandroid.com/200297-m...n-android-wear-smartwatch-coming-this-summer/
JarlSX said:
Amazed it hasn't been posted in here yet, this is going to be a busy forum pretty soon, Google announced Android Wear
http://www.talkandroid.com/200285-g...oid-wear-smartwatches-coming-later-this-year/
Motorola's first watch with Android Wear is already announced
http://www.talkandroid.com/200297-m...n-android-wear-smartwatch-coming-this-summer/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's already a dedicated section http://forum.xda-developers.com/android-wear
Forget the 360
Could somebody please port android wear to moto Actv
I have already seen a tweak to turn the headphone jack into a mic port somewhere in here so the ability should be there, just needs to be harnessed & integrated?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium HD app
trueCrusader said:
Forget the 360
Could somebody please port android wear to moto Actv
I have already seen a tweak to turn the headphone jack into a mic port somewhere in here so the ability should be there, just needs to be harnessed & integrated?
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium HD app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not yet fully released, only the preview. I tried the functions and the only thing that works are notifications for sms/calls/mail etc. No voice commands yet, no maps, no nothing. We'll have to wait for the full SDK.
No microphone or internal speaker on the Motoactv.
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
Hi,
Today is my birthday, and my girlfriend got me a cheap smartwatch. I'm happy with the sediment behind the gift, believe me I am. However, there are a few things that caught my attention:
The proprietary android app (used to push notifications and such) has advertisements.
It is possible to flash firmware onto the GT08.
So I was wondering, is it possible to flash stock android wear (or close to stock) onto this watch? If so, could someone direct me to a guide? I would be happy if I could use the Android Wear app instead of this ad ridden thing by the manufacturers.
Thank you in advance.
I'm in the exact same position as this person... can anyone help? Please :fingers-crossed:
Same
sohcahtoa said:
I'm in the exact same position as this person... can anyone help? Please :fingers-crossed:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, Me to!
Simple Answer is No. Even with old Android Wear like Sony SW3 (deprecated) nobody can made an updated OS
weilunt0219 said:
Hi,
Today is my birthday, and my girlfriend got me a cheap smartwatch. I'm happy with the sediment behind the gift, believe me I am. However, there are a few things that caught my attention:
The proprietary android app (used to push notifications and such) has advertisements.
It is possible to flash firmware onto the GT08.
So I was wondering, is it possible to flash stock android wear (or close to stock) onto this watch? If so, could someone direct me to a guide? I would be happy if I could use the Android Wear app instead of this ad ridden thing by the manufacturers.
Thank you in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1) yes -- dev / programmer
2) yes -- proprietory equipment / software required.
It's cheaper just to buy a better watch if you 'HAVE' to have those capabilities.
I have a 'timemaker' from amazon watch, its decent, and it works as a watch. Sleep not so accurate, hr not so accurate as my table has a pulse of 160 (should really relax a bit) it does not count steps very well.
troublebshooting 'nameless' brands is always a challenge and most mod apps will not work.
So in short if modding is what you 'NEED' get a brand name watch; asus, samsung xiomi etc.
If a good estimate of your lifestyme (sleep, hr, steps) is good enough, then the no name is fine.
Always read reviews and check out companion app reviews before purchase (I'd have recommended a different one as the first one had to be sent back)
Sent from my SM-G935W8 using Tapatalk