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.
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

Fitbit sync nexus 4

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...

Upgrade Bluetooth 4.0 to Bluetooth 4.1/4.1.5

Hi all!
Last night I was going through web-pages to make myself aware of the differences between the last version of Bluetooth (version 4.0) which was introduced in 2010 and it's successor, version 4.1 which was introduced in end of 2013!!
It brings 3 advantages which you can find in the article too.
Anyways, I ran into this interesting part of the article (link in the end) where it's been told that version jump isn't a hardware related (if you own a version 4.0 phone/tablet and not earlier versions) it's rather a software related jump.
So, I was wondering if anyone can find that kinda software which will do the trick for Note 3 (from Note 4) considering that both run Lollipop now and have same line of processors. :fingers-crossed:
Link-
http://www.trustedreviews.com/opinions/bluetooth-4-1-what-is-it-and-why-should-you-care
Fyki, it's in the "What does Bluetooth 4.1 mean for developers?" section.
Some, not all features of Bluetooth version 4.2 (that's why the title says, Bluetooth 4.1.5) can also be brought via software update to existing 4.0 & 4.1 devices but that'd be asking for too much.. :laugh:
Link-
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/12/new-bluetooth-4-2-spec-brings-ipv6-better-privacy-and-increased-speed/

Hello do you have any software to update Bluetooth from 4 to 4.1?
Sent from my CP8676_I02 using XDA-Developers mobile app

vinwin06 said:
Hello do you have any software to update Bluetooth from 4 to 4.1?
Sent from my CP8676_I02 using XDA-Developers mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No.. :crying:

I've spent the morning researching the same thing. Funny to find someone post the same question to XDA a year and a half earlier
I've also found out that 4.0 can easily be updated to 4.1 and contacted Magnat, the company that makes my Headphone (LZR 588 BT) - currently waiting for their reply. Doubt they will reply at the weekend, but in case they signal a chance to update their headphones in future, I will post this here, as it is an interesting reference case then.
So far, I have not found ANY evidence whatsoever of OEM's updating their BT equipment from 4.0 to 4.1. I doubt they have an interest in offering this service - BT 4.1 is quite the selling point as it introduces better interference filters (LTE and BT interference) which is quite the concern for many. My own research was motivated by this. My headphones partly have interference issues even when my phone is in my pocket, about 1 - to 1.5 meters away and I am out in the wild in direct sight of a cell tower. Or at home with several BT enabled devices and an LTE antenna not far away...
So, my thought was, if 4.1 can help fix this interference problem, it is a good reason to sell the same product again. Make more money. Why upgrade existing equipment then.
Oh and in case anyone here has the Magnat LZR 588 BT - please do contact them too. you can reach out to them via this email: info [@] magnat.de - be polite and ask for a way to update your headphones to 4.1.... maybe creates some awareness.
[EDIT] Apparently, BOSE does update their headphones, and the FAQ items ("Why do I need to update my headset?") specifically mentions compatibility updates for BT so it can keep working with newer smartphones, which I understand as a complete BT stack update. So, this kinda proves it should technically be possible and any answer from any company like: "Not possible" is a strategic answer, not a technical one.

Sneakyghost said:
I've spent the morning researching the same thing. Funny to find someone post the same question to XDA a year and a half earlier
I've also found out that 4.0 can easily be updated to 4.1 and contacted Magnat, the company that makes my Headphone (LZR 588 BT) - currently waiting for their reply. Doubt they will reply at the weekend, but in case they signal a chance to update their headphones in future, I will post this here, as it is an interesting reference case then.
So far, I have not found ANY evidence whatsoever of OEM's updating their BT equipment from 4.0 to 4.1. I doubt they have an interest in offering this service - BT 4.1 is quite the selling point as it introduces better interference filters (LTE and BT interference) which is quite the concern for many. My own research was motivated by this. My headphones partly have interference issues even when my phone is in my pocket, about 1 - to 1.5 meters away and I am out in the wild in direct sight of a cell tower. Or at home with several BT enabled devices and an LTE antenna not far away...
So, my thought was, if 4.1 can help fix this interference problem, it is a good reason to sell the same product again. Make more money. Why upgrade existing equipment then.
Oh and in case anyone here has the Magnat LZR 588 BT - please do contact them too. you can reach out to them via this email: info [@] magnat.de - be polite and ask for a way to update your headphones to 4.1.... maybe creates some awareness.
[EDIT] Apparently, BOSE does update their headphones, and the FAQ items ("Why do I need to update my headset?") specifically mentions compatibility updates for BT so it can keep working with newer smartphones, which I understand as a complete BT stack update. So, this kinda proves it should technically be possible and any answer from any company like: "Not possible" is a strategic answer, not a technical one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very much the case with My Plantronics Voyager Edge.
:laugh:
I too-contacted the customer care regarding the same issue & they said, they've forwarded the issue to the related department. I don't know what they're gonna do with the report/request forwarded to them..

I wonder if flashing a rom based on a newer device's rom might also upgrade the phone's Bluetooth version..
Right now I'm using N7 rom for Note3 by Kill-Switch..

TheTAMAS said:
I wonder if flashing a rom based on a newer device's rom might also upgrade the phone's Bluetooth version..
Right now I'm using N7 rom for Note3 by Kill-Switch..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I found articles discussing the Iphone 6 and 6+ having received an update from BT 4.0 to BT 4.2 (!!) by an iOS update. However, there were no details as to whether this was realized in iOS or in the firmware (radio firmware) part.
I strongly suspect that the update came with the iOS update but was done in the radio firmware, so NOT part of the ROM (iPhones don't differ that much from Android).
So, I would (speculatively) answer that you will NEVER get an updated BT stack by just flashing a newer ROM. It will most definitely be an updated radio firmware and (probably) updated files in the ROM going along the (main) changes in the radio, if there ever will be any such update for any smartphone besides the iPhone 6...
Apart from the iPhone and the Bose headsets, I have found virtually NO example of a BT upgrade. The industry mainly seems to pretend its not possible and with your Plantronics device, well, my guess is, "forwarding to a relevant department" eventually translates to "f*ck off and don't come back" like it usually does.

Sneakyghost said:
I found articles discussing the Iphone 6 and 6+ having received an update from BT 4.0 to BT 4.2 (!!) by an iOS update. However, there were no details as to whether this was realized in iOS or in the firmware (radio firmware) part.
I strongly suspect that the update came with the iOS update but was done in the radio firmware, so NOT part of the ROM (iPhones don't differ that much from Android).
So, I would (speculatively) answer that you will NEVER get an updated BT stack by just flashing a newer ROM. It will most definitely be an updated radio firmware and (probably) updated files in the ROM going along the (main) changes in the radio, if there ever will be any such update for any smartphone besides the iPhone 6...
Apart from the iPhone and the Bose headsets, I have found virtually NO example of a BT upgrade. The industry mainly seems to pretend its not possible and with your Plantronics device, well, my guess is, "forwarding to a relevant department" eventually translates to "f*ck off and don't come back" like it usually does.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apple updating 4 year old devices tells that it gives a lot more damn to its costumers than other companies we've mentioned.. In that regard, Apple is better than Google/Samsung
Bose? I've AE2W from them.. Did they update it?
Plantronics.. :laugh:

Sneakyghost said:
I've spent the morning researching the same thing. Funny to find someone post the same question to XDA a year and a half earlier
I've also found out that 4.0 can easily be updated to 4.1 and contacted Magnat, the company that makes my Headphone (LZR 588 BT) - currently waiting for their reply. Doubt they will reply at the weekend, but in case they signal a chance to update their headphones in future, I will post this here, as it is an interesting reference case then.
So far, I have not found ANY evidence whatsoever of OEM's updating their BT equipment from 4.0 to 4.1. I doubt they have an interest in offering this service - BT 4.1 is quite the selling point as it introduces better interference filters (LTE and BT interference) which is quite the concern for many. My own research was motivated by this. My headphones partly have interference issues even when my phone is in my pocket, about 1 - to 1.5 meters away and I am out in the wild in direct sight of a cell tower. Or at home with several BT enabled devices and an LTE antenna not far away...
So, my thought was, if 4.1 can help fix this interference problem, it is a good reason to sell the same product again. Make more money. Why upgrade existing equipment then.
Oh and in case anyone here has the Magnat LZR 588 BT - please do contact them too. you can reach out to them via this email: info [@] magnat.de - be polite and ask for a way to update your headphones to 4.1.... maybe creates some awareness.
[EDIT] Apparently, BOSE does update their headphones, and the FAQ items ("Why do I need to update my headset?") specifically mentions compatibility updates for BT so it can keep working with newer smartphones, which I understand as a complete BT stack update. So, this kinda proves it should technically be possible and any answer from any company like: "Not possible" is a strategic answer, not a technical one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thing about oem updating old devices is that, they don't make as much money as they do selling you a new device with the update included.

king3opobn said:
Thing about oem updating old devices is that, they don't make as much money as they do selling you a new device with the update included.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I agree.
but that also might mean-losing a customer to a company which does otherwise..
Just saying.. :laugh:
As there are VERRRRRRRRRRY few who do otherwise.

Magnat have replied. No BT upgrade for customers.
No explainer, no apology. Very dry, factual answer. Not, what I'd like to be treated as a customer.

Good luck buddy.
I've been waiting years for someone to figure out how to add the Bluetooth APT-X capability to ROM's without any luck.
See my signature below for a link to the thread which has stumped developers for far too long.

Will my SoundPEATS Q12 work in My HTC Desire 620g
TheTAMAS said:
Yes, I agree.
but that also might mean-losing a customer to a company which does otherwise..
Just saying.. :laugh:
As there are VERRRRRRRRRRY few who do otherwise.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm Having HTC Desire 620g which has Bluetooth 4.0 and recently I've ordered for SoundPEATS Q12 which is Bluetooth 4.1.
and my doubt is.. Will my SoundPEATS Q12 work in My HTC Desire 620g??

Hemnath Deivamani said:
I'm Having HTC Desire 620g which has Bluetooth 4.0 and recently I've ordered for SoundPEATS Q12 which is Bluetooth 4.1.
and my doubt is.. Will my SoundPEATS Q12 work in My HTC Desire 620g??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will..

No bluetooth 5 until Android O

It seems we won't have bluetooth 5 until Android O update androidcentral.com\bluetooth-5 (sorry, cannot share links yet)

Next update will include Bluetooth 5.0 Activation. As far as Android O, only saw one article stating that about Bluetooth 5.0 and O. LlabTooFer tweeted all the features of the next update and no mention of Android O. Also the latest base on Viper and Leedroid already have 5.0 Bluetooth support and are still Nougat. Don't know how well it works though not using those ROMS.

The original article I found was on htc blog (first link if you google "htc u11 bluetooth 5.0 htc blog"). There is an explanation why only Android O has this feature. Who to believe after all?

Android N doesn't natively support bluetooth 5, Android O will, hence the wait.

sergeymetallic said:
The original article I found was on htc blog (first link if you google "htc u11 bluetooth 5.0 htc blog"). There is an explanation why only Android O has this feature. Who to believe after all?
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ryanyz10 said:
Android N doesn't natively support bluetooth 5, Android O will, hence the wait.
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good info, looks like we'll be waiting longer
https://www.androidcentral.com/bluetooth-5

ryanyz10 said:
Android N doesn't natively support bluetooth 5, Android O will, hence the wait.
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So they can't do, or are unwilling to do, what Samsung did to get BT5 working? I think I remember hearing about issues with BT on the GS8's, but what little time I actually owned a GS8 it worked flawlessly and even connected to two devices at once with zero issues. Just seems like a cop-out on their part IMO.

tkoreaper said:
So they can't do, or are unwilling to do, what Samsung did to get BT5 working? I think I remember hearing about issues with BT on the GS8's, but what little time I actually owned a GS8 it worked flawlessly and even connected to two devices at once with zero issues. Just seems like a cop-out on their part IMO.
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Read the article I posted, bt 5 doesn't work on any device running Nougat even Samsung, O will support it.
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tkoreaper said:
So they can't do, or are unwilling to do, what Samsung did to get BT5 working? I think I remember hearing about issues with BT on the GS8's, but what little time I actually owned a GS8 it worked flawlessly and even connected to two devices at once with zero issues. Just seems like a cop-out on their part IMO.
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It's even mentioned in their article
When Android O, the next version of the Android OS becomes available, HTC U11 owners all over the world will be able to enjoy the benefits of Bluetooth 5.0.
We’re excited to be able to bring this announcement to HTC U11 customers around the world as we strive to continuously improve our customers’ mobile experience—we believe Bluetooth 5.0 compatibility helps do that.
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http://blog.htc.com/2017/08/htc-u11-ready-next-generation-connected-devices-bluetooth-5-0-support/

ShyamSasi said:
It's even mentioned in their article
http://blog.htc.com/2017/08/htc-u11-ready-next-generation-connected-devices-bluetooth-5-0-support/
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My confusion came from all the early reports that I was reading that stated BT5 brings the ability to connect to 2 devices at the same time which is why I assumed Samsung had it fully working on the GS8's. Supposedly it's not specific to BT5 because BT4 is capable of doing it.

Also sony contributed it's LDAC codec to Android O, so we could enjoy high quality bluetooth headsets

tkoreaper said:
My confusion came from all the early reports that I was reading that stated BT5 brings the ability to connect to 2 devices at the same time which is why I assumed Samsung had it fully working on the GS8's. Supposedly it's not specific to BT5 because BT4 is capable of doing it.
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I think that it might be two BT chips, unless someone knows otherwise

tkoreaper said:
My confusion came from all the early reports that I was reading that stated BT5 brings the ability to connect to 2 devices at the same time which is why I assumed Samsung had it fully working on the GS8's. Supposedly it's not specific to BT5 because BT4 is capable of doing it.
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How? I'd do it right now. We have this ability on our U11 already? I want.
Are you thinkin what Im thinkin? Wireless dolby surround with easy routing. Ornon dolby...simple 5.1. Why give dolby your endorsement. I been producing in 5.1 since my album mastered in Adobe Audition hit in late 2015. And Dolby got nothing to do with that effort.

kruc Ire said:
How? I'd do it right now. We have this ability on our U11 already? I want.
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That would be something that HTC would have to implement into the software.

tkoreaper said:
That would be something that HTC would have to implement into the software.
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I should be working on that. If the bt can send two channels of music it can be separated. And if 2 why not n channels. And why not choose. The stereo music has two channels. The 5.1 has 6 channels. So the size of a (wav) songfile is triple. My 26 song triple album was over 8 GB in size :good:
I am currently having two bluetooth lightbulbs. I see no reason not to get 4 more if bluetooth surround became available

Wireless Android Auto

Does s10+ support wireless android auto? I can't fond any info about it.
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I read that the car's side also has to be compatible? So probably most existing cars won't support it anyway?

Yeah the car unit needs to support it also, My car radio support it but my current Note8 does not support it even with android pie was thinking of switching to s10 if ever it is supported.
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I am not 100% positive, but I beleive the only limitation to WIreless Android Auto is the phone must be on PIE - so with that, I assume that the S10 phones will work wirelessly.
I have a Google Pixel and use Android Auto a lot and frankly, I find the wired solution better - connections wirelessly take longer - where with my unit, when I am plugged into USB, the connection is nearly immediate. That is never the case with the wireless android auto connection.
Don't get me wrong, when it connects it works well - but sometimes I don't have the patience to wait so I just plug in.... I guess we will find out for sure how it works with the S10s when they arrive (or if someone already has one, maybe they can chime in....

Geekser said:
I have a Google Pixel and use Android Auto a lot and frankly, I find the wired solution better - connections wirelessly take longer - where with my unit, when I am plugged into USB, the connection is nearly immediate. That is never the case with the wireless android auto connection.
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Can you elaborate on how long that is approx? 5s,30s,a full minute?
Oh, and what make/model car do you have from which year?

latino147 said:
Can you elaborate on how long that is approx? 5s,30s,a full minute?
Oh, and what make/model car do you have from which year?
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i am using a Kenwood Excelon DDX9905S head unit, custom installed in a BMW X1 - connect time wirlessly with android auto is up to about 30 seconds after car is started.

Wow I have pioneer w8400 I hope it dies not take that long. I wish someone can test if s10 works cause my S9 with the latest pie update does not work with it such a shame very simple update but samsung just ignore to include it.
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Not specifically about WIRELESS Android Auto, but I hope they come out with a fix to this.

Sadly my truck does not currently support Android Auto wirelessly. Perhaps GM will update the software. The truck is less than a year old.

Drunkula said:
Sadly my truck does not currently support Android Auto wirelessly. Perhaps GM will update the software. The truck is less than a year old.
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I think you need to change your headunit, I think it is more on the hardware side in headunit.
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Yeah, that's not going to happen. Oh well.

Lame
I have an aftermarket deck (Pioneer NEX8400) that does support Android Auto Wireless (and Apple Car Play Wireless that does work with my work phone). The Samsung S10+ (and my previous phone the S9+) with PIe do not support wireless Android Auto. I complained to Samsung support about this as the Pixel has had it working for a while now. They apologized for not offering it in this Pie build.

From what I've read, it just sounds like Google is hand picking devices it works for. Bullcrap is what it is. I left Samsung a few months ago after being loyal for 6 devices in a row, to get the Pixel 3 XL. I was unhappy enough with just the screen touch recognition on the P3XL to get rid of it, and came back to a S10+. I am totally happy with my S10 again, I feel at home........but if this is Google's plot to get people to switch? Stupid.
I know this thread is back from March, but figured it needed a bump. Is this something that can be added with root? Any dev's in here? I haven't rooted my last 3 devices, but with my previous devices I certainly flashed those more times than a sexual offender at a playground. I'd get back into it if this is something the dev world can make work!

It's here in Beta!
https://www.xda-developers.com/wireless-android-auto-any-android-phone/
Worked for my S10+ on my W4400NEX