The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#1

Post by robspychala » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 8:49 PM UTC

CoreBluetooth 4.0 LE

The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about
de-de.com

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#2

Post by jws » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:15 PM UTC

Bluetooth 4.0 LE - Non-paired communication in the 10s of meters range. Very low power. 250kbps or so max speed.

It could be useful for easily interacting with devices, e.g. thermostats, exercise monitors, televisions, cars…

There don't appear to be (m)any devices using it now. But it is in the phone, waiting.

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#3

Post by untog » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:17 PM UTC

Some things that are not possible yet (though it would be super cool if they were on Apple’s todo list):

- iPhone to iPhone CoreBluetooth communication

This is a killer. All of the ideas suggested in the article would require custom built hardware- if we could do user-user connections then I think a lot more would be possible.

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#4

Post by ricardobeat » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:20 PM UTC

untog wrote: post #3

Some things that are not possible yet (though it would be super cool if they were on Apple’s todo list): - iPhone to iPhone CoreBluetooth communication This is a killer. All of the ideas suggested in the article would require custom built hardware- if we could do user-user connections then I think a lot more would be possible.

Apple has just revamped their hardware partner program, supposedly providing easier access to BL4 chipsets. Other hardware makers will certainly follow. I bet (and hope) this will be bigger than RFID.

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#5

Post by smackfu » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:27 PM UTC

Usually Apple would use this kind of API to actually power some cool feature. Wonder why they didn't?

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#6

Post by thurn » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:31 PM UTC

This stuff would probably be pretty useful for turning your iPhone into a remote control if Apple makes a TV

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#7

Post by pak » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:34 PM UTC

Is it just me, or did the 5 use cases proposed in the article immediately give you the reaction "Yuck, I'm kind of glad that none of those things actually broadcast that crap (yet)."

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#8

Post by Timothee » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:36 PM UTC

untog wrote: post #3

Some things that are not possible yet (though it would be super cool if they were on Apple’s todo list): - iPhone to iPhone CoreBluetooth communication This is a killer. All of the ideas suggested in the article would require custom built hardware- if we could do user-user connections then I think a lot more would be possible.

You can already have user-to-user connections through BlueTooth.

One way is to use GameKit (http://developer.apple.com/library/ios/#documentation/Networ...) but I believe you can just go with a BlueTooth connection.

Are you thinking about something else? Is it some specificity of GameKit that's limiting you?

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#9

Post by jeffclark » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:37 PM UTC

smackfu wrote: post #5

Usually Apple would use this kind of API to actually power some cool feature. Wonder why they didn't?

Yet.

Seems like a really good technology for, say, an Apple TV remote.

Re: The amazing iOS 5 API and iPhone 4S hardware nobody talks about

#10

Post by rickmb » Tue, Dec 13, 2011, 9:39 PM UTC

smackfu wrote: post #5

Usually Apple would use this kind of API to actually power some cool feature. Wonder why they didn't?

My guess would be they have some cool (hardware) stuff waiting to be released when iPhone 4S sales start to slow down and people start to consider holding out for the next iPhone.