New Android API eliminates Bluetooth pairing using NFC

mobile February 19, 2011 at 8:00 AM

Google made its software development kit (SDK) available for version 2.3.3 of the Android OS earlier this month, and Stanford University’s MobiSocial News uncovered a nifty feature that hasn’t gotten much coverage. The new SDK features an API for “insecure Bluetooth socket connections” on both the client and server sides. Coupled with Gingerbread’s widely publicized NFC capabilities, this will allow developers to enable a tap-to-connect feature that lets NFC-equipped Android phones forgo the Bluetooth pairing process. Similar to the functionality HP showed off with its TouchPad tablet and Pre 3 smartphone at the Think Beyond event last week, devices running Android 2.3.3 or later can be connected to each other with a simple tap that will automatically initiate data transfers. Apple is rumored to be cooking up a unique twist for the NFC functionality coming to its next-generation iPhone, so smart functionality beyond mobile payments such as tap-to-share will certainly help Android’s case in the meantime.

Thanks to everyone who sent this in

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http://twitter.com/TuckerPeterson Tucker A. Peterson

But will it let you actually make hands free phone calls?

Anonymous

It’s quite funny tho. A great, neat and highly useful feature like this for Android gets NO press. But let Apple show the same old tech, slap a martketing term to it and it’s the next best thing since sliced bread — like it didn’t already exist before.

Give it a year. People will be bragging about how “Apple started the NFC thing.”

i told u so.com

wrong in making the reference as like the Pre 3, touchpad. The NFC function wont allow you to pass websites, text messages, cell phone calls, or all data like the Pre 3, Veer, and touchpad can. So bad explanation on what NFC will be able to do.

Nycgsm

As of now there is no API build to do that I sure in time this nothing hard that can not be done.. if nexus can.read link off poster why not phone if phone has ability to write
http://www.facebook.com/jdfaust Josh Faust

You mean like Chrome to Phone, and similar apps on Android?

Anonymous

Devices running 2.3 or later? Wow. . . that’s some broad appeal there.

Kld2009

Umm that’s about 1 device, right?

Supermatin73

Its my device wOOt!
Anonymous

mine too. the best rite now! =D
Anonymous

Yeah, about one device so far.

max

But but but blackberry morons think that the Playbook came up with nfc technology??
Anonymous

I’m really starting to love the future.

Anonymous

So am I. DROID is so open and free. It’s the future. Apple is the past.

Anonymous

if only there were better developers 4 games on Android. I miss the App Store. it was easier 2 find the best games too.

Anonymous

Widely publicized? You guys publish more stuff about iPhones upcoming NFC even though nothing is for sure!
you know

WHAT THE HELL IS NFC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous

NFC means Nobody. F**ken. Cares. if you can transfer wireless data from one place to another.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=25001493 Hank Godwin

Go fucking Google it you lazy piece of shit.

Oldgeek143

Nice language

Empiresecuritycameras

WOW, no updates for over 24 hours. BG and the team must be enjoying all the ad revenue this weekend!
Sexy

Go Google
Melinda59

Does anyone work on the weekends at bgr? No new articles in 2 days please hire some help!
KCRic

Don’t publish idiot comments like “will certainly help Android’s case in the meantime” thinking you know something. You have no idea what the hell the next iPhone will have – you speculate. If they go their normal route, you’ll get an iPhone will no NFC and 6 months later they’ll send out an update will a huge press event. “The iPhone now with NFC, this changes everything.”

Anyway, GO GOOGLE!!!

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