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[on:]

I have the idea of developing an app on iOS that would take sensor values from an Arduino as input, via Bluetooth. This would make for awesome integrations, but no prior implementations seem to be available. This makes me wonder whether it is possible at all. A small research yields:

- USB input via the Camera Connection Kit. I don't want this, it is not wireless.
- Rosie Daniel's Arduino <-> Ipod connection via an Ipod remote: http://www.rosiedaniel.com/2007/04/ipod-aud.html. This is getting better, but the ipod has too limited functionality for my purposes
- Gamekit implementations that make the Arduino communcate to a webserver, and the iPad retrieve values from there. This could work, but it would require Internet access - which is a drawback.

The iPad has Bluetooth, but will only communicate to other iOs devices or accessories. This leaves 'creative approaches' such as hacking a bluetooth keyboard and connecting Arduino to the keys. Also, my Ipad (while it will not connect) does show my Windows PC's BT name, leading me to believe it would show my Arduino's BT name as well. If I update this name with sensor values, ("Arduino012345678") and get an app to read this (Roomware?), it might work.. Does anybody have experience with this?
   

[Reply #1 on:]

I really don't know so much about ipads except for unfortunately owning one. Apple, as far as I know, has no road map to open iOS accessories to individual developers as Google does for androids with an arduino mega clone dev board. You have to know that Apple computers were created for less experienced hobby computer community members to enjoy a computer without knowing how to physically assemble one. Back in the 70's you assemble your own computer if you are a true geek. So the bitten apple means you just enjoy technology (take an easy bite at an apple) as a technically weak person. The logo makes perfect sense. I don't mean to upset those technically strong people that also use an Apple but that was the origin of the company and they hate 3rd party software and hardware!!! Everything they make is for money or more, for you to help them make more money. You download songs and more, write apps and earn money for them. The ipad is an Apple store front in your hands for 10 hours per charge, good work Jobs. If you enjoy playing it, like poking around with sensors wirelessly, without keep paying for various apps and downloads, they don't like you. 

[Reply #2 on:]

In order to get data stream from arduino via BT you need a driver or apps on the iPod which enables a transparent UART function via the BT.

[Reply #3 on:]

In order to get data stream from arduino via BT you need a driver or apps on the iPod which enables a transparent UART function via the BT.

I am listening. Any app that does that? I have an ipad too, with all the ranting aside.

[Reply #4 on:]

Maybe PAN and HID could be emulated - a weekend project for arduino experts..

[Reply #5 on:]

Not very good at BT. So is serial over bluetooth considerd PAN or something separate, not supported by iOS?

[Reply #6 on:]

On a PC the BT driver options show Bluetooth Serial as a separate option..

[Reply #7 on:]

 
So then no bluetooth serial to iOS then.

[Reply #8 on:]

When this works:



then you can do serial input via HID. But it needs some work on the arduino side, I would say  

HCI and L2CAP layers of bluetooth needs to be implemented on arduino (not too difficult, people say) and you may use a cheap BT module with serial interface.

Maybe this?
http://code.google.com/p/aeod/

[Reply #9 on:]

I wish there is a simple way to just have a BT serial port on ipad. Android, on the other hand, is more than capable on this. You can download some free BT serial monitor/terminal from android market and readily use it to receive raw data from arduino with a BT bee. So easy, so simple. Why would apple not want it? Yet again it proves that big brother apple makes devices for stupid cats and they don't want those cats messing around with too many options. If you are not a stupid cat, get an android tablet! My money spent on that apple tablet can get me two decent android tablets. For that purchase I think I was kind of stupid. Maybe get an android tablet for X-mas.