Hardware interface and App SW development for Smart Phones

[berkeman]

So the recent fun thread about Smart Phone uses:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/what-do-smart-phones-partially-replace.932077/

reminded me of several Apps I'd like to write that involve external hardware. Think DAQ or other types of external hardware. Do most external hardware modules for cellphone Apps interface through the phone's USB charger port? or do most interface via the BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) RF link?

Also, what are the best cellphone development software environments for accessing and using external hardware?

Thanks.

 

[berkeman]

This is similar to the applications I have in mind. This external hardware adds IR imaging capability to your cellphone

http://www.flir.com/flirone/ios-android/

 

[jedishrfu]

Development environments are either Xcode for iOS or Android Studio for Android. However, the Processing IDE can be configured to compile for Android.

Alternatively, on iOS there’s pythonista for python programming although I don’t know if it can access external hardware.

There’s also the IOIO card for Android that can plug into an android phone and interface with hardware. You can find the cards on adafruit.commor sparkfun.com popular diy parts sites.

And of course you could interface your phone via wireless to a Raspberry pi and then to an arduino for fun.

 

[jedishrfu]

IOIO card

https://www.slashgear.com/ioio-android-breakout-board-makes-your-phone-a-diy-gadget-brain-07144823/

 

[Borek]

I have played with Android apps using Android Studio. I remember having some problems connecting my Samsung (android) phone to PC - cable part was easy, just the USB, but to my surprise I couldn't locate drivers. I think they were needed for debugging, I am not sure though.

 

[jedishrfu]

More on Android build process should you decide to develop on it:

http://www.vogella.com/tutorials/AndroidBuildMaven/article.html

Maven and Gradle are good at collecting the dependent jars when building app and make it easier to rebuild later on even when tools are upgraded.