8 Key Tips on BLE Mobile App Development

Do you wish to develop a mobile application that communicates with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device? If so, you are in the proper location. Discover eight recommended practices for BLE and IoT mobile application development.

With the evolution of traditional Bluetooth into BLE technology, the market has generated a substantial amount of income. Find a Top app development company that can create an app according to your specifications.

BLE application development is on the increase as these technologies flood the market. BLE enables mobile applications to exchange data with various BLE-compatible devices over an encrypted connection.

Different protocols specify the information exchange standards between Android and iOS-based applications and BLE beacons. Eddystone, which was created by Google, and iBeacon, which was created by Apple Inc., are the two most common protocols.

What does Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) mean?

Smartphones are equipped with an increasing number of sensors, but they must frequently link to other devices for added functionality. There is a great likelihood that a gadget that connects to a smartphone uses the Bluetooth Low Energy connection.

BLE has low power consumption, and a limited range yet is sufficient for numerous applications. Due to its low power consumption, a gadget may run longer on a single charge, as it consumes insignificant quantities of energy from the mobile.

This technology is utilized in smart homes, wearables, healthcare, sports, automotive, and proximity sensing – essentially, in various consumer items and IoT devices.

We used BLE in the following customer projects, to name a few: the Loop app, which connects to the Wi-Fi display and enables users to easily exchange video, images, and engage in video chat; the OhMiBod app, which connects remotely with OhMiBod devices; and the Skybuds app, which connects with wireless earbuds.

There are several important factors to consider if you intend to develop a BLE-based app. Since Top app development company have worked on several goods of this type, we provide you with essential advice.

Develop a refined onboarding experience

Very likely, your Bluetooth gadget needs extra configuration to function. Drawings, images, and videos are essential materials for the onboarding process, particularly if you want the user to push a button, scan a code, or attach your gadget in a specific manner.

Images and videos may save you time that would otherwise be spent on copywriting and translations. This is advantageous for consumers since they can see how to proceed. It demonstrates that you take your product seriously and are committed to providing the greatest experience possible.

Ask for permits

Permissions are another critical BLE mobile app development advice. BLE apps require rights for Bluetooth and, frequently, location services to function effectively.

If you request permission for anything that may appear unorthodox, explaining why you need it is prudent. Otherwise, the user may refuse it, resulting in a worse experience. This factor is frequently neglected by designers and developers, although it contributes to the overall user experience.

So, what can you do?

Consider the user’s reading text. Remember to specify why you’re requesting permissions and how they will affect the user’s experience so they can make informed judgments. Keep things concise to improve reading.

Consider when you should get permission. If you want to give a terrible impression, don’t bombard the user with a large number of requests upon initial launch. You may disperse it during the onboarding period or display it when the appropriate function is used for the first time. It is essential that it makes sense to the user and is justified.

Support follow-up conversations. If a user declines one of your necessary permissions, you should inform them of what they are missing out on. It might be an error, so the user should be able to rectify it.

Facilitate a user’s change of mind. What if they launch the app when Bluetooth is disabled? Or disable location services? Additionally, it would help if you had prepared messages for such circumstances.

The loading state is your friends

One of the essential rules of user experience design is to display the current system condition. Discovering or connecting devices might take a few seconds, and you don’t want users in front of your product looking at a static user interface.

Users should be able to observe this progress if your application is functioning or connecting a device. It gives the app a lively appearance and reduces the discomfort of waiting. For BLE applications, it may frequently occur that pairing or syncing occurs at various times, and this should be addressed in the user interface.

Handle failures gently

Errors happen. It would be great if they could be avoided, but this is not always feasible. However, it is your decision how to manage them.

It is standard procedure to discuss the issue and provide a remedy. In the case of BLE applications, users may be unable to resolve these difficulties on their own. Possibly extra assistance like Mobile App development service is necessary. For instance, consumers may choose to contact support services directly to fix the issue promptly.

Handle empty states

In certain instances, no device is linked to the smartphone. In this situation, what should a user be able to do? What would they see? What effect would it have on the app’s capabilities?

Some applications permit the user to explore the app, but it is occasionally better to require them to connect a device. It depends on the user’s ability to perform tasks without a linked device. If they could access data, it would make sense to provide unrestricted access to the application.

Facilitate identification of a device

Bluetooth devices employ cumbersome, lengthy unique identifiers. If someone must manage many gadgets, simplify their life by concealing complexity. Numerous identifiers, including buttons, signal range, and QR codes, can be used to identify the correct device. Allow users to personalize the names and symbols of numerous devices so that they become more familiar.

Streamline firmware update procedures

BLE devices contain proprietary firmware that must be periodically updated. Users must be notified of updates, informed of what has changed, and guided through the installation process. Sometimes, the firmware upgrade must be forced to deliver the additional functionalities. It is advisable to begin thinking about it early on.

Test the application on a variety of user devices

Any app should undergo QA testing, but real-world scenarios can yield eye-opening information. You may make fresh discoveries when you place your clients in front of the application and the gadget. It is a primary method for validating hypotheses, identifying impediments, and discovering development opportunities.

These are the eight tips for BLE application development. Contact the best app development agency for further information if you have any queries or intend to create such an application. Best of luck in your endeavours!