TI's SensorTag app for Android™ 4.3 makes Bluetooth® Smart app development easy

DALLAS, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced the availability of the Bluetooth Smart SensorTag app for Android following the launch of Android 4.3 "Jelly Bean" native support of Bluetooth Smart Ready. The new app, available for free at www.ti.com/sensortag-app-android, removes the barriers to entry for app developers who want to take advantage of the millions of Android smartphones and tablets that will soon be Bluetooth Smart Ready[i]. With Android and iOS support, TI makes Bluetooth Smart "appcessory" development easier and faster with the CC2541-based SensorTag, which has six commonly used sensors on a single board for quick evaluation and demos. For more information about the award winning SensorTag, visit www.ti.com/lprf-stdroid-pr.

The industry has embraced the $25 SensorTag kit since it requires no hardware or software expertise to get sample Bluetooth Smart applications running on a smartphone or tablet in minutes. Android and iOS developers and device manufacturers have already been working with the SensorTag to fuel the Bluetooth Smart appcessory market. Developers can share their SensorTag-enabled Bluetooth Smart apps on TI's wiki page and on Twitter using #SensorTag.

"The addition of Bluetooth Smart support in Android 4.3 is a huge growth opportunity for the market, making it possible for Bluetooth Smart appcessories to work with all OSs. Through initiatives like TI's SensorTag and the Bluetooth SIG's Bluetooth Developer Portal, developers can get a head start with Android 4.3 to meet consumers' desire for more Bluetooth Smart apps and appcessories," said Suke Jawanda, chief marketing officer, Bluetooth SIG.

The SensorTag's six integrated sensors, including TI's TMP006 contactless IR temperature sensor, bring countless applications to life. The possibilities are endless including health and fitness, educational tools, toys and remote controls, and mobile phone accessories, all of which can be controlled by a smartphone, tablet or laptop. TI's royalty-free BLE-Stack™ software works with the SensorTag and offers an over-the-air download feature to easily maintain compatibility with end-equipment firmware updates. Additionally, the CC2541-based SensorTag kit complements TI's CC2564 Bluetooth dual-mode solution and WiLink™ combo connectivity solutions.

TI's Bluetooth low energy portfolio is built to bolster the growing demand for Bluetooth Smart connectivity in the industry and offers support for several OSs that support Bluetooth Smart Ready, read more in this new blog post on ConnecTIng Wirelessly.

Availability and pricing
Download the free SensorTag app for Android 4.3 on the TI website here. The SensorTag kit (CC2541DK-SENSOR) costs $25 and is available on the TI eStore and from authorized distributors.

Find out more about TI's SensorTag and Bluetooth low energy technology:

• How to get started with Bluetooth Smart for Android 4.3: www.ti.com/lprf-stdroid-pr-blog2
• TI's SensorTag wiki: www.ti.com/lprf-stdroid-pr-wiki2
• TI's CC2541: www.ti.com/lprf-stdroid-pr-pf3
• TI E2E™ Bluetooth low energy community: www.ti.com/lprf-stdroid-pr-e2e  
• SensorTag videos:
  • Getting started with TI's SensorTag
  • How to design your own Bluetooth low energy-enabled sensor board
• TI's wireless connectivity eNewsletter: www.ti.com/wiconnewsletter-pr

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today.  Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks
SimpleLink, BLE-Stack, WiLink and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

[i] In order for an Android smartphone or tablet to support Bluetooth low energy, the device must have hardware support for Bluetooth v4.0 and it must be updated to support Android API ver. 18 from Google - this may require additional firmware or software from the equipment manufacturer.

SOURCE Texas Instruments