Use your Android smartwatch with an iPHONE
25.02.2015 12:34
A major criticism of smartwatches is that the majority only work with specific brands and models of phone.
And even those that can be used across multiple devices are limited to specific operating systems.
But now, a software developer has created a workaround that lets an iPhone owner see notifications on their Android watch.
A video by Jerusalem-based Mohammad Abu-Garbeyyeh shows an iPhone running iOS 8 being paired with a Moto 360 watch running Android Wear.
To create the hack, Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh used an iOS feature called Apple Notification Center Service (ANCS).
In its developer library, Apple explained: ‘The purpose of the Apple Notification Center Service (ANCS) is to give Bluetooth accessories a simple and convenient way to access many kinds of notifications that are generated on iOS devices.
‘The ANCS is designed around three principles: simplicity, efficiency and scalability.
‘As a result, accessories ranging from simple LEDs to powerful ‘companion’ devices with large displays can find the service useful.’
It is used by the Pebble smartwatch, as an example, to pair and show notifications on iPhones and iPads.
In the short clip, a notification appears on Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh's iPhone, the Message app icon ‘jumps’ and then the notification appears on the watch shortly after.
To connect the phones, Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh created an Android application kit (APK) designed around Android’s Bluetooth software.
He then used this app to wirelessly connect to the ANCS on the iPhone.
Using this method, Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh used existing software and didn’t need to jailbreak the phone.
Jailbreaking is typically used to remove restrictions Apple places on its software and apps, but it can invalidate the warranty on the device.
Currently Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh’s hack is limited to only intercepting the notification - the messages themselves can’t be opened or interacted with on the watch.
But, it shows the potential for pairing Android with iOS.
Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh has also not released the APK yet and said on Twitter: ‘I’m not sure whether to make it open source or not yet, but it’s an APK that needs to be installed on the watch.’
When Apple launches its Watch next month the device will only connect with other Apple products and due to the firm's restrictions, it is unlikely Mr Abu-Garbeyyeh's hack will work the other way.
(dailymail.co.uk)
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