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Google Drops Bluetooth API From Android 1.0

Posted by timothy on from the first-draft dept.

Ian Lamont writes "Google has dropped Bluetooth and the GTalkService instant messaging APIs from the set of tools for Android 1.0, but says that handsets using the Android OS will work with other Bluetooth devices such as headsets. According to a post on the official Android developer blog, Google dropped the Bluetooth API from the mobile OS because 'we plain ran out of time.' The GTalkService API was removed because of security concerns that included the possibility of applications revealing more details about users than they might want to let out, such as their real names and e-mail addresses."

8 of 167 comments (clear)

  1. So they say by bockelboy · · Score: 5, Funny

    Plain ran out of time? ... or CRAZY CONSPIRACY THEORY!?!

  2. Android *will* have Bluetooth+IM by jsharkey · · Score: 5, Informative

    Android 1.0 phones *will* still have working Bluetooth and IM. This announcement is specifically referencing developer APIs that would allow hackers like us to do awesome stuff. Bluetooth headsets, etc and normal IM will work on Android just like we've always expected.

  3. Re:I think I've seen this before by volpe · · Score: 5, Funny

    Google: The Microsoft of cell phones.

    You think Microsoft would drop a feature due to security concerns?

  4. Re:How come developers never do this? by jonnythan · · Score: 5, Insightful

    There's a reason companies don't just put up polls for decisions about how to develop products.

    Customers don't know what they want, and most of the responders will not be people who have any intention of buying the product anyway.

  5. Re:Huh? by Van+Cutter+Romney · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Seriously, they can afford to Beta hosted applications running on their website and claim that if it crashed it was in "Beta". But software running on consumer devices? I don't think so.

    --
    Help a man when he is in trouble and he will remember you when he is in trouble again.
  6. Verizon by zubikov · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Verizon has consistently limited Bluetooth capability in all of their devices up to date. They do not want you to send messages and transfer files to/from their devices without charging you every step of the way. It's that simple. Oh, Verizon also happens to be a major backer of Android and is in cahoots with Google. Does anyone think there's a chance that there are external influences to this decision?

  7. Re:Huh? by Colonel+Korn · · Score: 5, Funny

    The way Apple has locked down the iPhone may look draconian, but it also protects its users from all kinds of stuff you really don't want to worry about on your phone.

    Like reliable reception?

    --
    "I zero-index my hamsters" - Willtor (147206)
  8. Re:I think I've seen this before by justdaven · · Score: 5, Informative

    Actually, no different. It uses the same profile