Unlock the Power of Bluetooth in Your Browser
The world of browsers is rapidly evolving, and with it, new APIs and features are emerging to connect devices and unlock unprecedented functionality. One such innovation is the Web Bluetooth API, still in its beta phase, but poised to revolutionize the way developers interact with Bluetooth devices.
What’s Possible with Web Bluetooth API?
Imagine creating a web page that seamlessly pairs with your phone, providing vital information like battery percentage, device name, and manufacturer details. This API makes it possible, eliminating the need for native applications on each platform. We’ll dive into the world of Web Bluetooth API and build a simple web page that accomplishes just that.
Getting Started
To follow along, you’ll need:
- A code editor (VS Code is preferred)
- Live server extension for VS Code
- A laptop or PC with Bluetooth capabilities
- A mobile device with Bluetooth capabilities (we’ll use an iPhone 11)
- Working knowledge of JavaScript
- Chrome Beta installed on your PC or laptop (the Bluetooth API is a beta feature)
Creating the Project
Let’s create a new folder for our project and open it in VS Code. We’ll work with two files: index.html and script.js. In index.html, we’ll create a basic layout with a button and link it to our JavaScript file.
Adding Bluetooth Functionality
In script.js, we’ll store UI elements in variables and create a click listener for our button. We’ll make the function async to simplify our code and avoid callbacks.
Requesting a Bluetooth Device
Next, we’ll use the Bluetooth API to request a device through the browser. We’ll need to provide information about the data we want to access, such as battery and device information services. Once the user selects a device, we’ll establish a connection to the GATT server and store the device name for later use.
Fetching Information from the Device
We’ll now focus on fetching the battery level and device information. Each service has characteristics, and each characteristic has a value. We’ll convert the buffer to human-readable form and display the information on the screen.
Rendering the Data
Once we’ve fetched the data, we’ll render it on the screen. When you run the web app on Chrome Beta and click the button, you’ll see a prompt to connect to a Bluetooth device. Select your phone, and after pairing, you’ll see the information on your screen.
Should You Use the Bluetooth API?
While the API is still in beta, it’s essential to consider its limitations and potential issues. However, if you’re developing an internal web app for an organization with custom Bluetooth systems, this API can be a game-changer. Additionally, learning this API now can give you an upper hand when it’s released to the public.
What’s Next?
Read the target device documentation to learn more about its services and characteristics. Experiment with extracting more information from your phone using the Bluetooth API. The possibilities are endless, and this technology has the potential to make Bluetooth services more accessible to web developers.
Get Started with LogRocket
Ready to take your error tracking to the next level? Sign up for LogRocket and discover how to create better digital experiences.