Develop Bugs

[APP] BT Tag Writer

BT Tag Writer is application that offers you way to add NFC pairing to your old Bluetooth speakers. NFC pairing allows you to pair, connect and disconnect the device just by tapping the NFC tag with your phone. This application is still under development and this thread can be used to request changes and new features for this application.
Market: https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbuLGsXIvKI
--- original first post ---
Hello everybody.
I have been now writing application for Android devices with NFC capabilities. It basically offers wizard interface for writing new NFC connectivity tags for your Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s)/etc. And software that will take care of the actual pairing/connecting, when you tap the tag with your phone. NFC pairing is something Nokia does with N9 and it's Bluetooth speakers, but it looks like Android still doesn't handle this well out-of-the-box. Also I still haven't found easy to use connectivity tag writers for any devices.
Sort demo of application in it's current state: Check youtube video kzoG5VM6VcU (can't have this as a proper link, as I only have less than 8 posts to this forum, sorry)
Before I release this software to market, I would like have some people testing it with their speakers and devices. I really hate alpha level software in market. If you have Galaxy Nexus, some sort of Bluetooth speaker(s)/headset(s) and hopefully some writable NFC tags, and you would like to help me to get this software tested: Please tell it here. I still have some small things to resolve before this is ready for closed testing. If you like to help me to get this tested please also tell what sort of Bluetooth device you have and what NFC tags you have available.
I will most likely release this software as free (gratis) and probably in open source (don't know the license yet). So I am not planning stealing your time and then making money out of it. Only thing I can offer to you is to add your name to application's thanks list.
Also if you know software that already does all this, please tell. If my software does not bring anything new, I have to redesign it little bit.
Thanks.

I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...

i would test as well buddy!

s60mike said:
I'd like to test your app.
Got the same NFC-Chip like you (mi(d)fire or something like that I've bought for my old Nexus S) and a Nokia BH-504 Bluetooth Headset and for sure a Galaxy Nexus and a Galaxy S, too
Just tell me how I can help testing...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
S suxeN said:
i would test as well buddy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...

I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.

Northernmost said:
I'd love to test this. I've been using NFC Task Launcher to do something similar but it doesn't currently support connecting to a specific device. I'm running ICS on a GSM Galaxy Nexus and have several A2DP speakers I could test with.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will fix few annoying things and then will put link to debug apk-file here (maybe Wednesday). I will try to see if I can make it run in 2.3.5+ too. Anyhow software will be limited to Mifare Ultralight tags (original and C versions). I have to buy other type tags to see what I can do with those, but that's later. Common Ndef writer classes does not work at all with Android or then I'm doing something wrong.
Android also really limits clean ways to do intents for more complex tags. So these tags software now writes are not proper connectivity handover tags. Just the core part of those is used and stored as single NDEF mime item and then this app is marked to handle those NDEF messages/records. Positive side with that is of course that information fits to smaller tags. Also PIN code storing will be probably done little hacky way to the first version.

alump said:
For now this is ICS software, do you happen to have some unofficial 4.0 image in those? I kinda would like to make this 4.0 only software, as all NFC devices most likely will get that update.
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...

s60mike said:
Like said above. Both devices got ICS and NFC and I've got Midfire NFC Tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So many different Mifare tags out there. Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Anyway, pushed software to market after all. In few hours you should be able to find it from there. Offer still stays, if you can try it out and report issues here it would help. I had to drop headset support for now as it didn't work as well as I hoped.

Great! Will try it out today. Here's the market link https://market.android.com/details?id=fi.siika.bttagwriter
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

alump said:
Mifare Classics will not work (for now).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) Back when I was on 2.3.7 there was a Bluetooth A2DP widget I used (can't remember the exact name now) that, when you created the widget, would display a list of already paired devices that supported the A2DP profile. Once you'd picked one the widget would attempt to connect to it automatically.
I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with. It's a small thing to do I know, but I'd imagine most users will have already paired with their speakers before ever finding your app. I don't know if you can enumerate paired devices supporting the A2DP profile in ICS though.
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
3) It looks very nice!

Northernmost said:
Missed that bit. I really must learn to read All the Mifare tags I have are Classic ones.
A couple of initial thoughts after myfirst use of the app...
1) ....I'd like to see your app do something similar rather than having to go through a pairing process with a device I've already paired with...
2) When your app was scanning for BT devices it would find my speakers but would only display the BT address. It didn't display the BT device name after waiting for several seconds. This may be a BT stack problem though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
2. I have seen "no name" issue only once. But yes, that's "stack problem"... I hope
Anyway I think I have to try to add Mifare Classic support first.

alump said:
1. Yes my app does not trust the already known devices list. Have to see if I can get that too. Anyway my application does not pair devices that have been paired already. It simply is stupid to not offer those. I have to check if I can used paired devices list too. I have to add some indicator to list what devices are then old known and what are just found with discovery.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for spam, but finally this will be mine 8th post
Request to list already paired devices is now added to Market version (0.3). So no need to turn already paired devices to pairing mode when writing tags.
Support for other than ultralight Mifare tags might take some time. Thanks to keys etc those tags are not ideal for this use. I think I will try to add headset support first.

Just to confirm that 0.3 is listing my paired A2DP devices

alump said:
Your phone is Nexus S? What sort of Bluetooth devices you have, and NFC tags...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nexus S, running Brainmasters ICS 4.0.3
Bluetooth devices:
2 headsets
another Xperia ArcS
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!

S suxeN said:
NFC Tag:
dont have a tag yet, but could get some. Dunno what kind they are!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores

alump said:
My unofficial NFC tag type list (from memory, might have mistakes)
Mifare Ultralight C is my recommendation. If you plan to use this for this, or for example: storing your contact information, storing some url, storing application starter information etc.... Simple, cheap and easy to use alternative.
Mifare Ultralight (non C) is too small for almost anything. You can use it anyhow with my software (limited features) and you can fit sort URL to it.
Mifare 1K, Classic, etc... these are for more secure needs. Or if you really want to store a lot more information to the tag. For non secure usage (e.g. my app) the secure features are just annoying extra that makes things more complex. Key based security so if you mess up with key, then you can't read or replace that data anymore. Also kinda "proprietary alternative".
Felicas are Sony's alternative for all these. Probably not easy to find outside Japan. Topaz is good alternative for Ultralights, but I don't know how well Android supports those currently (haven't tested). And if Broascom/Innovision still makes these? Not too easy to find anyway. And then there are many more... it's a total mess and maybe the main reason why it's so hard for NFC to break big time.
But for the most of use cases: I assume Mifare Ultralight C is the best alternative.
NFC Tag store examples:
TagAge - I'm using this, but mainly because I live in Finland.
NFCDog - is one UK alternative.
And many more, Google search is your friend. And this message has't been paid by either of these stores
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay, ima gonna order some and report back to u

music auto start
is there a way to make it so that my music app doesn't auto play my most recently played track when the BT connection is made ... id like for it to simply open the app

This can't be this difficult...

So I have some tags, and what I want to do, is make a NFC Facebook check in for my bar. So when someone comes in, they can scan the NFC and it checks them in. Easy? lol
I can easily make the tag with NFC task launcher, however when I test it with a phone that does not have NFC task launcher, it doesn't work. But, it works fine with mine.
How can I write a tag that will allow users to scan a tag and check in?
I have tried several NFC writing apps, and none seem to be able to write a tag that can do this.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

that my dear friend will be the magic sauce. a lot of things are possible when you have custom programming but its just that custom.
I am pretty sure what needs to happen is FACEBOOK ITSELF needs to support this. IE they need to have facebook on the phone and that app needs to support "checking in" via NFC.
then you can make a universal tag that anyone can "tap" as long as they have the facebook app.
no matter what SOME custom program will need to be installed unless its built into the OS

i think i got it to work
what i did was take the URL from our facebook page and wrote that to the nfc tag.
my issue with that was the URL was https://www.facebook.com/stuff/mores_stuff
once i changed it to http:// it started working
also doing it that way works great because the page it brings you to not only allows you to check in, but you can also like the page, tag your friends, etc.
now i just need to have more people with different devices test it out.
then i'm going to make NFC drink specials and menus

That is an awesome idea! This is the kind of ingenuity that will hopefully prompt more manufacturers to implement nfc in their devices and more companies to use nfc in their establishments.
Sent from my A500 using xda premium

Cool idea and thanks for sharing the solution - good info to have when people ask!

Sweet, glad I found this. Though I still had problems through NFC Task Launcher, I completed using NFC Writer.
At the business I am creating these tags for, I do have some questions. (Hope this thread isnt too old to dig up)
I'd like to also write 4sq, google, twitter check ins. I saw this capable with NFC Task Launcher, but again anyone whom taps the tag without the app will be directed to the store. Or would it be better to write a tag for each?

Best NFC app

Hi
I want a good nfc task App. I have seen one called nfc tasker. But is it any good? Dødes anyone have sugestions for other apps?

nfc task launcher, they have cheap tags through their app store too

Is it easy to use?

+1 for NFC Task Launcher. Best & Pretties NFC app.
Real easy to use. Pick a Profile (Car, Home, Bed, Office), and write to tag. Add other task to the pre-made profiles, or make your own from scratch. Erase tags too.
If you want to write URLs, V-Cards, Messages, etc then get Tagstand Writer (by the same developers of NFC Task Launcher)
(also in NFC Task Launcher, scroll to the left to "Free Tags" and get two free tags by posting to Twitter)

Is there an app that lets me read a nfc/rfid card and later lets the phone act as that card?

la3bna said:
Is there an app that lets me read a nfc/rfid card and later lets the phone act as that card?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Umm, no... and since when does the Nexus 4 have anything to do with RFID?

UberSlackr said:
Umm, no... and since when does the Nexus 4 have anything to do with RFID?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It has nothing to do with it. It would simply make less for some of us to carry.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app

Basically NFC is based on RFID standards but uses different frequencies so the two don't work together. That said, many companies are embracing NFC now and things like Mastercard Paypass and Visa Paywave technology use it. If these companies pulled their finger out and actually started allowing us to connect our accounts to the phone through the likes of Google Wallet, we could do away with physical wallets altogether!
Security is the big issue though and this is why you will never be able to just scan and then use a card, imagine how easy it would be to just swish your phone past someones wallet in a queue and then pay with their card! There is already equipment fairly readily available that can be put together and programmed to do this, putting that tech in everyones hands would be asking for trouble.
Back on topic. I highly recommend NFC Task Launcher and, for ultimate automation, use it with Tasker. That lets you do basically anything you want with your phone at the simple swipe of a tag.

I see, I did get a all that reads the access card @work so I was thinking that an app would let me read and replicate so that I could enter the office complex even if I forgot my card...

[APP] Smart(QR)Tags

Smart(QR)Tags essentially emulates the same functionality as NFC SmartTags and TecTiles by utilizing your device’s camera rather than NFC technology. By scanning a QR code, which can be easily generated on the Internet, the app activates your device to perform user-defined actions such as switching profiles, launching an app, playing music, and activating WiFi tethering, among many other actions.
Now, you may wonder, why go to a QR scanning app, open it, aim it, and wait for the action when you can just perform the action yourself? The answer is, you don’t. Inteks has allowed users to activate the actions just by unlocking the device, shaking it, and aim. The shake sensitivity and duration can easily be adjusted with simple horizontal scales in the app settings. So for all you who stare longingly at your friends and colleagues who just love to show off their SmartTags or TecTiles, you too, can have fun with these tags. Generate a code, set it up with the app, and put it up on the door or the car dashboard. It’s simple.
I have personally been using this app for sometime and I am really satisfied with the results. It works great on my Galaxy S III but is having problems on the SGSII. It might be a bug. Need help with the SGSII.
But with SGSIII its just awesome and helpful. Its like tasker but a bit better.
Find It Here:
Smart(QR)Tags

I use barcode scanner + its an amazing app and reads all types of barcodes and qr codes as well as nfc tags there is a free version in play store and a paid version as well with extra fucnxtionality wich i definatly recomend buying bcuz its worth it
Sent from my GT-I9300 using xda premium

[Q] Use NFC for item management?

Hey guys -
Not sure if i'm in the right forum but its the most appropriate i could find!
I work for a bicycle company and we have Interbike Outdoor demo coming up in September in Las Vegas.
We bring approx. 60 bikes to the demo.
Last year, we used a hardwood panel and little plastic boxes to keep track of the bikes that were currently out for demo.
This year, i want to get creative and try using NFC to help me out.
Here is what i'd like to keep track of -
- If a specific bike is in the demo area or out for testing
- Time of when it was taken out / back in
So when a bike goes out - i scan the NFC tag and when a bike comes back in I scan it again.
This would help me keep track of everything much easier and also keep stats!
Is this possible to do with NFC?
Thanks for your time and ideas

Yes, it is very doable. But you either need metal stickers (don't know if they will work on curved surfaces like the bike's frame) or keychain style tags. And let's not forget about the software that will manage the database.
Have a nice day!

Sounds fun and creative!
But you must have a hanging tag from each bike to make things fast.
You would also need an NFC capable device with an app to keep track of each bike
The hardest part will either be finding an app or making it by yourself
I'm sure someone on this forum will be happy to work with you to develop it if you can't
Best wishes
Essem G
Sent from my SGH-M919 using XDA Free mobile app

So far my biggest issue IS the app. This could be cool too for anything that has to do with rental etc.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Hmm..there must be app on the store which can log recent activities, so you'd just have to enter a name or time or so
Sent from my GT-I9505 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app on OmegaRom v19

Use tasker
BottleB said:
Hey guys -
Not sure if i'm in the right forum but its the most appropriate i could find!
I work for a bicycle company and we have Interbike Outdoor demo coming up in September in Las Vegas.
We bring approx. 60 bikes to the demo.
Last year, we used a hardwood panel and little plastic boxes to keep track of the bikes that were currently out for demo.
This year, i want to get creative and try using NFC to help me out.
Here is what i'd like to keep track of -
- If a specific bike is in the demo area or out for testing
- Time of when it was taken out / back in
So when a bike goes out - i scan the NFC tag and when a bike comes back in I scan it again.
This would help me keep track of everything much easier and also keep stats!
Is this possible to do with NFC?
Thanks for your time and ideas
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Tasker is great. You can do all the things you described and more. If you just want to keep track with one device, use your phone and scan NFC tags. You can have the time out/in log stored in a .txt on your phone or sd card, cloud storage really whatever you want. Trigger has a tasker plugin, this allows you to launch a task with a tag. I love the idea, NFC is exciting to me and this type of use sounds like something I would want to try.
Edit: I don't know if you were trying to have an app that guests at the demos could download? But for this Tasker has an 'app factory' that can export your tasker projects to standalone apps. So cool!

brick_breaker said:
Tasker is great. You can do all the things you described and more. If you just want to keep track with one device, use your phone and scan NFC tags. You can have the time out/in log stored in a .txt on your phone or sd card, cloud storage really whatever you want. Trigger has a tasker plugin, this allows you to launch a task with a tag. I love the idea, NFC is exciting to me and this type of use sounds like something I would want to try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I used to use tasker+trigger to log time in and time out of work in a text file, your biggest issue here would be getting different bikes to be logged differently, which would probably need a whole duplication of the same task and trigger for every different bike.
unless that is, trigger can dump a custom variable that will identify bikes ( like an id number for every bike?) to tasker stored in the nfc chip itself, maybe somebody else will be able to clarify this
If it can though, you're going to need a huge brainstorming session on how to sort out all the logic