BlackBerry Supports Bluetooth Smart Ready to Drive M2M Application Development

WATERLOO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Jul 22, 2013) - BlackBerry® (BBRY)(BB.TO) and the Bluetooth SIG today jointly announced native support in BlackBerry® 10 for Bluetooth® Smart Ready, a key enabler of seamless connectivity between Bluetooth Smart devices. Tightly integrated into the BlackBerry 10 platform, developers can now easily incorporate Bluetooth Smart functionality into their BlackBerry 10 applications.

"The new BlackBerry 10 smartphones are Bluetooth Smart Ready enabling developers to create apps and interfaces for new mobile experiences," said Suke Jawanda, Chief Marketing Officer of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. "With a strong heritage in security and a deep reputation for hands-on developer support, BlackBerry is well-positioned to help showcase the innovation that Bluetooth can enable."

BlackBerry 10 applications can be written to leverage the wide range of Bluetooth Smart devices currently on the market. BlackBerry 10 apps with Bluetooth functionality are creating new opportunities for developers to deliver innovative user experiences in sectors such as fitness, healthcare and automotive. For example, applications can track a cyclist's performance on their BlackBerry 10 smartphone using speed and cadence sensors on their bikes, fitness enthusiasts can capture heart rate data from training sessions to compare performance and sensors can even help drivers locate a lost set of keys.

BlackBerry provides a broad range of support for various Bluetooth profiles in BlackBerry 10, with a highly secure and robust set of APIs (Application Programming Interface) in the Native Development Kit (NDK). BlackBerry 10 implements AES-CCM cryptography and privacy features to ensure a customer's data is kept safe and secure while their smartphone is polling or connected to a Bluetooth Smart device. This is in accordance with the BlackBerry 10 platform's strict standards for security as well as being in compliance with Bluetooth SIG defined requirements for Bluetooth Smart and Smart Ready devices. Bluetooth Smart enables devices to communicate with one another through short, highly efficient data transfers, with low power requirements that help preserve the battery life of both the smartphone and the Bluetooth Smart device. Leveraging the Bluetooth 4.0 specification and GATT-based architecture, Bluetooth Smart Ready devices can link seamlessly with BlackBerry 10 smartphones. This offers developers a framework to create graphical user interfaces for a wide range of data-gathering sensors.

"Interconnectivity opens up an exciting, new world for app developers," said Alec Saunders, Vice President of Developer Relations & Ecosystems at BlackBerry. "When devices are able to speak to each other, the possibilities become vast. Bluetooth Smart support on BlackBerry10 allows developers to create mobile computing apps for consumers and in vertical markets that integrate seamlessly and securely with the myriad of Bluetooth devices."

Resources

Developers can begin creating applications and exploring new and interesting use cases for Bluetooth Low Energy by using the development tools available within the BlackBerry 10 NDK at: http://developer.blackberry.com.

The BlackBerry team has compiled a range of informative videos and blog posts, along with a collection of applications with full source codes to help developers get started with Bluetooth integration on BlackBerry 10. For further details, please see: http://supportforums.blackberry.com/t5/Native-Development/BlackBerry-10-Bluetooth-LE-resource-index/ta-p/2326147. For a recent video which shows how to write a BlackBerry 10 application that captures cycling performance data, please visit: http://youtu.be/KpoMm9rIvsk.

About Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Bluetooth wireless technology is the global wireless standard enabling simple, secure connectivity for an expanding range of devices and serves as the backbone of the connected world. Bluetooth Smart Ready and Bluetooth Smart branded devices, through an updatable platform and low power consumption, create new application opportunities for the mobile phone, consumer electronics, PC, automotive, health & fitness and smart home industries. With over two billion devices shipping annually, Bluetooth is the wireless technology of choice for developers, product manufacturers, and consumers worldwide. Backed by industry leading companies, the Bluetooth SIG empowers over 19,000 member companies to collaborate, innovate and guide Bluetooth wireless technology. For more information please visit www.bluetooth.com.

About BlackBerry

A global leader in wireless innovation, BlackBerry® revolutionized the mobile industry when it was introduced in 1999. Today, BlackBerry aims to inspire the success of our millions of customers around the world by continuously pushing the boundaries of mobile experiences. Founded in 1984 and based in Waterloo, Ontario, BlackBerry operates offices in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America. BlackBerry is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market (BBRY) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (BB.TO). For more information, visit www.blackberry.com.

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