One of the bigger yet more subtle additions coming to the Windows 10 Creator's Update due in April is Bluetooth GATT Server support. If that sounds like developer jargon it is, but for consumers, the benefit will be apparent: smart devices will be able to support call and SMS notifications correctly.
One of the beneficiaries of Bluetooth GATT Server support is Fitbit who use the standard across their iOS, Android, and now Windows apps for call and SMS notifications to their popular fitness wearables. While some companies like Vector use custom notification stacks, many companies prefer to use industry standards for ease of development and app consistency.
We're excited to announce that Fitbit is now taking signups for private beta testing of the updated Fitbit app for Windows 10 PC and Mobile. The beta test is expected to start in the "coming weeks, " but users who meet the following criteria can sign up today:
- Own a Windows 10 Mobile and Fitbit device
- Be a participant of the Windows Insider program.
- Be willing to provide your Microsoft Account Email.
- You are willing to test app features in an alpha or beta state, on alpha/beta quality Windows OS builds.
- You are willing to provide feedback and actively engage with devs to help us improve this feature to launch.
- You understand the terms "flighting" and "whitelist," without using Google/Bing.
Likewise, the following people should not participate if you are unsure of the following:
- What an alpha or beta test is.
- What the Windows Insider program is.
- What the "Fast Ring" is.
- Whether your mobile device is supported.
The eventual goal of the program is to bring Call & SMS Notifications to Windows 10 at first, followed by support for Calendar, third party app notifications and Connected GPS support.
If interested go and read the full beta test description including details about signing up, if you can leave, how the test will work, what to expect and more.
We'll, of course, be doing some early hands-on with the new GATT support and notifications and Fitbit app as soon as it becomes available. For now, non-testers should expect a final release in time for the general available of the Creator's Update due in April.
For developers, you can read more about the forthcoming GATT Server support in the latest blog from Microsoft.
