Buzz
Most of us typically perceive Bluetooth as a simple device used for connecting devices, playing music, providing quick access to notifications (smartwatch), or performing other tasks. However, a new Bluetooth standard is in development, allowing your web browser to control nearby Bluetooth devices.
This standard is known as Web Bluetooth, integrated as a part of the Google Chrome browser. Web Bluetooth is designed to assist web designers in easily interacting with users' peripheral devices within their homes - if users grant permission for interaction. Many users may have concerns regarding security, which is understandable.
Unraveling the Mystery of Web Bluetooth
As soon as you step out, your browser can connect to nearby Bluetooth devices, leaving you wondering what kind of information websites can access. Similar to integrated APIs in browsers like Chrome, each website must request access permissions.
Your browser will display a popup window asking you to allow the website to access the mentioned devices, akin to the permission request for displaying notifications, accessing your location, or webcam. If you don't respond, the request will be automatically denied. Additionally, you can modify permissions for websites to access mentioned devices at any time.
So, what can you do with Web Bluetooth? The possibilities are endless. How about changing the color of your light bulbs based on the weather, all tied to an API on your web browser? Or connecting to devices like speakers (or even light bulbs) while watching a new movie on a streaming website for a better experience, and even efficiently transferring files between your computer and phone via Bluetooth?
Revolutionizing Healthcare Accessibility with Web Bluetooth
Imagine if websites could detect your heart rate through Bluetooth HR (or even a smartwatch) and your blood pressure through a Bluetooth monitor. Or if a Bluetooth thermometer could automatically send your temperature information to the doctor in real-time? Assuming you have all the necessary peripheral devices (which many people still don't have).
For those with health issues, these tools could enhance their quality of life. Accessing skilled doctors in their country with just a few clicks. It's an intriguing idea.
Web Bluetooth is a part of the Chrome browser for Android (6.0+), Mac, and Chrome OS, and the development community has been working on the API for almost a year now. Although not yet released, Web Bluetooth is getting closer to users.
Windows and iOS seem to be missing from the list of compatible devices. Although the Web Bluetooth API version is under development for Windows, there appears to be little progress.
For iOS, Apple must implement the Web Bluetooth standard in Apple's WebKit before it can be used, as Chrome for iOS is required to use WebKit. You can download Chrome for iPhone here.
Regardless, Web Bluetooth is getting closer to users. Through the article 'What is Web Bluetooth?', you can see that Web Bluetooth has a lot of potential, and let's wait and see what developers will do with this new standard.
