Android
Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other companies. Google releases the Android code as open-source, under the Apache License. The Android Open Source Project (AOSP) is tasked with the maintenance and further development of Android.
How do I use a barcode scanner with an android device?
- If your Android device supports Bluetooth HID this is the easiest method for connecting an Opticon barcode scanner to an android device.
- If your Android device USB-HID (here I am referring to the traditional cabled USB connection) like the Toshiba Thrive, you can use any of Opticon's cabled USB-HID capable products.
- If your Android device doesn't support Bluetooth HID you can use USB-VCP and an android application called OpticonRL. All bluetooth capable android devices should have support for Bluetooth SPP. OpticonRL is an application that converts barcode data coming over a serial port into key presses. In effect, the barcode data is wedged into whatever application is at the forefront and has text focus, as if it were typed.
Why don't all android devices have support for Bluetooth HID?
- Since Android is an open-source operating system device manufacturers are free to make customizations for their specific implementation, these customizations often include changing support and specifics of implementation of the HID Bluetooth profile. For this reason some android devices support Bluetooth HID and some android devices do not support Bluetooth HID.
- Most but not all android tablets, and many new android phones do have support for Bluetooth HID.
- Although some device manufacturers added it to their implimentation, support for Bluetooth HID was not added to the main Android OS pool until Android OS 3.1.
OpticonRL for Android
Compatibility
Compatibility Testing done with the OPN2002
The OPN2002 supports two bluetooth profiles, bluetooth HID, and bluetooth SPP.
| Device Name | Device OS | Bluetooth Profile | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S 4G | Gingerbread | Bluetooth HID | YES | Parenthesis and colons were found prefixing the barcode data when used with RL installed, a factory reset should fix this. |
| Samsung Galaxy S 4G | Gingerbread | SPP via RL | Partial | Works properly if bluetooth is turned on first. A fix is in the works. |
| Samsung Galaxy Note | Gingerbread | Bluetooth HID | Yes | Works properly if you select the Android keyboard rather than the Samsung keyboard. |
| Toshiba Thrive AT105-T1016 | Android 3.1 Honeycomb | Bluetooth HID | Yes | Works perfectly with the OPN2002 using the HID QSG. |
| HTC Thunderbolt 4G LTE with Google | Android 2.2.1 | SPP via RL | YES | Works perfectly. |
Compatibility testing done for OpticonRl for Android
Other testing was done to verify the functionality of OpticonRL for Android using the following devices.
Motorolla Droid Thunderbolt HTC Galaxy Tab Archos 101 Toshiba Thrive
Download
- Download the newest version of OpticonRL for Android here. Download
Instructions
- For your convenience we made a youtube video that walks you through using OpticonRl for the first time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qc_Yh9Vacss
- Using the OPL9724 with the Galaxy Tab or another Android 2.2.1 device? Check out the article here.