Bluetooth LE Library for Android
An Android library for easy Bluetooth LE device scanning, advertisement record parsing, and iBeacon support.
What is Bluetooth LE Library for Android?
Bluetooth LE Library for Android is a Java library that facilitates Bluetooth Low Energy device scanning and data parsing on Android. It provides easy access to advertisement records, manages RSSI readings, and includes specialized support for iBeacon devices, including distance estimation and proximity detection.
Android developers building applications that interact with BLE devices, particularly those needing iBeacon support, proximity-aware features, or structured access to advertisement data.
Developers choose this library because it simplifies the complex BLE scanning process, offers reliable RSSI averaging, and provides ready-to-use iBeacon utilities, reducing boilerplate code and handling real-world signal inconsistencies.
Overview
This library allows for easy access to a Bluetooth LE device's AdRecord and RSSI value. It offers additional functionality for iBeacons.
Use Cases
Best For
- Building Android apps that scan for and interact with BLE devices
- Implementing iBeacon detection and proximity-based features
- Parsing and interpreting Bluetooth advertisement records
- Managing RSSI signal strength for stable distance estimations
- Creating applications for asset tracking or indoor navigation
- Developing BLE utilities that require human-readable data lookups
Not Ideal For
- Projects requiring full GATT communication for reading/writing BLE characteristics
- Applications needing automatic, background RSSI monitoring without manual updates
- Teams preferring modern, Kotlin-first or Coroutine-based BLE solutions
- Use cases involving non-iBeacon BLE devices like Eddystone beacons
Pros & Cons
Pros
Parses BLE advertisement records according to Bluetooth specifications, providing easy access to structured data without manual byte manipulation, as shown in the AdRecordStore methods.
Maintains a running average of RSSI readings to reduce signal fluctuations, offering more reliable distance estimates for iBeacons, though updates require manual calls.
Includes dedicated classes for iBeacon detection, distance estimation (with accuracy and descriptors), and proximity indicators, speeding up development for beacon-based apps.
Provides resolvers for device classes, company identifiers, and GATT attributes, converting technical IDs into understandable strings using included ODS spreadsheets.
Cons
The library does not automatically update RSSI readings; developers must manually call updateRssiReading, adding complexity for continuous monitoring and real-time applications.
The README admits Javadoc needs tidying up, and common Ad Record parsers are missing from the TODO list, which can hinder understanding and extension.
Version 2.0.0 introduced breaking changes like package name and Maven coordinate migration, disrupting existing projects and requiring code updates.
Primarily supports iBeacons with no built-in parsers for other formats like Eddystone, limiting its use in diverse BLE ecosystems beyond Apple's beacon standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Found a gem we're missing?
Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.