Our new Android app: Yocto-Toolbox

Our new Android app: Yocto-Toolbox

We often receive requests for an Android version of the VirtualHub. It doesn't exist, but we provide an Android library enabling developers to use our modules directly from their app. However, we didn't have a solution for users who don't want to develop their own applications. We adjust our aim by announcing our new Android application: Yocto-Toolbox.


The Yocto-Toolbox application will allow you to use and easily configure Yoctopuce modules connected to the USB port of a smart phone or tablet. The aim of this application is to offer the same features as those that are available though the VirtualHub web interface. Moreover, this application can also connect itself to a YoctoHub or a VirtualHub to use the modules that are connected to them. Obviously, this application is free of charge and free of adds.

Beware, this application is not a VirtualHub ported on Android: it doesn't offer all the features of the VirtualHub. On top of the web interface, the VirtualHub allows you to publish Yoctopuce modules on the local network and to configure HTTP and WebSocket callbacks. The Yocto-Toolbox app does not publish the modules on the local network and does not allow you to configure HTTP or WebSocket callbacks. If you require these features, you must use a YoctoHub, which is more reliable and which consumes less than an Android smart phone or tablet.

Still being developed but already available

Currently, the application doesn't yet allow you to update the module firmware, nor to configure modules, but basic features are already implemented and in working order. Instead of delaying the publication of the application and continuing to develop it secretly, we decided to publish an Alpha version of this application. We use the term Alpha because not all the planned features are yet implemented but the application functions already. Our aim is to have a full and final version by the end of the year.

The source code and the binaries are available on our web site, but also on GitHub and Google Play.
apk files:
GitHub : http://www.yoctopuce.com/FR/interactive/yocto_toolbox/yocto-toolbox.zip
GitHub : https://github.com/yoctopuce/yocto-toolbox
Google play : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yoctopuce.yoctopucetoolbox

Overview

Now that we have announced this application, let's have a look at the features which are already available.

The default screen lists the YoctoHubs and VirtualHubs which have already been used. When first launching the Yocto-Toolbox, this list only contains the USB item. By clicking on the button at the very bottom, you can add a YoctoHub or a VirtualHub.

The default screen lists the YoctoHubs and VirtualHubs which have already been used
The default screen lists the YoctoHubs and VirtualHubs which have already been used



If you select a YoctoHub, the application lists all the modules available on this YoctoHub. For USB, the application lists all the modules that are connected by USB.



You can register the Yocto-Toolbox as the default application when connecting a module on the USB port. In this case, the application starts by displaying the list of the modules connected by USB.

You can register the Yocto-Toolbox as default application for USB modules
You can register the Yocto-Toolbox as default application for USB modules



The detail view of each module displays the same information as the detail page of the VirtualHub.

For example for the Yocto-MaxiPowerRelay:




or the Yocto-Watt:




Feedback


We already implemented several Android applications, but they were basic applications which were mostly examples of use for our Android library. It's the first time that we provide a full application which must work on all types of Android phone or tablet. It is very likely that some page layouts won't be very practical on this or that smart phone model. Don't hesitate to submit your bugs or comments on this page or by email at support@yoctopuce.com.

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