When is Bluetooth (BLE) used?
BLE is used by HomePass and WorkPass apps to identify a pod during initial onboarding and when adding new pods. BLE is also used to configure a pod for Advanced Onboarding features and when using the Locate and Name feature. Whenever BLE is required, the app will prompt you to enable it. In the case of Android, you will also be prompted to enable Location Services. Bluetooth cannot be enabled on Android devices without Location Services.
Why are Location Services required for Android?
Location Permissions are required by Android because nearby Bluetooth signals also make it possible to determine a mobile device's location.
If we were only turning on BLE for ~30 seconds to pair the phone with a device, then enabling Location Services would not be necessary. However, because our features require turning on BLE for an indefinite amount of time, Android requires Location Services to also be enabled.
Can location Services be disabled when not in use?
Absolutely. Once Bluetooth is no longer necessary, Location Services can be disabled since BLE is not regularly required. However, if HomePass or WorkPass needs BLE for any reason later, the app will prompt you to enable Bluetooth and Location Services again.