Nokia's SensorCore opens up Windows Phone to health and fitness apps galore

Nokia announced not only new hardware at Build this year, but also SensorCore for developers. This Software Development Kit enables developers to utilize sensors on a Lumia Windows Phone without sacrificing battery life a whole deal – perfect for health and fitness apps or services that rely on sensors for data.

How it all works is by using a new software solution to run at low power levels, but is also able to provide the data applications require when in use. The SDK and new software from Nokia essentially acts as a buffer of somewhat between the sensors and installed apps. While this won't mean much to consumers, it's progress for developers.

There's a shortage of official support from vendors of fitness products (Fitbit to name but one), but this SDK will hopefully look to address issues with actual tracking apps, alongside improvements in Windows Phone such as Bluetooth 4.0 LE. It will aid said companies to create solutions with better power management. The low power capabilities of SensorCore will be available on the Lumia 1520, Lumia Icon and Lumia 930. Affordable hardware will also be included; the Lumia 630 and Lumia 635.

Fitness

Much like Bing Health and Fitness, the Windows Phone will be able to record steps and save this information without utilizing much power. That's just a single example, which can open up for new possibilities.

"For example, your phone could automatically calculate how many calories you burn when doing your usual jog on Monday morning or when window shopping in a local mall. Your phone will be able to show you how much time you have spent at your workplace during the week."

When will this be available for developers to download? Nokia states the SDK will be released "soon".

Source: Nokia

CATEGORIES
Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.

Latest in Nokia
Nokia Purebook Pro
Nokia PureBook Pro may cost you €799 for an Intel Core i3
Lumia 950 XL
Here is Windows 11 running on a Lumia 950 XL just because that's what the internet is for
Lumia 950 Photoshop
Should you run Photoshop on a Lumia phone? No, but someone did anyway
Nokia unveils entry-level Beacon 1 mesh Wi-Fi router starting at $130
Microsoft almost made a feature phone that looked like Windows Phone
Microsoft Lumia 950 originally had gestures that made it much 'smarter'
Latest in News
Microsoft Edge Sidebar
My favorite Microsoft Edge feature just got an AI upgrade — is this the best way to use Copilot on Windows 11?
Professor Sir Roger Penrose, physicist, mathematician and cosmologist
Nobel laureate claims "AI will not be conscious" and shouldn't be considered intelligent — Until it develops its own ideas
UGreen x Genshin Impact charging accessories: image shows magnetic wireless charger, power bank, GaN charger and USB-C cable
UGreen drops a stunning Genshin Impact collection of charging accessories AND it's all on sale
Lies of P boss
Grab these must-play games at killer deal prices during the CDKeys Spring Festival
In this photo illustration OpenAI ChatGPT icon is displayed on a mobile phone screen in Ankara, Turkiye on August 13, 2024.
OpenAI says an excessive dependency on ChatGPT can lead to loneliness and a "loss of confidence" in decision-making
Alienware Area-51 laptops (2025)
Dell revives Alienware Area-51 with powerful new gaming PCs