Microsoft acknowledges WP8.1 Update 2, finally brings Bluetooth HID support

Regular readers will know that we expected 2 updates to WP8.1 this year, GDR1 and GDR2.

Microsoft has however struggled to get the first update out, but now that it is finally happening, we are also seeing the first official sign of Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2.

According to Microsoft’s submission at the Bluetooth SIG, an update to the Bluetooth Stack will come with Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2, which Microsoft describes as:

The second major update to Windows Phone 8.1 expands the range of hardware options while simultaneously opening up the developer experience that enables even more fantastic apps. From the Bluetooth perspective, Windows Phone 8.1 Update 2 adds MAP, HID 1.1 , HOGP and Absolute Volume Control support.

As mentioned above, new is MAP (Message Access Protocol) which will allow a smart watch to access your text messages for example.

Also new is HID 1.1 Host support, which will hopefully bring support for Bluetooth Keyboards.

HOGP is HID over General Attribute Protocol, which allows smartphones to interface with accessories like smart watches or blood sugar meters.

Lastly Absolute Volume Control is a feature of at Audio Video Remote Control Protocol.

Last we heard of GDR2/Update 2, we heard in September that it would bring features such as a data toggle in the action centre, sortable settings, new bluetooth profiles, support for new processors and Cortana coming in Alpha to more regions.

Given that some of those (e.g. the data toggle and Cortana) has already happened, we can hopefully look forward to these other rumoured features also being delivered soon.

See the new profile at the Bluetooth SIG here.