Cyclists wanting to measure power output no longer have to choose between their allegiance to Android, or the ability to use the Stages Power Meter. Previously offering their Stages Power App through Apple’s iOS only, the company now has an Android compatible version offering most of the same features including zero reset, power and cadence display, device info, and mobile firmware updates. According to Stages Cycling’s product development director Andy Lull, “Developing the Stages Power application for Android was challenging compared to our iOS App. With multiple hardware manufacturers and subtle variations of the operating system spread between both manufacturers and data carriers the testing phase was tedious. Of course, we had to make sure it works as it will be expected to, across all options.”
In order to guarantee the app would work across the board, Stages used a number of their Facebook followers across the world to help beta test the Android version. The results concluded the app will need at least Android 4.4 for base compatibility. The app is currently available for free download on Google Play.
From Stages:
BOULDER, CO, July 1, 2014—Stages® Cycling Stages Cycling is pleased to announce that the Stages Power App for Android devices is available now on Google Play.
The new App offers the majority of the company’s Stages Power iOS application features in the Android format, which will run on devices utilizing the Android 4.4 operating system (and newer). The Stages Power Android App is available now on Google Play, free of charge.
“Developing the Stages Power application for Android was challenging compared to our iOS App,” said Andy Lull, Stages Cycling’s product development director. “With multiple hardware manufacturers and subtle variations of the operating system spread between both manufacturers and data carriers the testing phase was tedious. Of course, we had to make sure it works as it will be expected to, across all options.”
Because the device, OS and carrier lists were so broad, Stages Cycling carried out a real world beta test, by calling on brand Facebook followers to help test the app through real world, rider use across the globe.
“By all measures our beta test of our Stages Power Android App was a success and drove us to Android 4.4 as our base compatibility OS,” said Matt Pacocha, Stages Cycling marketing manager. “It was super fun, and very meaningful, to be able to work with riders—our direct customers—in the field during the final stages of our App development. It’s something that we’ll surely do again in the future, should a project have a need.”
The Stages Power Android App allows riders with Android phones connect to their Stages Power meters using their compatible phone’s Bluetooth radio. Once connected the App will display power and cadence, allow the rider to zero reset the power meter and read the device info should there be a need for customer support.
One of the most important functions of the new app is the ability to update Stages Power meter firmware in the field. These over-the-air firmware updates are a hallmark of the Stages Power meter design and integral in supporting, and bettering the performance of Stages Power meters once in the field.
The high-speed data capture feature of the Stages Power iOS is absent, but Stages Cycling plans to include it in a future App update.
“Now that we have the basic services provided in our iOS app available on Android we will continue to add features and functionality to both Stages Power Apps,” said Lull. “We will continue to strive to make sure our customers have the tools to get the most from their Stages power meters.”
Stages Power for Android:
Google Play link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stagescycling.utility
Compatibility: Android 4.4 and newer
Availability: now on Google Play
Communication: Bluetooth 4.0
Features:
Over-the-air firmware updates for the Stages Power meter
Displays power and cadence
Zero Reset
Device info page
