Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for publishing, discovering, connecting with and activating services in a peer-to-peer environment. Services available in association with a first computing device are determined and encoded with instructions for accessing and understanding such services via their respective activation protocols. The encoded services are published via a publication protocol such that they are discoverable by at least a second computing device, irrespective of whether such services may be activated via the publication protocol. The second computing device discovers the available services via the publication protocol and accesses and understands the instructions associated with a desired service. Upon receipt of a request from the second computing device, via the activation protocol, to activate the requested service, the requested service is activated by the first computing device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for device service discovery may include receiving a query for a device service including one or more protocol-specific services connected to or discoverable by a computer device. The methods and devices may include mapping the query to one or more protocol-specific adapters selected based on the protocol-specific services. In addition, the methods and devices may include identifying at least one device endpoint representing at least one device that supports the device service and generating a list of device endpoints and corresponding service properties for each device that supports the device service.

Abstract: Methods and devices for device service discovery may include receiving a query for a device service including one or more protocol-specific services connected to or discoverable by a computer device. The methods and devices may include mapping the query to one or more protocol-specific adapters selected based on the protocol-specific services. In addition, the methods and devices may include identifying at least one device endpoint representing at least one device that supports the device service and generating a list of device endpoints and corresponding service properties for each device that supports the device service.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide advanced pairing between an application and a selected device within an application-driven user experience. An application is enabled to pair devices within the application context and customize the user experience without relying on an experience or user interface provided by an operating system. This application-driven pairing is abstracted from protocols, allowing the application to provide custom pairing user experiences for any protocol.

Abstract: Methods and devices for device service discovery may include receiving a query for a device service including one or more protocol-specific services connected to or discoverable by a computer device. The methods and devices may include mapping the query to one or more protocol-specific adapters selected based on the protocol-specific services. In addition, the methods and devices may include identifying at least one device endpoint representing at least one device that supports the device service and generating a list of device endpoints and corresponding service properties for each device that supports the device service.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for publishing, discovering, connecting with and activating services in a peer-to-peer environment. Services available in association with a first computing device are determined and encoded with instructions for accessing and understanding such services via their respective activation protocols. The encoded services are published via a publication protocol such that they are discoverable by at least a second computing device, irrespective of whether such services may be activated via the publication protocol. The second computing device discovers the available services via the publication protocol and accesses and understands the instructions associated with a desired service. Upon receipt of a request from the second computing device, via the activation protocol, to activate the requested service, the requested service is activated by the first computing device.

Abstract: The technology described herein provides a mechanism to monitor a status of external devices on behalf of applications running on a computing device. In one aspect, a monitoring application running on a computing device receives monitoring requests from multiple applications on the computing device. Each monitoring request can provide device details for an external device to be monitored and specific relationship status that defines when a notification should be sent to the application associated with the monitoring request. When the current relationship status corresponds to the specific relationship status for a device matching the device details, then a notification can be sent to the application. The individual application does not need to actively monitor a device status and can remain in an inactive state while monitoring is ongoing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for brokering access to peripheral devices and/or device models associated with a computing system. An access broker evaluates requests for access to peripheral devices/models on behalf of a plurality of applications. The access broker evaluates requests for access to peripheral devices including scanners, point-of-sale devices, and devices using ubiquitous device protocols (e.g., USB, HID, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth LE) utilizing application declarations and user consents based upon device model identifiers and/or device-specific identifiers associated with the various devices. Applications may be notified of consent changes at runtime and/or application firmware updates for peripheral devices may be conducted upon receipt of user consent, for instance, to ensure adequate battery power before performing a peripheral device firmware update.

Abstract: Examples described herein provide advanced pairing between an application and a selected device within an application-driven user experience. An application is enabled to pair devices within the application context and customize the user experience without relying on an experience or user interface provided by an operating system. This application-driven pairing is abstracted from protocols, allowing the application to provide custom pairing user experiences for any protocol.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are provided for brokering access to peripheral devices and/or device models associated with a computing system. An access broker evaluates requests for access to peripheral devices/models on behalf of a plurality of applications. The access broker evaluates requests for access to peripheral devices including scanners, point-of-sale devices, and devices using ubiquitous device protocols (e.g., USB, HID, Bluetooth, and Bluetooth LE) utilizing application declarations and user consents based upon device model identifiers and/or device-specific identifiers associated with the various devices. Applications may be notified of consent changes at runtime and/or application firmware updates for peripheral devices may be conducted upon receipt of user consent, for instance, to ensure adequate battery power before performing a peripheral device firmware update.