SportTech, LLC (Firebelly)
Sports Technology
Real-Time IoT Integration for Swim Performance Tracking
Firebelly is a wearable swim device that delivers real-time performance feedback through bone conduction audio — giving swimmers live metrics as they train, and coaches a picture of every session. To make it work, SportTech needed a mobile platform that could connect reliably to the device via Bluetooth Low Energy, surface analytics in real time, and sync workout data to the cloud securely. We built both the iOS and Android apps that brought Firebelly to life.
Technology Stack
01 Overview
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) engagement context.
Firebelly is a wearable swim device that delivers real-time performance feedback through bone conduction audio — giving swimmers live metrics during training and coaches a view of every session.
SportTech needed a mobile platform that could connect reliably to the device via Bluetooth Low Energy, surface analytics in real time, and sync workout data to the cloud securely.
Evolve Blue built native iOS and Android apps that brought Firebelly to life — BLE connectivity, real-time data display, and secure cloud sync in a consistent experience across both platforms.
02 The Challenge
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) constraints to solve.
- BLE connectivity needed to stay stable across platforms despite fundamental differences between Android and iOS Bluetooth APIs.
- Real-time data accuracy was critical — swimmers needed performance feedback in the moment, not after the session.
- Workout data had to be stored and retrieved reliably via cloud APIs.
- The user interface had to be intuitive enough for athletes to navigate without friction.
- Cross-platform consistency was required despite different native development environments.
03 The Solution
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) solution architecture.
We developed native mobile apps for both Android (Java) and iOS (Objective-C), integrating Bluetooth Low Energy protocols for stable, continuous communication between the Firebelly device and each platform.
Real-time performance analytics were surfaced through an intuitive data visualization interface — swimmers saw live metrics during sessions and detailed breakdowns immediately after stepping out of the pool.
Secure cloud APIs handled workout data upload, retrieval, and analytics processing, with cross-platform sync ensuring a consistent experience regardless of device.
BLE Device Connection
BLE protocol integration provided stable, continuous Firebelly device-to-app communication.
Native iOS App
Native Android (Java) and iOS (Objective-C) development ensured maximum platform compatibility and performance.
Native Android App
Real-time swim performance analytics surfaced during training sessions — not just after.
Real-Time Analytics
An intuitive data visualization interface gave swimmers instant post-session review.
Cloud Data Sync
Secure cloud API integration handled workout data upload, retrieval, and analytics.
Post-Session Review
Cross-platform sync delivered a consistent experience on Android and iOS.
04 What We Built
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) delivery objectives.
Build a cross-platform mobile solution that connected reliably to the Firebelly BLE device.
Deliver real-time swim performance analytics during sessions.
Provide secure cloud-based workout data storage and retrieval.
Create a consistent, intuitive experience across Android and iOS.
05 Implementation Journey
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) delivery journey.
Discovery
Worked with the SportTech team to map the Firebelly device’s BLE data format, performance metric needs, and the user workflows swimmers and coaches needed during and after sessions.
Design & Planning
Designed the BLE integration architecture for both platforms independently, defined the real-time data pipeline, and scoped the cloud API integration and UI flows.
Build & Implementation
Developed the native Android and iOS apps in parallel — BLE protocol integration first, then real-time analytics display, then cloud sync. Conducted extensive cross-device testing to validate BLE stability and data accuracy.
Launch & Support
Deployed both apps through their respective app stores. Provided performance tuning and ongoing support as SportTech expanded the user base.
06 Before / After
From hardware-only to a connected swim platform.
The engagement turned a standalone wearable device into a connected platform with real-time analytics and cloud-based data management.
Hardware without a platform
Firebelly had hardware capability but no mobile platform. Swimmers had no way to receive real-time feedback connected to live data, and no app to review session results.
Connected swim performance platform.
Native iOS and Android apps connected reliably to the Firebelly device via BLE — delivering live metrics during sessions and detailed workout data afterward.
Before
- Firebelly had hardware capability but no mobile platform.
- Swimmers had no way to receive real-time feedback connected to live data.
- No app existed to review session results immediately after training.
- Workout data was not stored or accessible in the cloud.
After
- Native iOS and Android apps connected reliably to the Firebelly device via BLE.
- Live performance metrics delivered to swimmers during sessions.
- Detailed workout data available the moment swimmers exited the pool.
- Cloud sync made historical data accessible and secure.
07 Impact
SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) implementation outcomes.
Stable BLE connectivity
Reliable Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity achieved across Android and iOS devices.
Real-time in-session analytics
Live swim performance analytics delivered to swimmers during training sessions.
Secure cloud workout data
Scalable cloud-based workout data management operational with secure upload and retrieval.
Consistent cross-platform experience
A consistent user experience on both Android and iOS with instant post-session review.
08 Capability Mapping
Capabilities applied for SportTech, LLC (Firebelly).
Build & Modernize
PrimaryNative iOS (Objective-C) and Android (Java) app development with BLE protocol integration and real-time analytics display.
Connect Data & Platforms
PrimaryBLE device-to-app connectivity and cloud API integration for workout data upload, retrieval, and cross-platform sync.
Run Cloud & Operations
SupportingSecure cloud infrastructure for workout data storage, analytics processing, and app deployment.
Automate Workflows
SupportingAutomated real-time data pipeline from Firebelly device through BLE to app display and cloud sync.
Staff & Augment
SupportingNo staffing or augmentation component was part of this engagement.
09 Conclusion
Why the SportTech, LLC (Firebelly) engagement mattered.
SportTech had built a promising wearable swim device but needed a mobile platform to make it useful. Without an app, swimmers had no way to see real-time metrics or review session data.
Evolve Blue built native iOS and Android apps with reliable BLE connectivity, real-time analytics display, and secure cloud sync — turning Firebelly from a hardware device into a connected swim performance platform.
Explore IoT and mobile development.
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