ANT+ Plugins Service

ANT is a wireless protocol, similar to Bluetooth®, that is predominantly used for sport and fitness wireless connectivity. Pre-installed by the phone manufacturer, this service allows you to connect ANT+ devices to apps on your phone. ANT Wireless is a division of Garmin Canada Inc.<br><br>ANT enabled apps can utilize this service to connect:<br>• Heart Rate: Receive live heart rate data from heart rate straps or wearables produced by many popular manufacturers<br>• Fitness Equipment: Connect ANT+ enabled fitness equipment and bicycle trainers to popular training and workout apps<br>• Bike Speed and Cadence: Capture bike speed, distance, and/or cadence data<br>• Bike Power: Capture data from ANT+ cycling power meters such as Garmin Vector <br>• Stride-based Speed and Distance Monitor: Capture speed and distance data from running footpods<br><br>For a full list of compatible ANT+ apps and devices visit https://www.thisisant.com/directory/<br><br>FAQ:<br>How did this app get on my phone and is it spyware? <br>This service is standard software, included by the manufacturer of your phone. It is not illegally downloaded, and it is not spyware. It will not cause system malfunctions or pop-up ads to appear. It is not bloatware and typically uses a max of 20 MB of space. For example, on a 16GB phone, this service takes up 0.0013% of space. We do not pay phone manufacturers to have this service pre-installed. <br><br>How can I remove this service? <br>Since this service is standard software, you’re unable to delete it from your phone. Instead, you can disable this service by following the manufacturer’s instructions. The typical process is: settings&gt;applications&gt;application manager&gt;appropriate app&gt;force stop&gt;disable<br><br>Disabling this service will not affect your phone’s software. If, in the future, you require the ability to connect to services and devices via ANT+, just enable the service again. <br><br>NOTE: Since this is a factory installed service, it may enable/re-download if you reset and/or update your phone. Don’t panic! Just follow the instructions to disable it again. <br><br>Does this service track me without my knowledge?<br>No. The ANT Radio Service and ANT+ Plugins Service applications provide a wireless connectivity service, similar to Bluetooth or WiFi, but with very low power. These services do not collect any personal data.<br><br>Is it difficult to develop an app with ANT+ capabilities and is there a fee? <br>Using the ANT+ plugins in your app to communicate with ANT+ devices is quick, easy, free and uses a simple API. Visit the ANT Android Developer page (http://www.thisisant.com/developer/ant/ant-in-android) for more information and to download the SDK. <br><br>How do I know if I own any ANT enabled products? <br>Visit https://www.thisisant.com/directory to search for ANT/ANT+ enabled products, devices and/or services.