Summary

Unlike many other mobile platforms, Android allows complete access to the underlying hardware on the device, including the capability to read raw device sensor data and monitor battery usage. It is important to remember that different devices have different underlying hardware and sensors. Always verify the functionality available on each target phone platform during the planning stage of your Android project.

References and More Information

Android API Reference: “Sensor Data Details”:

http://d.android.com/reference/android/hardware/SensorEvent.html#values

NOAA: “World Magnetic Model”:

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/WMM/DoDWMM.shtml