The Bluetooth Framework is often considered superior to the native Windows Bluetooth API for several reasons, especially when developing Bluetooth applications on Windows. Here's why:
Why Bluetooth Framework
Simplified Development
The Windows Bluetooth API (Win32/WinRT) is low-level and complex, requiring deep knowledge of Bluetooth protocols and Windows internals. The Bluetooth Framework provides a high-level, object-oriented API (C++, C#, VB.NET, Delphi) that abstracts away low-level details, reducing development time.
Multi-Language Support
The native Windows API is limited to C/C++ (Win32) or UWP (WinRT), restricting development options. The Bluetooth Framework supports: C++ (MFC, ATL, Win32), .NET (C#, VB.NET, Unity), Delphi and Lazarus. This makes it easier to integrate Bluetooth into existing applications.
Broad Bluetooth Protocol Support
The Windows Bluetooth API mainly supports RFCOMM (Serial Port Profile, SPP) and limited GATT (BLE) functionality. The Bluetooth Framework supports: - RFCOMM (SPP), OBEX, File Transfer, Object Push, BLE (GATT, Bluetooth Low Energy). This makes it suitable for IoT, medical devices, automotive, POS systems, and more.
No UWP Restrictions
Windows Bluetooth API (WinRT/UWP) is locked to Windows 10/11 and requires Microsoft Store compliance for some features. The Bluetooth Framework works on Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 (x86/x64) and does not require UWP, making it ideal for desktop applications.
Advanced Features Missing in Native API
The Bluetooth Framework provides: Bluetooth device discovery with extended info, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Central & Peripheral mode, Bluetooth Service Discovery Protocol, Bluetooth pairing and bonding without OS dialogs, Bluetooth sniffing and logging. The native Windows API lacks many of these features or makes them hard to access.
No Dependency on Windows Bluetooth Stack
The native API relies on Microsoft's Bluetooth stack, which can be buggy or limited on some hardware. The Bluetooth Framework can work with alternative Bluetooth stacks (BlueSoleil, Widcomm/Broadcom, Toshiba stack, BLED112).
Active Development and Support
Microsoft's Bluetooth API has stagnated, with many features deprecated or restricted. The Bluetooth Framework is actively maintained, with updates for new Bluetooth versions.
Conclusion
For enterprise, industrial, medical, or custom Bluetooth applications, the Bluetooth Framework is far superior due to its ease of use, broader protocol support, and cross-platform flexibility. The native Windows API is only preferable for very simple or UWP-bound applications.