The future of digital
Discover the trends, tech, and strategic insights shaping tomorrow's digital landscape. Written by experts, curated for innovators.
.avif)
When Bluetooth devices compete: how we solve multi-device BLE challenges
The challenge most apps underestimate
Once the platform scaled, new needs emerged:
- Reliable location detection: To ensure users could always end their rides, even in GPS-poor environments like underground stations, we implemented Beacon technology as a vital fallback.
- Maintenance access: Service teams needed dedicated BLE access to battery locks for maintenance purposes.
Suddenly, the app wasn’t talking to one device anymore. It was juggling multiple Bluetooth interactions at the same time.
And that’s where things started to break.
One BLE radio, multiple demands
Smartphones only have one Bluetooth radio. Yet many apps treat it like an unlimited resource.
In practice, this leads to:
- Silent scan interruptions (especially on Android)
- Features interfering with each other
- Device-specific bugs that are hard to reproduce
- “Works most of the time” experiences that frustrate users
For platforms like Blue-bike, this directly impacts both user experience and operations. To solve this, we leveraged our partnership to build a robust architecture that treats Bluetooth as a shared system resource.
Our approach: treat BLE as a shared resource
At icapps, we’ve seen this pattern before across multiple projects. When apps evolve, Bluetooth complexity grows with them.
Instead of patching issues later, we design for it upfront.
The key insight is simple: Bluetooth should be managed like any shared system resource.
Meaning: just as a processor decides which app gets processing power, there needs to be a system that determines which function is allowed to use the Bluetooth antenna at any given moment. Without this central management, different parts of the app (such as unlocking the lock versus searching for beacons) will compete with each other for the connection, leading to failed actions and a frustrated user.
The solution: a scan coordinator
To prevent conflicts between BLE features, we implemented a centralized scan coordinator.
In short, it:
- Controls who can scan at any given time
- Assigns priorities (user actions over background processes)
- Temporarily pauses lower-priority scans
- Applies rate limiting to avoid OS restrictions
- Ensures consistent behavior across devices
This creates a predictable and stable Bluetooth layer, even as new features are added.
Why this matters for your product
If your app connects to just one device, you might never notice this problem.
But if you’re building:
- A connected product ecosystem
- A mobility or IoT platform
- A feature roadmap with future integrations
…this challenge will surface sooner or later.
And when it does, it won’t show up in testing. It will show up in production.
Designing for scale from day one
What we built for Blue-bike is not a workaround. It’s a scalable foundation.
By centralizing BLE coordination:
- User interactions become reliable
- Background processes stay invisible but effective
- New integrations don’t introduce new risks
Most importantly, it allows teams to keep innovating without breaking existing functionality.
What this says about how we work
This project reflects how we approach digital products at icapps.
We don’t just build what’s needed today.
We anticipate what your product will need tomorrow.
Because in connected ecosystems, small technical decisions can have a big impact on user experience.
If you’re working on a product with Bluetooth, IoT or multiple device integrations, it’s worth asking: Are we building for today’s use case… or tomorrow’s complexity?
FAQ: Bluetooth and multi-device BLE
What is multi-device BLE?
It refers to apps interacting with multiple Bluetooth Low Energy devices, common in IoT, mobility, and connected products.
Why does Bluetooth fail with multiple devices?
Because smartphones only have one BLE radio. Multiple scans or connections can interfere, causing unreliable behavior.
How do you manage multiple BLE interactions?
By using a centralized approach, like a scan coordinator, to control access, prioritize actions, and prevent conflicts.
What are common BLE issues in mobile apps?
Unstable connections, background limitations, Android restrictions, and conflicts between multiple Bluetooth processes.
When do you need a scan coordinator?
As soon as your app connects to multiple devices or combines background and foreground BLE features
All insights
European hosting providers: Why companies are moving away from US cloud
How do US regulations impact your business data sovereignty in the EU?
In today's tense geopolitical landscape, an increasing number of organizations are asking themselves this exact question. For European businesses, European hosting providers are quickly becoming the go-to alternative to major US-based cloud providers.
And that’s not without reason.
Stronger privacy laws, better protection
Let’s start with the facts. The US CLOUD Act gives the American government the power to access any data managed by a US company, no matter where that data is stored. Even if your servers are located in Europe, they’re not safe from US jurisdiction if they’re managed by a US-based provider.
That doesn’t sit well with businesses that want to give their users real data protection. Especially with strict European privacy regulations like GDPR in place, trust and transparency are key.
Why we believe in European alternatives
At icapps, we’ve been actively researching European hosting providers that align with our values. Scaleway and OVHCloud are two strong examples that put privacy and sovereignty first. These providers are built on European soil, operate under EU laws, and are more transparent about how they handle data.
Some projects like Gaia-X even try to take things further by creating a European framework for cloud infrastructure. While some US tech giants are involved in these projects too, that doesn’t always mean bad news. What matters is having clear, enforceable rules, and Europe is currently ahead on that front.
Curious which providers we’re considering? We’ll reveal more in the next post.
Can encryption solve the problem?
You might wonder: what about encrypting all data? That’s definitely an option, and one we sometimes recommend. But keep in mind that, with the 'harvest now, decrypt later' mindset, it’s important to find the right balances, strong encryption is key, but it shouldn’t slow down real-time services unnecessarily.
The ideal scenario? Storing your data with a provider who already respects your need for privacy, without extra workarounds.
This isn't just about compliance. It’s about trust.
Whether you’re building a mobile app, managing health data, or processing payments, your users expect privacy by default. And let’s face it: telling them their data is safe within the EU is a much stronger message than “hosted somewhere in the cloud.”
European hosting gives you that peace of mind.
Is your business truly protected under EU jurisdiction?
As Belgian companies navigate evolving privacy laws and the complexities of international data access, European alternatives have matured into powerful, high-performance solutions. Use this checklist to evaluate your current "Cloud Sovereignty" score and discover if a move to a local provider is your next best move.
What’s next in this series?
This blog is the first in a series. We’ll be sharing:
- How we select European alternatives (and which ones made our shortlist)
- An interactive questionnaire to help you decide if you should switch
- The steps we’ve taken as icapps to transition our own stack
- A peek into the future: what's next for cloud hosting in Europe?
6 questions you probably have about the European Accessibility Act (and the answers you need)
What exactly is the EU Accessibility Act?
The EU Accessibility Act is a European directive designed to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities. This includes websites, apps, self-service kiosks, e-readers, ticketing systems, and even e-commerce platforms.
Starting in June 2025, private sector companies must comply. The directive is implemented through national legislation, including in Belgium. The goal? Guarantee accessibility for all users, regardless of their abilities.
Who does this legislation apply to?
The EAA applies to companies that offer digital products or services on the European market. This includes banks, telecom providers, e-commerce companies, and developers of software and digital platforms.
SMEs with fewer than 10 employees and an annual turnover under €2 million are exempt. Still, it’s worthwhile for every business to improve digital accessibility, not just for inclusivity, but also for customer satisfaction and conversion rates.
What do you need to do to be EAA-compliant?
To be compliant, your digital products must meet WCAG 2.2 standards (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). These guidelines are based on four key principles:
- Perceivable
- Operable
- Understandable
- Robust
A great way to start is with an Accessibility Audit.
How do I know if my product meets the standards?
Start with a Quick Scan. It will give you immediate insight into your biggest pain points, and where you can make quick wins.
What are the benefits of accessible products?
Accessible digital products offer many advantages:
- Larger audience: Reach people with disabilities, older users, or those with temporary limitations (like a broken arm).
- Better SEO: Structure, contrast, and clear navigation help search engines too.
- Higher conversion rates: Accessible UX is usually better for all users.
- Legal security: Avoid fines and legal risks.
How do I get started?
The first step is understanding where you currently stand. Then, create a roadmap to full accessibility compliance by June 2025.
Not sure if the EAA applies to you?
European Accessibility Act: What it means for your business and how to comply
What is the European Accessibility Act (EAA)?
The European Accessibility Act is a directive that requires companies to make certain digital and physical services accessible for people with disabilities. This includes:
- Online shops and e-commerce platforms
- Banking apps and ATMs
- Public transport services (air, rail, bus, boat)
- Digital communication tools
- Streaming platforms, TV, and e-books
- Emergency service tools
If you operate in one of these sectors, your business must meet accessibility requirements by June 2025.
5 steps to comply with the European Accessibility Act
Making your services compliant may feel overwhelming, but these 5 steps will help you get started:
1. Apply the European Accessibility Standard (EN 301 549)
This standard outlines accessibility requirements for ICT products and services. It’s based on the WCAG 2.1 guidelines — which many digital teams are already familiar with.
2. Audit your digital products
Run a full accessibility audit on your website, app, or digital platform. This helps you identify gaps and prioritize what to improve.
3. Publish an accessibility statement
Every business must create an accessibility statement that explains how its services meet the legal standards.
4. Train your team on accessibility
Everyone involved in creating digital products — from developers to designers to content creators — should understand accessibility principles. Organize regular training sessions to keep your team up to date.
5. Make accessibility a long-term habit
Accessibility is never “done.” Regularly test your platforms, gather user feedback, and improve continuously. Embed accessibility into your workflows and development cycles.
Why digital accessibility is good for business
Meeting the EAA requirements isn't just a legal necessity — it's also a wise business decision.
- Avoid legal risk: Fines and legal consequences are real if you don’t comply.
- Reach more users: Over 1 in 6 people worldwide has a disability. Accessibility expands your market.
- Boost your brand: Inclusive products demonstrate innovation, responsibility, and care.
How do I get started?
Shaping tomorrow: A talk with our innovation Manager, Maarten
At icapps, innovation is more than a buzzword; it's embedded in our culture. Maarten, who celebrates his ninth year with icapps this November, is at the forefront of this mission. As Innovation Manager, he plays a pivotal role in shaping how we approach new technology, aiming to make innovation accessible and meaningful for everyone.
A role in innovation
Maarten’s journey took a pivotal turn when he embraced this mission, taking on responsibilities that allowed him to propagate innovation throughout icapps. Throughout his career, he has engaged in various innovation tracks, including leading a blockchain project from start to finish. In his current role, he actively drives innovation across the company while balancing his client-facing work as a back-end developer and mentor.
One of his biggest challenges? Making innovation accessible to everyone. "Innovation isn’t just about big, flashy projects like AI or the Apple Vision Pro," Maarten explains. "It can be as small as testing a new tool or methodology." He aims to cultivate an environment at icapps where innovation is visible and accessible for all colleagues to contribute to.
“I want innovation to be something everyone can get involved in,” he says. “It’s about creating space for new ideas, even small ones, and ensuring they get the right attention.”
The future of innovation and technology
Maarten is cautiously optimistic about emerging technologies, especially AI, which he sees as both promising and overhyped. "There’s a lot of misinformation around AI. It often comes down to language models predicting words in sequence, hardly something you’d trust with critical decisions,” he remarks. He envisions a future where AI applications are grounded in practicality, offering real value once the initial hype settles.
He’s also closely watching the Apple Vision Pro, anticipating that future consumer models will align better with user expectations. But for Maarten, the core focus remains on practical tech solutions that benefit clients in tangible ways.
Balancing innovation with business strategy
Navigating the balance between project work and innovation can be challenging. “We serve diverse clients, so I can’t pull people off projects for innovation work,” Maarten notes. However, he emphasizes that innovation is also integral to our client projects, often emerging from the challenges and solutions we encounter.
Instead of separating innovation from our customer work, we leverage insights from these projects to enhance our internal processes.
Maarten seizes moments when colleagues have downtime between projects to foster innovative thinking and experimentation, ensuring that our approach remains adaptable and responsive to client needs and internal growth.
His vision is to stay top of mind with clients and show we’re always thinking ahead.
Staying inspired
As for staying up-to-date in an ever-evolving field, Maarten relies on a mix of external resources and hands-on work. One of his go-to tools is TLDR, a newsletter that curates short, digestible summaries of articles on topics like AI, tech, and marketing. “It’s a great way to stay informed without feeling overwhelmed,” he says. Additionally, his day-to-day work in backend development naturally exposes him to new frameworks and tools, ensuring he remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Clarity to your digital challenge?
Whether you’re modernising a complex IT landscape or building a digital product that must scale and last, it always starts with the right conversation.