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The EV3 is coming in Fall/Summer of 2013 and we tons of unknowns that will come in EV3. I am curious what software EV3 will run and will older generation software run on EV3 (NXT 1.0). And my final Question EV3 will work with Apple and Android devices, so that would mean iOS and Android developers could make application for EV3 or will only Lego make apps for EV3.

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As you say, there are still tons of unknown at this point, so asking the question is way premature.

However, considering the software is said to be based on the same technology as the one in the NXT, it's likely it won't be too different, and that's why that software will be able to control NXT bricks. However, I also doubt you'll be able to control EV3 bricks with NXT software.

That software is going to work on Mac OS and Windows (not 8 or 8.1 rt); it's likely the apps for Android will not be a full-blown development environment (although, it's just a guess, it would be way cool if it was).

As for third-parties, LEGO has been very very open about its software in the past, and they will be this time too - opening the door for a plethora of applications/firmwares/whatever on several platforms.

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  • The mobile apps will only be able to control the robot, perhaps remotely execute programs, nothing much more then that I think
    – shea
    Jan 21, 2013 at 9:30
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    But the beauty of it is, how long before a fan creates his own app to do just that? It's certainly doable in some way, even if not fully mimicking the LEGO software
    – Joubarc
    Jan 21, 2013 at 19:13
  • Yep - I'm looking forward to loads of iOS and Android apps which have innovative interfaces allowing people to control, receive data from, and even program their EV3 bricks.
    – Frankie Roberto
    Jan 24, 2013 at 13:05
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The graphical software that ships with the EV3 set can program both EV3 bricks and older generation bricks. We assume that this means NXT 1.0 and 2.0 bricks. However, it is unlikely that NXT-G will work with EV3 bricks as EV3 bricks run a custom build of Linux, whereas older bricks run a custom firmware.

LEGO will create an offical app for both Apple and Android devices, but other app developers will be able to use the API to interface with the EV3. There will most likely be some documentation available (as it was for the NXT), and perhaps a SDK available for download.

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    NXT bricks, yes, but you can pretty much forget about the software being able to program a RCX brick
    – Joubarc
    Jan 21, 2013 at 8:03
  • @Joubarc Sorry, I meant NXT 1.0 and 2.0 bricks. Although, there's really no difference…
    – shea
    Jan 21, 2013 at 9:31
  • Indeed, none whatsoever as fara s the brick is concerned
    – Joubarc
    Jan 21, 2013 at 19:13

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