Michal Ždanský As is often the case with new versions of operating systems, some functions are directly connected to a hardware component without which they cannot function (or only in a limited way), and therefore Apple decides not to support them on older computers. A good example is AirPlay Mirroring in Mountain Lion, which was only available for Macs with Sandy Bridge processors and later because they used the hardware encoding that this generation of processors supports.
Even in OS X Yosemite, older supported computers will have to say goodbye to some features. One of them is Handoff, a feature within the newly introduced Continuity that allows you to continue working on another Apple device exactly where you left off. Apple does not yet list any limitations on its website for older Macs and iOS devices, however, at one of the seminars at WWDC 2014, an Apple engineer said that Apple uses Bluetooth LE for this feature. Handoff is activated based on the distance of the individual devices from each other, and while, for example, only Wi-Fi is sufficient for calls from a MacBook, Handoff cannot do without Bluetooth 4.0, as it works similarly to iBeacon.
For example, when a Mac and an iPad come within a certain distance, the operating systems will notice this and offer the Handoff function, if the currently active application allows it. The fact that Handoff will require Bluetooth 4.0 is partially confirmed by a new item in the System Information menu that was added in the second developer preview of OS X Yosemite. Tells whether the computer supports Bluetooth LE, Continuity and AirDrop. See the chart above with Macs with Bluetooth 4.0 support. For iOS, this is iPhone 4S and later and iPad 3/mini and later.
However, there are still a few question marks surrounding the entire Continuity support for older devices. It is not clear if Handoff will allow third-party Bluetooth 4.0 module connection. It's also uncertain whether at least some of Continuity's other features will be available for unsupported Macs and iOS devices. It can be assumed that the integration of SMS in the Messages app on Mac will be available to everyone, there is also a good chance to make and receive calls on OS X, since this function only requires Wi-Fi and a connection to the same iCloud account. However, Handoff and AirDrop will probably only be available to owners of newer devices.
Personally, I think the handoff could be for everyone. Either with BT4 support or it would only go via Wifi but it would be "slower" - I'm talking in this case about the data update intervals between devices.
Technically it would be possible. Synchronization with iTunes via Wifi works similarly so far.
BT 4 is only needed on iOS 8, on desktops and MB I think not. So the iOS device should pair with BT on the desktop without problems, anyway it's about pairing and then it's all done via local WiFi
Unfortunately, this is not the case. I have an iPad Air and a MacBook Pro early 2011. When I installed the first version of Yosemite, nothing. Yesterday, after the upgrade, the MacBook at least texted me that it would communicate via Handoff with the iPad, but it doesn't.
So a change for the better. Maybe it will work out in the end :)
I ordered a BT 4.0 adapter and want to try this http://blog.joefernandez.me/post/57511809381/belkin-mini-bluetooth-v4-0-usb-adapter-f8t065-on-mac
I also thought of external BT only if it will be supported...
I'll laugh when 10.8 can be installed on the 1st MBA or the last white iMac.
external BT 4.0 adapters do not work - some foreign website wrote :/
It's likely, but I won't believe it until I try it. However, Apple pretty much screwed me with this one…
it's really very stupid. I'm still hoping it's a crappy beta and then it'll just work.
My device is able to do it "natively", but these steps by Apple are already creeping me out for their price...