[Android Privacy] New BLE permissions and Companion Device Pairing to avoid location permission

[cpholguera]

Android 12 introduces the BLUETOOTH_SCAN, BLUETOOTH_ADVERTISE, and BLUETOOTH_CONNECT permissions. These permissions make it easier for apps that target Android 12 to interact with Bluetooth devices, especially for apps that don't require access to device location.

Note: The Companion Device Manager provides a more streamlined method of connecting to companion devices. The system provides the pairing UI on behalf of your app. If you want more control over the pairing and connecting experience, use the Bluetooth permissions introduced in Android 12.

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Companion Device Manager: On devices running Android 8.0 (API level 26) and higher, companion device pairing performs a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi scan of nearby devices on behalf of your app without requiring the ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION permission. This helps maximize user privacy protections.

https://developer.android.com/about/versions/12/features#bluetooth-permissions

https://developer.android.com/guide/topics/connectivity/companion-device-pairing

More info regarding Android 13 (more privacy) here: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2022/02/first-preview-android-13.html