App framework for developers
»Even end users can create their own apps«
Segger Microcontroller has unveiled “emApps”, a software framework for creating and executing apps, which are small programs that can be dynamically loaded and executed in a sandbox environment. Dirk Akemann, Head of Technical Marketing at Segger, provides further information.
Markt&Technik: What is emApps?
Dirk Akemann: emApps is a platform that enables developers to create and integrate sandboxed apps into their systems after shipping a product.
What opportunities does the emApps platform offer developers?
In this context, the apps enable developers to add functions after a product has shipped. Taken to the extreme, this means that end users can even create their own apps for products.
For which applications are apps available?
In general, a developer defines which functions apps can use within a system. Since apps are highly flexible, application areas are not limited. At Segger, apps have already been used for several years as an essential part of the standalone mode found in “Flasher” programming devices. Here, apps provide specific algorithms for the flash programming process that are related to specifics of the target system.
How can individual apps be combined and expanded into a platform?
This strictly depends on the device they are used with. Customers can easily create systems (including a module) for loading apps into a system. It is also possible to create an app-store-like system. It is also just as easy as to provide a memory area via USB - similar to a Flasher device - where apps can be dropped into a Flasher’s memory.
The “Flasher SDK” also enables the programming of apps for Flasher devices. What functions does it offer?
Flasher SDK provides all of the functions required to create support for testing and programming.
What possibilities does Flasher SDK open up for developers?
If Segger does not support a device or configuration at a given point in time, customers can create support by themselves. Rarely, there are exotic configurations for which support might not be economically viable. In such cases, customers can handle it themselves.
How is Flasher SDK related to emApps? What possibilities does the combination of Flasher SDK and emApps open up?
Now it gets exciting. With Flasher SDK, it is possible to write apps that are really flexible, meaning apps that enable complex applications to be executed in the Flasher. In turn, this means that a Flasher may be used for device testing via apps.
What products and solutions will Segger be presenting at embedded world 2026?
embedded world 2026 is a great opportunity to showcase Segger’s complete portfolio which encompasses products that allow developers to create, build, debug, verify, and program embedded firmware. Additionally, we have focus topics, such as emApps, of course; the new secure boot loader library emBoot-Secure (context CRA); and information on the next steps we are taking in the context of our embOS-Ultra RTOS.
Segger at embedded world 2026: Hall 4, Booth 367
