You usually think of using Blynk with an Arduino, but you can also program the embedded part directly on an ESP8266. I quickly threw together a little prototype joystick.

Support for Spark Core and ESP8266 is also planned. Blynk is on Kickstarter now seeking $10,000 and has raised over $15,000 with 18 days to go.

No matter what type of connection you choose – Ethernet, Wi-Fi or maybe this new ESP8266 everyone is talking about – Blynk libraries and example sketches will get you online, connect to Blynk ...

Android/iOS: If you want to control a Raspberry Pi or Arduino connected device from your phone, you’d usually need to know at least some programming.

Otherwise, things are just like usual with the Arduino IDE. You do have to be aware of what objects are available on the ESP8266 as opposed to a regular Arduino. There are some subtle differences ...