MFi is short for Made for iPhone, iPad, and iPod and is Apple’s licensing program for developers and manufacturers. The MFi process spans hardware components, tools, documentation, technical support, and certification logos needed to create AirPlay audio accessories and electronic accessories that connect to iPod, iPhone, and iPad.
Apple has now finalized and published specifications for HomeKit through its Made-For-iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) licensing program. The finalized specifications, which allow accessory makers to start building products that integrate iOS 8’s new framework for home automation devices, come ahead of Apple’s yearly MFi summit in November where it plans to brief manufacturing partners on HomeKit and other new iOS 8 features for accessories.
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Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call updates:
Amazon Gold Box: Lexar memory up to 50% off – 64GB USB 3.0 flash drive $22, 64GB Class 10 microSDXC $30, more
Lenmar Meridian MFi 2300mAh iPhone 5/5s Rechargeable Battery Case: $45 shipped (Reg. $90)
A/V Receivers: Yamaha (RX-V477) w/ Airplay $300 (orig. $450), Yamaha (R-S201BL) Natural Sound $130 (orig. $180), more
Beats Mixr headphones $100 shipped w/ $100 .edu email discount ($150 off)
Small States: Carved wraps your phone w/ wood from sunken ships & skateboards, multiple giveaways
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Put a 6-inch MFi Lightning cable on your keychain for $13.49 (Reg. $14.99)
Storage Deals:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9kJxrLSwHU?rel=0]
Hitman GO for iOS/Android now available at 60% off: $2 (Reg. $5)
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Seiki 39-inch 4K UltraHD 120Hz LED TV $350 shipped (Reg. $700) http://t.co/e0NdzohM9F pic.twitter.com/8OvFdfiY95
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014
4-port high power 20W USB Wall Charger: $10 Prime shipped ($15 off)
Kensington AbsolutePower Lightning iPhone charge & sync dock $12 shipped (orig. $50)
Harman Kardon 5.1-channel, 70-Watt Audio/Video Receiver refurb $119 (Orig. $479)
Speck MacBook Pro and Air laptop cases in multiple colors: $24 shipped (Reg. $50)
Apple iPad mini w/ Retina display 16GB WiFi (silver or space gray): $330 shipped (Reg. $399) http://t.co/nD2TMy6HFE pic.twitter.com/Ip0H1MC2JC
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014
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Get $14 in credit to be used towards a Fandango movie ticket for just $7 http://t.co/WWTtLh3Bn6 pic.twitter.com/f3AEKaIOg8
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) June 25, 2014
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We previously reviewed the first Made-for-iPhone/iPad “Stratus” controller launched by SteelSeries and today the company announced a full-sized version with the introduction of Stratus XL:
The Stratus XL Wireless Gaming Controller features a console-style layout with a pressure-sensitive directional pad (D-pad), 4 pressure-sensitive action buttons along with a total of 4 shoulder buttons – 2 pressure-sensitive top shoulder buttons and 2 analog trigger bottom shoulder buttons. In addition to dual analog sticks, Stratus XL includes a dedicated pairing button to connect to iOS devices via Bluetooth and a convenient on/off switch to save on power. The Stratus XL will deliver an estimated 40 hours of gameplay with two standard AA batteries; a battery life indicator is located on the underside of the device.
The controller also includes red LED indicator lights that show up to 4 controllers connected to a single device for multiplayer.
The Stratus XL controller is coming later this year but there is no word on pricing yet. Here’s to hoping the larger size improves on some of the issues we had with the last controller. You can see a size comparison of the two controllers to the right.
We’ve learned Apple finally has a way for users of Made-For-iPhone/iPad game controllers to view a master list of supported games from the App Store, but it will first require the controller makers to issue firmware updates to their controllers.
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We’ve learned Apple has quietly introduced a new specification for manufacturers in its Made-For-iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) program that allows them to create headphones that connect to iOS devices using a Lightning connector instead of the usual 3.5mm headphone jack. Apple has not flipped the switch on the audio input support for Lightning cables and existing iOS devices, but it will release a software update in the future that will enable support in devices running iOS 7.1 or later.
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Apple took some time to talk gaming during a presentation closed to the public yesterday at WWDC. While noting that gaming is now an area that Apple is “pushing on very strongly”, the company also announced a new feature coming for gamers and developers: Controller Forwarding.
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It’s the 21st Century: weren’t we all supposed to be living in automated homes by now? Where we walk in the door after a long day to have our home playing some soothing music, informing us that it’s run us a bath and that dinner will be ready in 45 minutes? Where a robot has done the cleaning, changed the flowers, accepted a parcel that arrived while we were at work and fed the cat?
That dream seems to be a long time coming. I’m a reasonably techy guy who loves the idea of home automation, yet even I only have three examples in my home (which I’ll mention along the way). Most mass-market consumers haven’t even noticed that the products exist, and the few who have tend to view it all as too complicated or fiddly.
If anyone can change that perception, it’s Apple. Which is why the Financial Times report yesterday that Apple is working on a new approach to home automation that may be unveiled at WWDC next week caught my attention …
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Hyper— we’ve reviewed some of its MacBook batteries and iPhone accessories in the past— is today announcing the first Made-For-iPhone/iPad/iPod touch (MFi) flash drive that includes a built-in Lightning connector. Unfortunately you can’t get your hands on one just yet, but you can preorder through a funding campaign the company just launched on Kickstarter.
Hyper told us it’s been working on the product for over two years and just recently got approval from Apple: “As expected, Apple had many concerns for iOS storage products like the iStick. We actually started MFi application for this product more than 2 years ago. It was definitely not an easy process but we managed to address all of Apple’s concerns and finally just got MFi approval.”
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Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call Updates:
$100 Apple iTunes gift card for $85 shipped (15% savings)
uNu DX iPhone 5/5s 2300mAh MFi battery case (black, white, gold, red): $50 shipped (Reg. $90)
Western Digital My Passport 2 TB Portable Hard Drive $90 shipped (Reg. $200)/ 1TB Ultra $60 shipped (Reg. $120)
2013 Haswell MacBook Air deals: .EDU email address only: 2013 Haswell MacBook Airs from $610 (open-box), $650 (new), Non-EDU from $799 shipped (new, unopened)
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The first set of eye glasses with embedded iBeacon Bluetooth LE technology and certified under Apple’s Made-for-iPhone/iPad/iPod (MFi) program are coming soon. We’ve seen a growing number of companies embracing iBeacons by using the protocol: personalized retail experiences, in-store advertising, audience interaction at events, as well as apps that let you setup your own iBeacons at home and work. Now, a company called Tzukuri is about to launch a crowd funding project for the new eye glasses that use an embedded iBeacon to track lost glasses with accuracy to the nearest foot. They also use solar power, so charging is never an issue, and the company has big plans for using the product as a standalone iBeacon when on store shelves.
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Today’s can’t miss deals:
Logitech PowerShell MFi iPhone game controller w/ built-in battery $50 shipped (Reg. $100)
Toshiba 5TB Canvio Black USB 3.0 Hard Drive: $190 shipped
Network A/V Receivers w/ AirPlay: Denon 5.1-Ch. $200 (Reg. $400), Yamaha 7.2-Ch. $450 (Reg. $650)
Google Chromecast streaming media player $30 w/ free shipping (Reg. $35)
Here, have a free month of Hulu http://t.co/Gv8Xg3ENzk (new subs. only)
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) April 5, 2014
Other great deals from this weekend:
Xbox One Titanfall console bundle w/ 1 year of Xbox Live $450 (value $560) http://t.co/ZTCZSPvGGw
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) April 6, 2014
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Kensington AbsolutePower iPhone dock with built-in Lightning port and AC adapter $20 shipped (Reg. $50)
Select Incase MacBook backpacks and cases 50% off at Best Buy
Sony 7.2-Channel 4K AV Receiver $220 shipped (Reg. $300)
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Bose introduces new colors and designs to their high quality line of headphones
D-Link Whole Home Router w/SmartBeam Coverage, Gigabit, USB SharePort $20 shipped (Reg. $49)
uNu DX iPhone 5/5s 2300mAh MFi Protective Battery Case (multiple colors): $50 shipped (Reg. $90)
Save 40% on handcrafted DODOcase accessories for iPad, iPhone, and other gadgets
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IPS Monitors: 24″ Dell UltraSharp 1080p $229 (Reg. $370), Monoprice 27″ 2560×1440 Slim $290 (Reg. $855)
Apple 13″ Macbook Pro with Retina Display $999 shipped (Reg. $1299) (Update 3/17 2:45pm: Sold out)
Samsung 840 EVO Series 1TB 2.5″ Solid State Drive $434 shipped (Reg. $850) (Update 3/17 2:30pm: Price bumped back up to the low price of $469)
Kensington PowerBolt Duo 2-port USB car charger w/ MFi Lightning cable $15 (Reg. $40)
Ends today:
Arby’s Buy One Get One FREE Reuben sandwich http://t.co/E6TDvprfPC #HappyStPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/UPMaoM9sXD
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) March 17, 2014
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Seiki set to give its UHDTV owners a free 4K up-conversion HDMI adapter
More info: http://t.co/fTPplynPs9
Adapter: http://t.co/idwStqAG63
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) March 17, 2014
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The popular Real Racing 3 title from EA for iPhone and iPad received a big update today that on top of introducing tons of new content brings iOS 7 controller support. That means you’ll now be able to pick up and play the game with any of Apple’s new authorized Made-for-iPhone controllers. We’ve reviewed the majority of controllers to hit the market so far including products from Logitech, Moga, and SteelSeries.
Perhaps the most notable new feature is new customization options that allow users to “Change rims, tweak ride height, and apply a multitude of awesome vinyls using the powerful customization tools.”
In addition, the update introduces a photo mode to easily capture a snapshot of the action at any moment, the “All Star Vendetta Series”, and new Gold Achievements.
Version 2.1.0 of Real Racing 3 also brings new vehicles from Aston Martin including the DB9, Vanquish and V12 Vantage S.
The updated app is available on the App Store now for iPhone and iPad.
Moga, the company behind one of the first Made-for-iPhone game controllers, today announced that it will soon unveil its next controller for iOS devices. It also sent over the image above that gives us some clues about what to expect. Unlike the Moga Ace Power controller that we reviewed back in December, the new controller appears to utilize Apple’s non-form fitting controller design which essentially makes it closer to a standard Bluetooth controller. If you compare the design to Moga’s other Bluetooth controllers for mobile devices, it also looks like the middle of the controller might fold out to form a stand for iOS devices.
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Update: Back in stock!
RT @9to5toys: Sony Lightning iPhone/iPad clock radio speaker dock $68, Bluetooth dock $98 http://t.co/9nCQQzsKM9
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 25, 2014
Refurb Speaker/Docks: JBL Sound $49, JBL On Beat Venue LT $69, many more
RAVPower Element 10400mAh external power bank: $26 (Reg. $38)
OtterBox cases: 50% off its entire Armor Series of cases
Ending Today:
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FREE INCREDIBLES! “@9to5mac: Disney leverages iTunes to take on UltraViolet with new ‘Movies Anywhere’ iOS app http://t.co/gesXYNpbLH”
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 25, 2014
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Aura iBeacons coming soon for EverSense smart thermostat
iBeacon, Apple’s new framework for using low-cost Bluetooth LE devices to beam notifications to nearby smartphones and tablets, will soon be getting a bigger push from Apple and third-party manufacturers through its Made-For-iPhone program. While “iBeacon” is often used in the media to describe any Bluetooth beacon, Apple is now implementing tighter control over who can use the ‘iBeacon’ branding. Much like it requires for manufacturers placing the “Made-for-iPhone” branding on Apple authorized devices, Apple is now requiring manufacturers meet certain specifications before using ‘iBeacon’ on their products. The change was first spotted by Beekn.net. It appears the program is separate from the main Bluetooth MFi specification as it still asks that accessory manufacturers not support the iBeacon feature.
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Back at CES we gave you a preview of the first Made-for-iPhone Bluetooth LE hearing aid when GN’s Resound Linx started rolling out to select markets ahead of an official launch. Today the company announced that it’s now rolling out in global markets alongside the new ReSound Smart companion app. The hearing aid is the first under Apple’s MFi program using new Apple-developed Bluetooth LE hearing aid technology that introduces new possibilities for the product category.
ReSound LiNX, which the company notes is its “smallest wireless Receiver-in-the-Ear hearing aid” yet, works with the ReSound Smart App to allow users control over a number of settings and features via their iOS device:
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Today’s can’t miss deals:
Last Call updates:
Belkin Thunderbolt Express Dock: $200 shipped ($100 off)
Sony Lightning iPhone/iPad clock radio speaker dock $68 (Reg. $100), Bluetooth dock $98 (Reg. $179)
Samsung Galaxy Gear Smart Watch (various colors) $150 shipped (50% saving)
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXZp5H95ujI]$50 Parallels update bundle: 1Password, Fantastical, Kaspersky, CleanMyMac and more
https://twitter.com/iDannyOcean/status/434387468616347648
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Get a FREE $1 Amazon MP3 Credit http://t.co/s7i56yPcz4
— 9to5Toys (@9to5toys) February 10, 2014
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One of the complaints about Apple’s new MFi game controllers has been the lack of an App Store section that lists games updated with support. Some of the manufacturers are maintaining lists of their own online, but it would be nice to be able to browse the App Store and easily find games that work with the controllers. That’s why I’m pleased about a new app called Phonejoy that offers a slick UI to browse around 100 iOS 7 games and counting that are compatible with the MFi game controllers. It’s also listing games that support the popular iCade controllers and other gamepads released before Apple’s new MFi program.
Over the last month we’ve seen the first few Apple authorized game controllers released by manufacturers through Apple’s new MFi program hitting the market. While the program’s aim to implement a standardized controller framework brings a lot of potential for gaming on iOS, we’ve covered in detail how the first few controllers have had a bit of a rough start. On top of lack of support from developers and users not being able to easily find content, consumers also rebelled against the $99 price point leading several manufacturers to drop launch prices as low as $70.
We’ve covered some of the issues with Apple’s new MFi game controller program and also reviewed the first few to hit the market from Logitech, Moga, and SteelSeries.
The Phonejoy app is available on the App Store for free now and the company also has a Kickstarter project for its own controller that it plans to ship in March.
Apple’s new MFi game controller program offers a lot of promise for gaming on iOS— the top mobile gaming platform around could also soon be a serious platform for hardcore gamers. But the first crop of controllers have been met with much criticism from developers, reviewers and consumers alike. The consensus so far: flimsy buttons and joysticks, lack of support from developers, and a $99 price tag make them far overpriced compared to your standard Bluetooth game controller.
The launch for the first few controllers to hit the market was rushed, developers are disappointed and still trying to catch up, and manufacturers are limited in pricing, features, and quality due to Apple’s MFi program requirements. What does Apple have to do to overcome a rocky start to its game controller program which is supposed to control quality? And how are manufacturers limited by Apple in building better controllers at a fair price? We’ve dug into Apple’s MFi program and talked to developers and companies building the controllers to find out…
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