MFI

Apple to allow third-party Apple Watch accessories that integrate inductive charging pads

Christian Zibreg ∙ July 23, 2015

Apple has changed the terms of its 'Made for Apple Watch' licensing program to allow accessory makers to integrate charging pads directly into third-party docks and stands for the Apple Watch, 9to5Mac reported Thursday.

Currently, makers of Apple Watch stands and docks are prohibited from providing Apple Watch charging pads so, for example, stands like Twelve South's HiRise for Apple Watch typically have an opening into which users themselves must insert the charging pad that came with their Apple Watch.

Apple pulls Monster’s MFi license following Beats lawsuit

Cody Lee ∙ June 16, 2015

Apple has revoked Monster's MFi license in wake of its Beats lawsuit, reports The Wall Street Journal. Monster, the A/V company who manufactured headphones for Beats in its early days, filed a lawsuit against the company in January for duping it out of potential proceeds from the Apple acquisition.

Monster’s general counsel David Tognotti said Apple's move to pull its MFi license is in retribution for the suit, and that it can significantly disrupt their business—which still involves building premium headphones. “It shows a side of Apple that consumers don’t see very often,” he said. “Apple can be a bully.”

Apple to let vendors outfit ‘Made for iPhone’ gear with Lightning port starting early 2015

Christian Zibreg ∙ November 18, 2014

Apple during its MFi Summit that took place last week over the course of three days in Shenzhen, China told its 'Made for iPhone' (MFi) accessory vendors that it will be relaxing rules of the game.

Specifically, makers will be permitted to outfit their iPhone, iPod touch and iPad accessories with Apple's proprietary Lightning port beginning early next year, Jordan Kahn reported Tuesday morning over at 9to5Mac.

Accessories such as iPhone docks and battery cases with a built-in Lightning port would benefit from using Apple's proprietary I/O technology to provide power to both an accessory and the iOS device. The current implementation requires such accessories to provide an additional USB cable for charging.

Apple said to be working on hardware products for the connected home

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

As the smartphone, tablet and personal computer markets become increasingly saturated, Apple is said to be planning to expand its foray into the home. A new report, citing unnamed sources, claims that the iPhone maker has assembled a team to work on different hardware products for the home that would be closely integrated with Apple's existing lineup of devices…

Wikipad introduces new ‘Gamevice’ controller for iPad mini

Cody Lee ∙ June 18, 2014

Wikipad, the company behind last year's interesting-but-not-very-successful Android gaming tablet, has announced a new accessory for iOS devices today. It's called the Gamevice, and it's a decked out MFi game controller made specifically for the iPad mini.

The Gamevice was actually announced earlier this year for Android and Windows 8 tablets, but it appears to now be an iOS exclusive. As you can see it features a 2-piece cradle design, with the iPad mini in the middle, and slightly resembles a Wii U gamepad...

Apple said to be working on master list of games that support MFi controllers

Cody Lee ∙ June 5, 2014

Apple is reportedly working on a way for its users to view a master list of games that support MFi (made for iPhone) controllers in the App Store. The feature works a lot like App Match, which can point users to compatible apps of recently attached accessories.

The company first introduced the MFi controller specification in iOS 7 last summer, and a number of third-party accessory makers have since created gamepads. The new platform, however, has been hobbled by the lack of user knowledge of compatible iOS titles...

Apple introduces MFi specifications for Lightning cable headphones

Cody Lee ∙ June 4, 2014

According to a report tonight from 9to5Mac, Apple has quietly introduced a new specification for accessory manufacturers in its MFi program. The spec allows them to create headphones that connect to devices using a Lightning cable instead of 3.5mm.

The change will allow for a new breed of headphones that are capable of handling lossless stereo 48 kHz digital audio output, and have access to headphone remote controls. And Apple plans to activate support in newer iOS devices in a future update...

New report explains how Apple smart home program might work

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

While the Financial Times previously reported that Apple is working on a full-featured home automation software platform, a new report claims that the company actually has much smaller plans for the home. According to sources for Gigaom, Apple is hoping to lessen fragmentation in the home by certifying more connected devices through the official Made for iPhone program.

The company is reportedly not working on software-based automation, however, and instead is focusing its smart home efforts on connecting devices over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for voice control. It might not be the full-out attempt at perfecting the smart home as was anticipated, but this is a good first step for Apple to be taking. Gigaom reporter Stacy Higginbotham elaborates…

MBLOK is a wireless flash drive for iOS that fits in your pocket

Joe Rossignol ∙ May 20, 2014

May appears to be the month of Kickstarter campaigns featuring products that eliminate the need to use iTunes for transferring files between a Mac or PC and iPhone or iPad. Last week it was the iStick flash drive with a built-in Lightning connector, and this time around we're taking a look at the MBLOK wireless storage and flash drive by a team of students and entrepreneurs from Waterloo, Canada. Take a look…

Quickdraw is a sturdy, magnetic Lightning cable alternative

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated May 19, 2014

I recently went on a road trip to Montréal, only realizing upon arrival that I had forgotten my official Lightning cable back home. With my iPhone running out of battery and no Apple Store within a short distance, I reluctantly purchased a third-party knockoff cable from a local electronics shop. In hindsight, it was a terrible decision. The cable barely worked and my iPhone constantly prompted me with compatibility warnings. It was a waste of both $20 and my time.

For that reason, I am enthusiastic about a new Kickstarter campaign for an upcoming product called the Quickdraw Cable by Woodford Design. It is hard to get excited over a simple cable accessory, but the Quickdraw has several advantages over a traditional Lightning connector and most third-party knockoffs. For starters, the one-meter cable is crafted with anodized aluminum plugs that are high quality and sturdy. That includes both strong cable strain relief and a waterproof design…

ReSound LiNX launches as first ‘Made for iPhone’ hearing aid

Christian Zibreg ∙ February 24, 2014

GN ReSound, a company that's been working with Apple to take the stigma out of wearing an aid, today formally launched the world's first 'Made for iPhone' hearing aid, the LiNX. The accessory is designed for the hearing impaired users and offers direct streaming of sound from the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, without the need for an additional remote control, accessory or pendant.

It marries power-efficient Bluetooth Smart to third-generation 2.4 GHz wireless networking based on the all-new SmartRange chipset while offering some advanced features. Jump past the fold for the full reveal...

Moga knocks 20% off price of ‘Ace Power’ iOS 7 controller

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

MOGA has dropped the price of its 'Ace Power' iOS 7 gaming controller by 20%, bringing it down to $80 from $100. The move follows similar price drops by both Logitech and Strata on their respective MFi controllers, signaling a trend in the space.

The Ace Power was the first of the iPhone-compatible game controllers to hit the market when it launched in November, and it features a d-pad, dual analog sticks, 4 action buttons/triggers, and a built-in 1800 mAh battery for recharging your device...