Accessories

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...

Philips demos Notification Center widget on iOS 8 for controlling Hue lights

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated November 19, 2018

Just a few hours ago, Philips tweeted a concept image of a prototype Notification Center widget that could be used for controlling its Hue lineup of iOS connected bulbs and lights. As it stands, this functionality is provided through the Philips Hue app for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. But this extension concept reveals that users could have more convenient access to an off button and different lighting settings without launching the app.

Notification Center widgets are a new feature in iOS 8 that Apple announced at its WWDC keynote earlier this week. Developers are able to build extensions that provide systemwide functionality through widgets in Today view, something that has been possible through jailbreaking for several years. In fact, there is already a jailbreak tweak called HueHueHue for controlling Philips Hue lights through Control Center. This prototype is a similar concept…

Razer introduces ‘Junglecat’ MFi gaming controller

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated June 8, 2017

Accessory maker Razer earlier in the year jumped on the iOS 7 controller bandwagon with the introduction of the Kazuyo and has now announced the Junglecat, a Made for iPhone (MFi) gaming controller with a cool slide-out design and a powerful companion iOS app.

Coming later this summer, the $99 gaming accessory has a place to house your iPhone 5s or iPhone 5 and offers the familiar D-pad augmented by a set of A, B, X and Y face buttons and the left/right shoulder bumpers...

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...

Beats releases improved Solo2 on-ear headphones

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated November 9, 2016

Less than 24 hours into Apple's announcement that it is buying Beats for $3 billion, Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre's startup has announced a refreshed version of its best-selling headphones model, the Solo². Of course, this has nothing to do with Apple as the accessory has been in the making for months.

The new on-ear headphones offer a more dynamic, wider range of sound and a clarity that will "bring you closer to what the artist intended". The design has been revised for a better custom-fit feeling...

ZAGG taking up to 50% off everything site-wide for Memorial Day

Cody Lee ∙ May 26, 2014

As it does every year, ZAGG is hosting a huge sale on its mobile device accessories this weekend. On Monday, May 26 and Tuesday, May 27 the company will be taking up to 50% off of everything site-wide for Memorial Day.

For those not familiar with ZAGG products, they make a wide range of add-ons for both Apple and non-Apple products including iPad keyboards, iPhone cases and invisibleSHIELD screen protectors for over 6,500 devices...

Case-Mate offering 40% off site-wide in Memorial Day sale

Cody Lee ∙ May 25, 2014

Mobile device case-maker Case-Mate has joined in on the flurry of Memorial Day sales this weekend. Through Monday, May 26, the company will be taking 40% off of all of its products site-wide in celebration of the US holiday.

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Case-Mate makes premium cases for a wide range of smartphones and tablets including Samsung's Galaxy S and Note 3 lines, HTC's One, and of course several iPhone and iPad models...

Meet Kairos: the world’s first mechanical-smartwatch hybrid

Cody Lee ∙ May 23, 2014

The image above might look like yet another gaudy iWatch concept, but it's not. It's called the Kairos, and it's very real—well, it's not in stores yet, but the company has begun taking pre-orders and hopes to begin shipping by December.

Billed as the world's first mechanical-smartwatch hybrid, the Kairos is unlike anything we've ever seen in wearables. Featuring true, self-winding watch movements and a transparent OLED display, the watch blends both tech and fashion...

Nest and Google clarify: recalled smoke detectors returning soon, no ads on thermostats

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Contrary to a flurry of reports yesterday, Google was never going to put ads on the Nest Thermostat. Moreover, Nest co-founder and the iPod Godfather, Tony Fadell, has confirmed that recalled thermostats will be returning to store shelves sooner than you think.

Allow me to refresh your memory: soon after it was discovered that a safety bug with a Protect Wave feature could prevent the alarm from sounding, Google's Nest unit has responded by preemptively recalling about 40,000 faulty units.

This should set the record straight and put to rest the ridiculous notion that recalling smoke detectors and not doing ads in thermostats is somehow evil...

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…

OlloClip for iPad now available for pre-order

Joe Rossignol ∙ Updated January 27, 2016

Accessory maker OlloClip recently announced that it will be releasing a 4-in-1 lens for iPad, and has now opened up pre-orders for $69.99 in black or white. OlloClip for iPad, which debuted at CES earlier this year, is a clip-on camera lens accessory that expands your photo capturing abilities with fisheye, wide angle and two macro modes. The lens has a sleek design and is engineered to slide on and off your iPad in just seconds, providing a versatile solution for anyone that takes photos or videos with the tablet…

Amazon offering Logitech’s PowerShell iOS 7 controller for $50 with free shipping

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 20, 2014

Logitech's PowerShell iOS 7 controller has been heavily criticized for its high launch price ($99) and there have been some complaints about build quality and features. But if you're serious about iOS gaming, you should consider this accessory as a worthy first entrant into the iOS 7 controller market.

Gamers who have been on the lookout for a nice deal on the PowerShell are in for a treat as Amazon is currently offering the accessory for just $49.99, with free shipping included. That's a nice 29 percent discount over the online retailer's normal asking price of $69.99 and a cool $50 savings from its suggested (and rather insane) retail price of ninety-nine bucks...