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Inside Apple’s MFi game controller program: Why the current crop of controllers aren’t up to snuff

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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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Bluetooth portable conference speakerphone smackdown: Philips WeCall vs. Logitech P710e

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Update: Check out the Harman Kardon Esquire which we reviewed in December 2014

As we begin to rely on our mobile devices for more and more of our business needs, I found myself needing a “portable Polycom” which would allow me to make quality speakerphone calls from my Mac or iPhone. Sure, the built-in speaker and mic are top notch on Apple products for their size, but I’d often have a hard time hearing what was on the other end of the line. Even more importantly, people couldn’t understand what I was saying, especially as I moved around.

I’ve decided to take a look at two similar solutions:  Philips WeCall ($150) vs. Logitech P710e ($140) pictured above…
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9to5Toys Last Call: Netgear networking up to 70% off, PNY 128GB USB3 flash drive $61, Logitech UE buds $39, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call updates:

 

netgear-deal-amazonUp to 70% off Netgear networking products at Amazon

pny-turbo-128gb-salePNY 128GB Turbo High Performance USB 3 Memory stick: $61 shipped

logitech-ultimate-ears-600vi-noise-isolating-in-ear-headset1Logitech Ultimate Ears 600vi Noise-Isolating In-Ear Headset $39 shipped (Reg. $120)


Other great deals from today:

  • New! Game/App Deals: Tomb Raider: $15, 3DS XL special edition: $150 shipped, iOS freebies, more
  • New! Asus Google Nexus 7 16GB or 32GB Tablet (Gen 2) Refurb $190–$220 + $5 shipping
  • New! Eton American Red Cross Hand Turbine AM/FM/NOAA Emergency Radio/Flashlight $10 shipped (Reg. $30)
  • New! Anker Astro 15000mAh Portable Ultra-High Capacity External Battery Backup Charger: $42.49

More great deals still alive:

Signal announces first full-size MFi Bluetooth games controller

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iOS gamers are not going to be short of options when it comes to choosing a games controller for their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. After earlier dock-based controllers from Logitech and Moga, and Monday’s announcement by SteelSeries of the first Bluetooth controller, Signal has just announced the first full-size Bluetooth controller in the shape of the RP One … 
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Review: Logitech PowerShell iPhone controller has game if developers embrace it

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Following the introduction of Apple’s new MFi game controller frameworks at WWDC in June, well-known accessory makers this month have released some of the first Apple-certified, Made for iPhone gaming controllers. Today I’m taking a look at one of those controllers with the new Logitech PowerShell, followed by some details on exactly how it differs from the new MOGA controller and exactly what to expect from Apple’s new controller experience as we wait for developers to update games with support. 
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9to5Toys Last Call: Pebble Smartwatch from $90, Logitech Mini Boom $72, iTunes 20% off, Chromecast from $25, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and subscribe to the new Safari push notifications feature. Also, check out our updated Daily Deals page (for iPad/iPhone) featuring the day’s best deals from across major US retailers.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

pebble-smartwatch-sale-discountPebble Smartwatch in Red or Black: $90 shipped ($60 off) with .edu email ($120w/o)

logitech-ue-mini-boomLogitech UE Mini Boom portable Bluetooth speaker $72 shipped (Reg. $100)

itunes-gift-card$50 iTunes gift card: $40 (20% off) at Staples (limit 4)

chromecast-deal-amazonGoogle Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player $30, $25 for Amazon Students (Reg. $35)

klipsch-s4-sale-discountKlipsch S4 II in-ear headphone in black or white: $30 shipped (63% off)

Other great deals from today:


The best deals that are still alive:

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Razer to join PowerA and Logitech in the iPhone game controller battle

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Gaming specialist Razer is joining MOGA and Logitech in launching a game controller for the iPhone after Apple created an MFI program to licence support for hardware controllers.

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Leaked photos from @evleaks show it to be similar in appearance to the Logitech controller, though a hinge allows the iPhone to tilt up 45 degrees and, like the MOGA unit, it is said to be equipped with additional buttons on the shoulders of the device. The action buttons are apparently backlit.

Razer’s company motto is For Gamers, By Gamers and it claims that all its execs live and breathe gaming.

Just ask our CEO, who will happily lay the smack down on you in Quake Live or our President, who has over ten level 80’s on his local server. Hell, he will even take you on a raid in the middle of the work day.

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9to5Toys Cyber Monday: ZAGG 50% off, Logitech UE BT speakers, Belkin Lightning dock $18, Adobe Lightroom $70, MacBook Airs, more

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Take a few moments out of your Cyber Monday to cash in on some terrific deals! Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Update: Pad and Quill is taking: 20% off iPhone cases,  25% off MacBook cases for 9to5 readers

Update2: Adobe Lightroom: under $70 shipped.

Today’s can’t miss deals:zagg-cyber-monday

ZAGG Cyber Monday: 20% off tablet keyboards, 50% off everything else (InvisibleSHIELD, Lightning cables, more)

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Belkin Charge and Sync Lightning dock w/ built-in USB cable $17.50 (Reg. $35)

apple-macbook-air-11-622-md711lla-2013-intel-core-i5Apple MacBook Air 11.6″ $870 shipped (Reg. $1,060), MacBook Pros $100-$200 off

51zkllqx5clAdobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 for Mac/PC or Photoshop/Premiere Elements: $70 shipped

 

sandisk-ultra-32-gb-microsdhc-c10uhs1-memory-card-with-adapter-sdsdqu-032g-affp-a1SanDisk MicroSD Cards: 16GB: $10 (50% off), 32GB: $17 (76% off), 64GB: $35 (65% off)

best-buy-cyber-monday-9to5toysThe best Cyber Monday tech deals from around the web

Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Where to find the best Black Friday deals on iPhones, iPads, Macs, & Apple accessories

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It can be hard to cut through the noise with just about every retailer online having sales for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best deals available only for iPad, iPhone, iPods, and Mac. You won’t find any deals on TVs or microwaves in the list below, just the best of the best accessories for your iOS device and Mac, and we’ve only included great products from companies we trust (many of which we’ve reviewed personally). If you still need to buy a Mac, iPhone, or iPad first, you’ll also find a roundup of the best deals on Apple hardware from 9to5Toys at the bottom. As always, we’ll update as more deals are announced throughout the weekend and you can send any you might find to tips@9to5Mac.com.
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9to5Toys Last Call: Apple Store style iPhone stand giveaway, Big savings on big HDTVs, Chromecast w/ free Play credit, GTA V/COD Ghosts, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Today’s can’t miss deals:

newpcgadgets-iphone-stand-giveawayGiveaway: Apple Store style NewPCgadgets acrylic iPhone stand ($30 value)

sharp-50lb150u-sale-discount-black-friday

Sharp 50″ LED 120Hz 1080P HDTV LC-50LB150U: $400 shipped, 39″ Vizio/JVC 1080P, $300

chromecast-sale-free-discountGoogle Chromecast+$6 free Google Play credit: $33 (5% off)

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Apps/Games:

Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Black Friday:

New product announcements & reviews:

  • Xbox One midnight launch info, reviews from around the web
  • PlayStation 4 launches tonight at midnight, reviews from around the web
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9to5Toys Last Call: Just-Mobile iPhone stand giveaway, Mophie Helium case $35, Infinity Blade Free, iPad Air $429, Sonos free bridge/credit, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Today’s can’t miss deals:

just-mobile-alucup-giveawayGiveaway: Just-Mobile AluCup aluminum iPhone stand ($30 value)

mophie-iphone-5-juice-pack-helium-gray-main-viewMophie Juice Pack Helium Protective Charging Case Refurb. for iPhone 5/5S $35 shipped (Reg. $99)

App/Game Deals:

  • Infinity Blade for iOS goes free ($5.99 savings)
  • Xbox One & PS4 titles: $49, Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus freemore

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iPad Deals:

free-amazon-sonos-bridge-dealGet a free Sonos bridge ($49 value) and up to $40 Amazon credit w/ a Sonos Play wireless speaker


Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Black Friday:

New product announcements & reviews:

  • Xbox One midnight launch info, reviews from around the web
  • PlayStation 4 launches tonight at midnight, reviews from around the web
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9to5Toys Sunday Brunch: iPad Air/mini $449/$249, Logitech solar Mac/iPad keyboard $30, Apple TV $89, more

Take some time out of your Sunday Brunch and join us for some of the weekends’s best deals! Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Today’s can’t miss deals:

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Staples Black Friday Week Up To $150 Off iPad: Air $449, mini $249, iPad 4th gen. $349

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Up To 63% Off Select Logitech Accessories: Solar iPad/Mac Keyboard $30, Mouse MX $28, K810 Keyboard $50, more
apple-tv-dealApple TV 3rd generation 1080p $89 shipped (Reg. $99)

logitech-solar-ipad-keyboard-giveawayGiveaway: Logitech Solar Keyboard Folio for iPad 2/3/4 ($129 value) – Ends tomorrow!


Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Black Friday:

New product announcements & reviews:

  • Xbox One midnight launch info, reviews from around the web
  • PlayStation 4 launches tonight at midnight, reviews from around the web
  • The best gets better: reVOLT 12W + 12W Dual USB Car Charger for iPod, iPhone and iPad $30 shipped

iPad Air Keyboard Smackdown: Latest cases from Logitech, Belkin, and ZAGG

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With its wide-range of applications, touchscreen capabilities, portability, and fast processing, the iPad Air has been regarded by many users as a tablet capable of content creation. Coming from a dedicated laptop, however, the Multi-Touch keyboard is a weakness. Not because it is incapable, but because it is sometimes slower to type with, less accurate, and less comfortable.

This is why several iPad accessory makers have created solutions: keyboard attachments in the form of cases. For the past few weeks, I have been testing the latest keyboard case offerings for the iPad Air from Logitech, Belkin, and ZAGG. Below, I have put together a review and comparison of the Logitech FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Folio, Belkin Slim Style Keyboard Case, Belkin Ultimate Keyboard Case, and the ZAGG Folio Keyboard:


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Logitech launches $99 ‘PowerShell’ iPhone game controller w/ built-in 1500 mAh battery

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Following the announcement for Moga’s new iOS 7 game controller yesterday, Logitech today officially announced its new MFi controller, the PowerShell. Like Moga’s controller, Logitech’s also doubles as a battery pack with a built-in 1500mAh battery (slightly smaller than Moga’s 1800 mAh) and will sell for the same $99 that Moga is asking.

Both of the new controllers are using Apple’s new MFi iOS 7 game controller program, which offers accessory makers and developers one standard framework for implementing support for iOS compatible game controllers. Apple allows two types of game controllers and two configurations all with pressure sensitive buttons and consistent layouts. The first type of controller is the form-fitting controller (like the Moga and the new Logitech), which allows your iOS device to be docked right into the controller. There will also be standalone controllers that connect over Bluetooth.

Logitech is using Apple’s standard MFi configuration, which gives you a D-Pad, A/B/X/Y face buttons, and left and right shoulder buttons. Moga, on the other hand, is using Apple’s extended layout, which adds an extra set of shoulder buttons and left and right thumbsticks.
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9to5Toys Lunch Break: 50% off AT&T iPhone 5s/5c, OtterBox Armor Series iPhone 5 case 75% off, more

Take a few minutes out of your lunch to cash in on some incredible deals. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+

Today’s can’t miss deals:

iphone-5s-deal-at&t-9to5toys50% Off Popular AT&T Smartphones: iPhone 5s $100, 5c $50, more

otterbox-iphone-5-armor-series-9to5toysSOLD OUTOtterBox Armor Waterproof Case for iPhone 5/5s in Arctic/Orange/Neon: $25 shipped (75% off)

logitech-ipad-keyboard-giveaway-9to5toys

Giveaway: Logitech Bluetooth iPad keyboard and stand combo ($70 value)

livingsocial-incase-deal-9to5toysFree voucher to save 50% on Apple accessories from Incase

SEIKI DIGITAL, INC. 55-INCH ULTRA HD TV SEARSSeiki’s new 55″ 4K UHD TV will drop to $850 on Black Friday ($650 off!) or 39″ for $520 right now at Amazon.

PNY-storedge-128GB-64GB-dealPNY StorEDGE flash memory expansion for MacBooks: 64GB $40

The best deals that are still alive:

Black Friday:

New product announcements & reviews:

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9to5Toys Last Call: iPad Air giveaway, Toshiba portable HD 1TB $60/2TB $100, Panasonic Lumix G5 camera $300, more

Take a few minutes out of your lunch to cash in on some incredible deals. Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

Weekend update:

  • 2nd Generation AppleTV, perfect for hacking, $80 shipped
  • 1080P LED Monitors: 24-inch AOC: $120 shipped, 27-inch Viewsonic (refurb): $141+ship
  • Headphone Deals up to 82% off: Beats by Dre, Soul by Ludacris, Sony MDR, Pioneer DJ cans, more
  • LG G2 5.2″ 1080P Android 4.2 quad-core phone on Verizon Wireless: Free /w plan

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Apple-ipad-Air-giveaway-9to5toys-slickwraps-freeGiveaway: Apple iPad Air with awesome SlickWraps protective skin

toshiba-canvio-portable-hard-drive-sale-1tb-01

Hard Drive Deals: Toshiba portable 2TB $100/1TB $60, Seagate portable 1TB: $60, WD 3TB desktop: $100

panasonic-lumix-sale-amazonPanasonic Lumix G5 16 MP Compact System Camera with 14-42mm Zoom Lens: $300

PNY-storeEDGE-deal-9to5toys

PNY StorEDGE flash memory expansion for MacBooks: 128GB $98, 64GB $40


Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

New product announcements & reviews:

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9to5Toys Last Call: gMusic 2 FREE, Pebble Smartwatch $120, iPad Air cases $5, Logitech deals, Kindles 15% off, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

gMusic 2 Google Music player for iOS goes FREE for the first time ever, down from $1.99

Pebble Smartwatch (red or black) as low as $120 shipped for .edu email holders, $150 otherwise

ipad-air-case-deal-apple-casecrown

CaseCrown Bold Standby Pro iPad Air case (multiple colors) $5 shipped

logitech-ue6000-headphones-noise-cancelling-sale-refurb-01

Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Mac software bundles:

  • The SuperStacked Mac Bundle: Over $3,000 Worth Of Premium Developer & Designer Tools – $49 today, but price increases everyday it’s on sale.

New product announcements & reviews:

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9to5Toys Last Call: RAVPower 10400mAh power bank $26, Kindle Matchbook, Battlefield 4 $43, FREE apps, more

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

ravpower-power-bank-deal-amazon

RAVPower Element 10400mAh (that’s about 4 iPad Air charges) external power bank $26 shipped (Reg. $36)

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Amazon launches Kindle Matchbook, offering Kindle versions of print books for $3 or less

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50% off Final Fantasy IV for iOS, Battlefield 4 $43, Rayman Jungle Run $1, iOS freebiesmore

logitech-ultimate-ears-500vm

In-ear headphone deals: Logitech 500vm $33, MEElectronics M9P $10 / Sport-Fi M6P $23


Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Mac software bundles:

  • The SuperStacked Mac Bundle: Over $3,000 Worth Of Premium Developer & Designer Tools – $49 today, but price increases everyday it’s on sale.

New product announcements & reviews:

Logitech announces new Ultrathin cases, covers, & keyboard folios for iPad Air

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We’ve been maintaining a running list of the best new iPad Air cases ahead of its upcoming Nov. 1st launch date, and today Logitech announced four new products for the device with a new line of Ultrathin cases, covers and keyboard folios.

Available starting next month, the company will be offering The Logitech® FabricSkin Keyboard Folio, Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover, Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Folio and Logitech® Folio Protective Case all for Apple’s new iPad Air. Most of the products are similar to Logitech cases already available for previous generation iPads:
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First look at Moga’s upcoming “Ace Power” MFi iOS game controller w/ built-in 1800mAh battery

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Since Apple first unveiled its new MFi game controller framework at WWDC earlier this year, we’ve already got a look at a couple controllers hitting the market in the near future from both Logitech and ClamCase. One of the other companies that Apple mentioned at WWDC was Moga, and today we get a look at what might be the first press shot for the company’s upcoming MFi controller dubbed “MOGA Ace Power” (via Evleaks). A second image below shows the controller when in “closed” mode without an iPhone docked:

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We don’t get many details about the controller above, but judging by the configuration and the fact that Apple already announced Moga was working on a controller, it’s a pretty good chance we’re indeed looking at the company’s upcoming MFi controller. Like some of Moga’s current controller products, the Ace Power will apparently sport a 1800mAh battery that will charge your device while docked in the controller. 
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Logitech Mobile Speakerphone P710e turns your iOS device into a mobile conference room

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Logitech’s new Mobile Speakerphone P710e accessory for smartphones and tablets looks to bring enterprise-quality audio to your iPhone, iPad, and Mac. The device is highly portable creating an on-the-go conference room without sounding like you’re on speakerphone.

Check out more information here and the full press release below:
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Former Apple employee: Apple worked on Surface-style keyboard cover for iPad, could announce at ‘haven’t covered everything’ event

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Apple has published multiple patent applications for keyboard covers for its iPad that sort of resemble what Microsoft did in its keyboard cover for Surface. Until now, however, Apple has relied on third-party vendors like Logitech, Zagg (who has already announced a new iPad 5 keyboard case) and Belkin to provide these covers. Logitech and Zagg have had keyboard covers for the iPad since before both the patent application above and Microsoft’s Surface announcement.

But today, Jamie Ryan, who lists Apple Developer Relations as a recent job, says that Apple has been working on a prototype of such a device and could release it at tomorrow’s event. He thinks it could be Bluetooth 4.0 to save power and was ‘told other cover like accessories are also being looked at.’

The patent shown above also includes other innovations such as solar power, big media control buttonsmulti-touch, wireless charging and even a second display
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Unity framework adds iOS 7 game controller support as Apple pushes developers to add compatibility to games at Tech Talks

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Alongside iOS 7 came support for a new third-party accessory: game controllers. To use this feature, you need to both own an Apple-approved gamepad accessory and a compatible game from the App Store. We have seen leaks of MFI hardware from Logitech and other manufacturers, but nothing has yet hit the market.

As such, uptake for the new Game Controller APIs by developers has been slow as customers cannot yet take advantage of the feature. Today, the Unity framework announced on its blog that the newest version of its game engine surfaces inputs from these controllers natively in the SDK. Basically, Unity is offering a wrapper between Apple’s Objective-C API and Unity’s own game logic code.


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9to5Toys Last Call: Logitech UE AirPlay speaker $139, more Lifeproof colors discounted, OtterBox wallet case, more

From 9to5Toys.com:

Be sure to follow 9to5Toys to keep up with the best gear and deals on the web: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+.

Today’s featured deals:
logitech-ue-air-speaker-airplay-9to5toys

Logitech UE Air Speaker for iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch with AirPlay $139 shipped (Reg. $200)

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9to5toys-specials-boom-bot-bluetooth

The Boombot REX (Brushed Aluminum) tough Bluetooth speaker $100 – 9to5Mac review here

Other great deals from today:

The best deals that are still alive:

Mac software bundles:

New product announcements & reviews:

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