Sam Oliver
A new photo shows a prototype version of a Lightning-enabled iPhone 5 gaming controller from accessory maker Logitech.
The pictured accessory is an early build of an official "Made for iPhone" accessory, according to Logitech. The picture gives a first glimpse at what officially sanctioned iPhone gaming controllers will look like.
On the left side, the controller features a circular D-pad for directional control. On the right is the Lightning connector and a space that will direct sound from the iPhone 5 forward, along with five buttons.
Not shown in the picture are thumbsticks or trigger buttons, two features that may be included in other officially sanctioned "Made for iPhone" controllers. Apple detailed the parameters of such accessories last week at its annual Worldwide Developers Conference.
Apple showed off to developers two different types of controllers that it will allow to become officially approved accessories. In addition to an "form-fitting extended gamepad" style, like the pictured Logitech prototype, Apple will also allow a "standalone extended gamepad" that will connect to iOS devices wirelessly without a need to physically attach to the device.
The form-fitting design will allow users to interact with the physical buttons as well as the iOS device's multi-touch display. The standalone models will feature player indicator lights, suggesting multiplayer implementation.
Third-party controller support will debut this fall with the launch of iOS 7. Accessory makers like Logitech have not yet indicated when they plan to have accessories available for purchase.
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25 Comments
Goodbye PlayStation Vita, Nintendo DS
Curious- not that I was expecting it, but this basically guarantees we won't have a different sized iPhone this fall based on the specs they put out- correct? Ps- not sure what happened because I haven't checked comments for a few days, but- ding dong the witch is dead!
The "form-fitting" market is going to be a tough one, as Apple tends to change the design every couple of years. And these things are going to be a lot more expensive to product than a simple case.
If I were a manufacturer, I'd focus on the standalone version, as that can be used with iPads too.
As well as (potentially) an Apple TV...
[quote name="Andysol" url="/t/158085/photo-shows-prototype-logitech-made-for-iphone-gaming-controller#post_2347498"]Curious- not that I was expecting it, but this basically guarantees we won't have a different sized iPhone this fall based on the specs they put out- correct? Ps- not sure what happened because I haven't checked comments for a few days, but- ding dong the witch is dead![/quote] Apple won't tip their hand on the next iPhone size. My guess is these API's work with iPhone 5 so there could be game controllers for multiple sizes.
[quote name="ahmlco" url="/t/158085/photo-shows-prototype-logitech-made-for-iphone-gaming-controller#post_2347502"]The "form-fitting" market is going to be a tough one, as Apple tends to change the design every couple of years. And these things are going to be a lot more expensive to product than a simple case.[/quote] Even with Apples design changes you still have a market of 100 million or more of each device sold. It'll be easy and cheap to mass produce. I think you meant to say Android, which has a gazillion different models.