Everyone seems to be extremely excited at the prospect of controlling their iOS games with actual physical controllers ever since official MFi Controller support was announced at the WWDC keynote this year as a feature of the new iOS 7. Well, iOS 7 has since launched and it seems that any official talk of controllers from both game developers and accessory manufacturers has been hard to come by. The general sentiment is that everyone is remaining hush hush until Apple gives the go ahead, possibly at an upcoming event announcing a new iPad in the coming weeks.
Well, MacRumors has come across an allegedly leaked photo via Twitter account @evleaks which shows what Logitech’s controller solution might look like. Check it out.
This would align nicely with Logitech’s recent teasing about an iPhone controller, and it looks like it would be a decent piece of hardware in the way it completely envelops the iPhone and offers button and d-pad functionality off to the side. Of course, fully standalone controllers are also expected but thus far we haven’t heard much about that. Again, expect much more about MFi Controllers once Apple finally gives the green light, and keep an eye out for any more possible leaks like this one which we will bring to you should they happen.
I'd say let me use my iphone as a blu ray remote like I can with my PC and TV, but then they wouldn't be able to sell us the overpriced accessory.
All of the best second screen experiences came from Nintendo during the GameCube era. Specifically, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles used GameBoy Advances as controllers in multiplayer mode. Each player had a unique display, one had a map, another had a treasure chest detector, another had a monster detector, and a fourth was given info about an enemy's health, weaknesses, and more. Players could even trigger mini-games and play them on the device at times. Players could also pull up their inventory at any time to avoid interrupting gameplay for others, which was a huge help.
I've been waiting ever since for someone to do second-screen gameplay worth using, and have been largely disappointed. Hopefully, this push will result in some truly awesome new ideas.
I honestly don't want to use my phone while playing on the big screen.
I liked the idea ( which could ve implemented in a much more interesting way) of the Mass Effect datapad, since i could interact with the game mechanic of readiness when on the go.
iFruit for GTA V is a missed chance.
What if we could manage stocks while not playing, or setting a date with a charachter while not playing and then going back home and pick up the pnc?
I agree with the article writer, these second screen experience feel tacked on and under-utilized. Case in point, the second screen for Beyond; it just doesn't make sense. If developers want to wow us, put mini games that interact with the game, gyroscope interactions, innovative ideas that fully realize what a second screen could really do and be! The current implementations feel like they are reaching.
What's with the paragraphs though? lmao
The only exception I've seen so far is The Division where you can still play with your friends while in the go via a controlled drone. That seems genuinely pretty awesome. I imagine we'll see a lot more fleshed out experiences once a few really good ideas are adopted and germinate across the industry.
Yeah apart from BF4, I ain't heard of many other great uses, we'll see. I suppose being able to talk with buddies while away from your console will be quite useful. Will that be possible?
Maps, bitches. That's what they need to use second screens for. Not a second place to shove more worthless twitter/Facebook/chat crap.
Oooh, social networking with ignorant racist 14 yr olds?!?!? WOW!
(pass.)
Here's a good idea for 2nd screen -- I post reviews, feedback, tips, etc -- and get purchase discounts on downloads, etc. Users create content, Sony gives rewards. No brainer!
I think it'll be nice to chat and add new friends from the app. Scenarios?
1- Playing multiplayer with some people I want to add to my friends list. I can add them from my phone when the action settles down instead of trying to remember complex usernames.
2- I'm at work and want to set up a multiplayer session for when I get home. I message friends who have that game that I'll be playing at x o'clock.
3- Friend tells me about a fun game, I buy it and it's already downloaded by the time I get home.