Apple Finalizes MFi; Get Ready For HomeKit

Yesterday, we brought you info about Apple working some HomeKit into Apple TV. The move would turn your Apple TV into a centralized hub for the connected home. Rather than have a secondary device, you'd be able to use tour connected Apple device to run a variety of third-party hardware. The missing part of that equation was the third-party hardware, which has been waiting on some Apple software tweaks. Now that Made For iPhone (MFi) standards have been finalized, expect a flood of hardware.

There are already some MFi products in the pipeline, but those are from launch partners, all of whom had early access to the software. The finalized standards can be used by anyone who applies and meets Apple's standards for the licensing program.

The final standards have language to solidify the MFi stance on security, which Apple has come under fire for lately with iCloud. There is also discussion on several connected home products, such as garage doors, fans, light bulbs, locks, and outlets. Of course, thermostats are also involved, too.

Apple has an MFi conference slated for November this year, so look for products to start hitting around that time. It's not clear if Apple is opening the floodgates just yet, but there are some fairly strict guidelines partners must adhere to, so we won't expect too much, too soon.

Source: Apple

Via: 9to5Mac