Apple Lightning - USB Hubs for iPad

Started by vanceg, March 30, 2016, 02:00:41 PM

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vanceg

Now that Apple has opened up the possibility of using USB while charging iOS devices, I'm hoping to find a powered USB hub that combines the hub and the lighting to USB conversion.  Like this one... but this one doesn't power the iphone (I even upgraded my iphone to 9.3 in the DISTANT hope that the power supply for the USB hub would also charge the phone. As I expected - It does not.

http://www.amazon.com/Lanfeld-Adapter-Reader-Connection---White/dp/B00N00YBJS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1459371403&sr=8-15&keywords=Lightning+iphone+USB+hub






vanceg

Yeah dude.  I know.  The point was:  apple just now enabled powering the iphone while using a USB adaptor.  We KNEW it wouldn't work before.  The question is - Would these legacy devices work now that apple enabled charging while using USB - Would the hardware that already existed, hardware that MIGHT be physically capable of charging an iOS device, now work due to the changes in Apple's policy and IOS software.

The answer is No.  This particular device will not charge the iOS device and allow USB at the same time.  But now that we know that iOS devices are capable of this...we ought to be on the lookout for other devices which support it.



Quote from:  Elantric
been there  - done that -

i tried this exact device 3 years ago


Read the reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Lanfeld-Adapter-Reader-Connection---White/dp/B00N00YBJS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1459371403&sr=8-15&keywords=Lightning+iphone+USB+hub
It works for about 90 seconds, then you get a pop up message "This Accessory is not compatible" error message.  will not work unless you locate one that is Apple "mFI" approved - as it still requires the Apple mFI Authentication IC

And for those that report "but it works"  - I would ask "which version IOS does it work with?"

Doubt it will work with IOS 9

vanceg

Side note:  I use this device all the time with my iPAD and iPhone and have never had it drop out even once.  I connect my VG-99 (in generic USB mode) and get stereo audio i/o from the VG-99 to the iPad and back to the VG-99 (VG-99 is acting as audio interface for the iPad) and I also connect a USB to MIDI converter to it and a SoftStep.   They all work quite nicely together.  The only thing I don't have is ipone charging at the same time.    I'll likely switch to the new Lighting to USB3 Camera Adapter kit and a powered USB hub eventually.



Quote from:  Elantric
been there  - done that -

i tried this exact device 3 years ago


Read the reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Lanfeld-Adapter-Reader-Connection---White/dp/B00N00YBJS/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1459371403&sr=8-15&keywords=Lightning+iphone+USB+hub
It works for about 90 seconds, then you get a pop up message "This Accessory is not compatible" error message.  will not work unless you locate one that is Apple "mFI" approved - as it still requires the Apple mFI Authentication IC

And for those that report "but it works"  - I would ask "which version IOS does it work with?"

Doubt it will work with IOS 9

Elantric

#3
Quote.we ought to be on the lookout for other devices which support it.

Look for a third party product with the Apple "mFI" label
https://developer.apple.com/programs/mfi/


There is a requirement for the third party to submit their product to Apple for mFI testing  / Certification - and employ the specific licensed mFI Authentication IC
http://forums.appleinsider.com/discussion/155135/apples-reported-lightning-only-mfi-terms-restrict-combo-adapters


http://www.chipworks.com/about-chipworks/overview/blog/systems-analysis-apple-lightning-usb-cable
https://chipworks.secure.force.com/catalog/ProductDetails?sku=TEX-Lightning_Cable_Unknown&viewState=DetailView&cartID=&g=&parentCategory=&navigationStr=CatalogSearchInc&searchText=bq2025
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MFi_Program
Apple Inc.'s MFi Program ("Made for iPhone/iPod/iPad") is a licensing program for developers of hardware and software peripherals that work with Apple's iPod, iPad and iPhone, the so-called iDevices. The name is a shortened version of the original long-form Made For iPod. The program covers various iDevice connectors including the headphone jack, original dock connector and the newer Lightning connector, as well as AirPlay support. Companies joining the MFi program and passing certification tests are able to display certain MFi-related logos on their product packaging, like the "Made for iPod" badge.
The original Made for iPod was launched at the Macworld Expo on 11 January 2005, although some products released just before the announcement carried a "Ready for iPod" label instead.[1] It was reported at that time that Apple would be charging a 10% cut for all products with the logo, and the press described this as a "tax".[2][3] iPods use an extended headphone jack that allows additional control inputs like mute and volume adjustments, and licenses were available for products plugging into the jack or the dock connector.[1]
When using the dock connector, devices are able to control the iPod using a simple serial protocol known as the Apple Accessory Protocol (AAP). This uses a (normally) 19,200 bit/s 8N1 communications signal to send short packets containing commands like "take voice note" or "volume up". With the introduction of the 3rd generation iPods, AAP was available to the headphone connection as well.[4] These signals are used by many Made for iPod devices to allow remote control, including car integration systems.
With the introduction of the iPhone the program name extended to "Made for iPod and Made for iPhone", and then still again with the iPad to become "Made for iPod, iPhone and iPad". The program name officially changed to MFi, a term that had been used unofficially for some time, around 2010.[5]
The MFi program now also covers the AirTunes system for wirelessly streaming music. AirTunes was originally introduced in 2004 on the Mac and PC platforms inside iTunes,[6] and later became known as AirPlay when video-out capabilities were added to support devices like the Apple TV. AirPlay came to the iDevices when they gained WiFi capabilities with the introduction of the iPhone and iPod Touch. With no hardware component, AirPlay has been widely implemented in both official and non-MFi software systems (see AirPlay for details).
With the introduction of the Lightning connector the branding was changed and officially became MFi, a term that had been used unofficially for some time. Lightning also introduced additional protocols that could only be officially supported through the MFi program. In addition to the technical requirements, according to TUAW, Apple also took the opportunity to update the licensing agreement to require all 3rd parties to agree to Apple's supplier responsibility code.[7]
The release of the developer's version of iOS 7 at the 2013 WWDC included a new MFi approval for game controllers, either wrap-around designs that clip onto an iDevice, or completely separate wireless models.[8]
Developers wishing to integrate their device and application with HomeKit must also be members of the MFi program in order to get access to specifications, as well as certify their products[9]

Elantric

#4

VanceG wrote>
QuoteSide note:  I use this device all the time with my iPAD and iPhone and have never had it drop out even once.


Update: After reading Vance's report above - i re-ordered another one of these these Hubs  - it now has better packaging and i suspect its a bit updated hardware compared to the version I tested two years

IT DOES NOT CHARGE the IPAD / IPHONE - But it is a handy IOS Lightning Hub for USB class compliant Audio / MIDI devices
http://www.amazon.com/Lanfeld-Adapter-Reader-Connection-White/dp/B00N00YBJS?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00