14 DAY TRIAL // Belkin proudly announced today that it has completed Apple’s MFi (Made for iPad) certification program for its Secure Wired Keyboard for iPad and is now officially allowed to sell the accessory as endorsed by the mother ship.
Designed for classroom and standardized testing environments, the Secure Wired Keyboard connects directly to an iPad and offers a slim design with well-spaced keys made specifically for students. It’s plug-and-play and doesn’t require batteries or recharging. A “correct connect” diagnostic indicator allows teachers, administrators, and students to verify the connection.
That’s pretty much it about the product itself. One other thing would be that Belkin plans to show off the thing at the annual CUE 2014 Conference that takes place between March 20-22 in Palm Springs, California.
What I’m here to talk about is the gawky press release put out by Belkin. The company makes it sound like getting Apple’s MFI certification is every bit of evidence that Belkin is doing something right. I’m not saying the MFI program is bad, but this kind of worship-style attitude really ticks me off.
It begins by saying that “The MFi Program is a licensing program that encompasses third-party hardware accessories using Apple’s licensed technology to connect electronically to iPhone, iPad or iPod.”
Belkin goes to outline that the MFI program is open to “Companies, organizations, government entities and educational institutions,” and that “MFi licensed technology includes lightning and 30-pin connectors, authentication coprocessors, and iPod Accessory Protocol, among other accessories,” as if anyone (except accessory makers) cares.
The church service continues with Belkin saying that “Apple has very strict rules and demanding certification requirements to obtain MFi certification, in order to ensure that Apple’s brand image, quality and taste are consistent with its authorized accessories. Companies passing certification tests are able to display MFi-related logos on their product packaging.”
Finally, they summon an official-sounding statement from Jon Roepke, the company’s director of product management, who also goes on endlessly about the amazing MFI opportunity.
“MFi Apple-certified accessories—more than any other certification—provide users with quality assurance protection. Successfully obtaining the MFi authorization is a sign of confidence in the technology and top quality products. We are pleased to offer the first wired keyboard for iPad certified under Apple’s newest MFi guidelines for this product line.”
Could these people be more proud of themselves for nabbing that MFI stamp which Apple could retract the moment one of those keyboards catches fire or something? Half the press release is MFI adoration, for Pete’s sake.
Disclaimer
This is a Personal Thoughts piece reflecting the author’s personal opinion on matters relating to Apple and / or the products associated with the Apple brand. This article should not be taken as the official stance of Softpedia on Apple-related matters.