iPad 5 to launch with a gamepad accessory?.
Apple is preparing a gamepad accessory which will appear alongside the iPad 5
Apple is allegedly working on a gamepad controller for its mobile devices, including the forthcoming iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, iPad 5 and iPad Mini 2 Exquisite Wireless Bluetooth Leather Protetive Case with Stand Purple for Apple Ipad 2 .
The report comes via PocketGamer, which revealed that Apple has attended the annual Game Developer Conference (GDC 2013) where it has hosted secret meetings with developers.
‘It's been operating a meeting room at the show, albeit booked under a pseudonym company name to avoid media attention,’ said the report.
A number of developers have talked to PocketNow anonymously about their conversations with the iPhone giant and have revealed the existence of the in-development gaming controller device Exquisite Wireless Bluetooth Leather Protetive Case with Stand Purple for Apple Ipad 2 .
The report pegs an expected announcement by Apple in April, where it may coincide with the launch of new Apple handsets or tablets. A prime candidate is said to be the iPad 5, though many maintain when this model launches it will be accompanied by the iPad Mini 2 also.
Other details of the controller remain sparse, PocketGamer reports: ‘None of our contacts had seen or held the physical device so we don't know if the pad will take a conventional approach or employ a radical new design.’
‘It would be logical for it to hit retail alongside a new iPad, but given the opportunities a dedicated controller would provide in the living room, we'd expect it to be part of a large announcement also revealing Apple's wide TV strategy, including a direct assault on the console businesses of Sony and Microsoft.’
The news follows Samsung’s announcement of its own Game Pad controller to form part of the Samsung Galaxy Android device range, the controller works with the Galaxy S4 flagship and existing models such as the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S3 Exquisite Wireless Bluetooth Leather Protetive Case with Stand Purple for Apple Ipad 2 .
Pre-orders of the Samsung Galaxy Game Pad place it at around the £80 mark, so it’s not the cheapest accessory around.
We’ll be watching this one closely and will be sure to bring you more info as it emerges.