[SOLVED] Possible to have an Intel Edison act as Remote Control for iOS

Possible to have an Intel Edison act as Remote Control for iOS

I am starting to explore working with Bluetooth LE. To that end I am trying to devise a project so I can give myself a goal.

I am using the Intel Edison as my platform and I was wondering: is it possible to use it's Bluetooth LE capabilities to enable it to control the media playback on iOS (8+) -- play, pause, back, next?

I know I need to use the AVRCP profile, etc. I am not concerned with the implementation in this question, I am more concerned with if Apple even allows such a thing if you are not part of the MFi program. I don't want to spend the dev/exploration time if in the end iOS won't allow me to test it out.

Having read this: https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getFAQ.action#1-1

Headset Remote and Mic feature

Is specifically called out as requiring MFi. I am going to assume that covers anything using the AVRCP Profile, even if it is not specifically a headset?

This link however: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204387

Makes no mention of MFi requirements for AVRCP.

Solution

There are 3 way to use BT on iOS:

BTLE is directly accessible through the iOS SDK, therefore, you can do whatever custom actions you want by developing an app
MFI program allow you to build apps that connect your custom accessories, using classic BT. It is also useful if you want to place a badge on a product packaging (even if it is actually using basic profiles)
BT profiles, including AVRCP, are available by default. You do not need MFI to work with them, it is directly handled by iOS, not through an app.

Also, in the "Not MFI" section:

"Accessories that use only standard Bluetooth profiles supported by iOS" - https://mfi.apple.com/MFiWeb/getFAQ.action#1-1