What is Apple MFi Certification and Why is it Important?
Apple’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, iPad mini and iPhone, the so-called iDevices. The name is a shortened version of the original long-form Made For iPod. Companies joining the MFi program are required to pass certain requirements and certification tests. Once approved by Apple, they are able to display certain MFi-related logos on their product packaging.
Using a MFi certified receipt printer ensures full compatibility with Apple devices and an easier set-up with more features in any mobile application.
Zebra’s QLn Series is Now MFi Certified and Healthcare Approved
Zebra’s popular QLn Series, QLn220/QLn320/QLn420, of printers has recently been enhanced with exciting new features. Now “Made for iPOD/iPhone/iPad” (MFi) certified, these printers support Apple mobile operating systems as well as Android and Windows Mobile platforms. What’s more, the complete family of QLn printers now leverages Zebra’s Link-OS environment, making it easier than ever to integrate into operations and manage from any location around the globe! And best of all, you get all of these new features without having to pay extra – the cost is the same as the older models!
And as if that weren’t enough, Zebra is also excited to announce the release of their QLn320 and QLN220 Healthcare Printers, which is an extension of their user-friendly QLn printers that have been designed specifically with healthcare facilities’ needs in mind. They are constructed using durable, disinfectant-ready materials so they can be cleaned quickly and easily between each use. Collecting and labeling information at the patient’s bedside has never been more efficient!
For assistance finding the right mobile Zebra printer for your needs, contact us at Barcodes Inc.
How to Select a Receipt Printer for Mobile POS
Is your restaurant or retail store ahead of the technology curve?
Be honest – is it even close?
In this day and age, customers expect to see their favorite restaurants and stores using technologies similar to the ones they use on a daily basis. That’s why today’s top retailers and restaurateurs are turning to tablets and Apple iPads to run their businesses.
In 2014, this concept of mobile point of sale (POS) is very flexible. Mobile elements, such as mobile POS devices and mobile POS printers, can be mixed and matched with your existing assets to accommodate your specific business and/or budget needs. Mobile POS can include:
- A mobile device secured on a stand, integrated with a stationary printer and cash drawer
- A mobile device integrated with a magnetic stripe reader and a portable printer
Vend POS Now Supports the Star SM-S220i Receipt Printer
Mobile POS has seen a boom recently due to the simplicity and low cost investment involved in getting a functional POS system off the ground. Leading the way in mobile POS is Vend with their app that turns your iPad into a fully functional POS system. Setting up shop in a physical location or on the go has never been so easy!
With any type of retail transaction their is always a need for some kind of receipt be it via an email or a physically printed copy. Vend has always supported a variety of desktop receipt printers but with their recent update you can go completely mobile with the Star SM-S220i. The SM-S220i is the perfect compact mobile printer to provide your customers with a printed receipt no matter where your point of sale may be. Quickly pair the printer to your iPad running Vend software and you’ll be printing receipts in no time!
For more information or to start building a Vend mobile POS system. contact us at Barcodes Inc.
The Star DK-AirCash is Now MFi Certified
Expanding the field for mobile point of sale solutions, Star Micronics is excited to introduce its DK-AirCash accessory for enabling secure cash payments in mPOS. Traditionally, cash drawers are controlled manually (key operated) or by a wired connection to a PC or through a wired connection to a printer. The DK-AirCash enables the control of the cash drawer either directly through an Ethernet, Bluetooth and now MFi certified Bluetooth connection. Star’s DK-AirCash makes “wireless” operation of an existing hard-wired cash drawer possible.
With MFi certification from Apple, Star’s DK-AirCash is compatible with popular Apple devices such as iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in addition to devices running on Android and Windows platforms. Now available in MFi certified Bluetooth, Star’s DK-AirCash is a cost effective way to upgrade your cash drawer’s compatibility for mPOS. Join the mPOS revolution with Star’s DK-AirCash!
Introducing The New Zebra EM220II
The growing adoption of smartphones and tablets around the globe is creating an increasing need for enterprise users to communicate and interact with Zebra printers—especially Zebra mobile printers—using the latest mobile technology. In response to this need, Zebra is announcing the next generation EM 220 mobile receipt printer—the EM220II.
The new EM220II supports Bluetooth and Wireless LAN connectivity to Apple, Android and Windows devices using Zebra’s extensive range of printer drivers and Software Development Kits (SDKs). In addition to the recently announced iMZ220 and iMZ320, the EM220II is Zebra’s second mobile printer product line to have the ‘Made for iPod, iPhone, iPad’ (MFi) certification.
Building on the positive attributes of the predecessor EM 220 product, the next generation EM220II provides the same small, pocket-sized convenience but at a more affordable price. This will be Zebra’s smallest, most affordable smartphone- and tablet-compatible printer to date.
Star’s New SM-T400i Mobile Receipt Printer Compatible with iOS
Star Micronics has announced the debut of its SM-T400i and SM-T404i to their “i” Series of printers. As the widest format portable Bluetooth printer in Star’s “i” Series, the SM-T400i and SM-T404i are rugged four inch (112mm) portable Bluetooth receipt printers with a wide 104mm printable area, ideal for data filled service reports, delivery notes or law enforcement citations. With an added magnetic stripe reader (MSR), the SMT401i adds even more functionality and value to the SM-T400i model.
Apple MFi certified, the SM-T400i and SM-T404i portable receipt printers are approved for use with the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad. With operating system support for iOS, Android and Windows, the SM-T400i and SM-T404i also boast a configurable Eco-Friendly Auto Power Down mode. As an added convenience, the SMT404i offers a MSR which adds even more functionality to the base model SM-T400i. Dust protected and splashproof resistant (IP54 Certified), the SM-T400i and SM-T404i are welcomed options for any environment.
