After several reports by users running external GPS and OBD dongles, as well as information I received from my partner companies creating Mfi (Made for iPhones) devices, I need to inform you of the following issues with iOS7.1 and iOS7.1.1:
Problem:
Data transfer is not possible for the Mfi device once it has been connected to an app (like Harry's LapTimer).
Intermittent observation:
- A XGPS160, or a VBOX Sport, or a BT1A OBD is paired with an iPhone.
- LapTimer is started and makes a connection to the respective device (connection status is green in Sensor List).
- No data can be received, the update rate stays at 0 Hz.
- A XGPS160 is connected to an iPhone delivering 10 Hz to LapTimer.
- A BT1A is powered on and is connected to LapTimer.
- The XGPS160 stops delivering data.
- A XGPS160, or a VBOX Sport, or a BT1A OBD is connected to LapTimer and delivers data at a valid update rate.
- LapTimer is sent to background (disconnecting the accessory) and pulled to foreground after some time.
- The accessory is connected again but does not deliver data like before.
Workarounds:
- Change to Sensor List and retry disconnecting (power cycling the accessory) and reconnecting.
- In case you see an accessory connected in Sensor List but not delivering data, send LapTimer to background and pull it forward again.
- In case you do not get data transfer working, send LapTimer to background and kill and restart it. This seems to clean up parts of the Bluetooth stack.
- In case you have not yet updated from iOS7 to iOS7.1, wait until you receive positive confirmation this problem has been fixed.
This is a pretty cumbersome problem, especially as no ETA for a fix is available yet. Apple has confirmed this bug and is working on a bug fix. I'm told the fix will be part of iOS7.1.2 but this is not committed / confirmed. I will keep you posted.
- Harry