E3 was last week, but so was Apple's Worldwide Developers' Conference. As you've probably heard, iOS 7 was announced, as well as a Macbook Air update and Mac Pro redesign. The new iOS is a complete overhaul of the aesthetics, but there's a new feature in particular that could seriously up the iPhone's Gamer Cred. Games are some of the most popular apps on iPhone and iPad, and the devices have hit dedicated handhelds pretty hard. But iOS gaming has been hindered by the lack of physical controls: less complex control means less complex/deep gameplay, even though we've seen that mobile developers are capable of delivering impressive looking and sounding games. So, for the first time, Apple has created a standard for game controllers that attach to its iPhones, and included it in the iOS 7 SDK. It's even created a reference design that includes multiple shoulder buttons and thumbsticks, much like we'd expect from a console controller. The implications are pretty big: game developers will be able to target a single standard upon which a number of controllers are based, rather than having to develop for a single controller. This assured compatibility makes targeting a controller much more appealing, and allows developers the chance to create more complex gameplay that takes advantage of precise controls. It also gives iOS an edge over Android and Windows Phone. Due to Android's open nature, Google simply can't create a single hardware standard and expect it to stick, and both Android and WP will run into problems with the number of different form factors and designs that are out there. Those who want to turn Android phones into gaming handhelds will have to target the most popular one(s), such as the Galaxy S line. Apart from precise controls, a controller would address two issues I currently have with mobile games. I actually play games like Real Racing and Shadowgun regularly, and I find them to be pretty fun. But they destroy my battery life, and I need my phone to actually do phone things. They also generate [i]insane[/i] amounts of heat: my phone can hit 114 degrees when running a 3D game, which is unacceptable. Game controllers could include built-in batteries and a better heat envelope. Finally, this isn't just about [i]mobile[/i] gaming. Since iOS 5, Apple has supported AirPlay mirroring from iOS to Apple TV, meaning whatever's on your iPhone/iPad screen can be sent to your TV. Games optimized for this functionality can do some pretty cool stuff. With Real Racing 2, a single iPad connected to an Apple TV can act as a multiplayer console, processing and streaming the game to the TV, while 3 other players use their iOS devices as controllers. And, much like the Wii U, a mini-map and other info is displayed on the iPad's screen. With the addition of physical controls and the increased processing power of the iOS devices and Apple TV, you could use your iPhone+controller to stream HD games to your TV and play them. Of course, it all depends on the games. But I'm optimistic that developers [i]will[/i] take advantage of the controller option to provide richer game experiences that transcend even the best of what's out today.