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User profile for user: Valentinissimo
Valentinissimo Author
User level: Level 1
57 points

Nimbus+ Rubbish

I acquired a Nimbus+. First thing I tried to is updating the firmware. Turns out the Nimbus iOS app only recognizes Nimbus (1st gen) and not the Nimbus+ (2nd gen).


After a lot of search I stumble across the statement on SteelSeries website that: "For optimizing compatibility with all iOS devices we strongly suggest that you update the controller by downloading SteelSeries Engine". This software however only runs on MacOS and not on iOS.


Ok. I install. Four new issues: 1/ Installation requires admin rights because it will write on root level and not user level. 2/ Two warnings: First is that SteelSeries Engine requires extensions which will discontinue with the next MacOS release. Second is that SteelSeries Engine requests to log key strikes on every app. I think WTF and reject.


At this stage I feel it's like spy ware.


3/ With cable or with Bluetooth connection the app doesn't recognize the Nimbus+.


4/ Starting the app, despite having installed with admin rights, only works on the original user where I installed the app. Some odd warning about "client process".


This is all rubbish. The controller works with my Apple TV but because of the message on their website I would like to update firmware but have utterly failed. I should probably return it until they provide an iOS app. It's a bad product if there is no support software for the platform for which it was designed.


Question to the reader: Did anybody face the same issue? Any tipps? Do I have to allow the key logging to make the software recognize my controller?



Apple TV (4th generation)

Posted on Dec 14, 2020 12:29 PM

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User profile for user: pdX
pdX
User level: Level 1
59 points

Posted on Jan 23, 2021 1:15 PM

I went through the same steps you did, @Valentinissimo, immediately saying “no way” to the SteelSeries Engine requesting keystroke logging in any app. When in that app the new Nimbus+ wasn’t recognized I kept plugging it in, unplugging it, connecting it to bluetooth, relaunching the SteelSeries app again and again. Days later, I emailed SteelSeries support, and they sent an email back walking me through steps for a previous version of MacOS (I rewrote the steps for clarity):


  1. In Catalina, look for SteelSeries here: System Preferences>Security & Privacy>Privacy (tab)>Input Monitoring>
  2. Remove it from Input Monitoring
  3. Relaunch SteelSeries Engine 3
  4. When prompted for “input access”, grant it.
  5. If your SteelSeries is plugged into your Mac via USB, it will appear in the SteelSeries Engine app. It does not get recognized by the app via bluetooth.
  6. The GEAR section of the interface will now show a red-orange-yellow banner which seems like a button on hover, but tapping it does nothing. For Nimbus users, I expected the ability to configure controller buttons, but the only thing that works is to update firmware, or visit the website via a tiny About button.
  7. My new Nimbus+ said firmware was needed, so I updated firmware.


After finishing the firmware update, I headed back to Input Monitoring, and unchecked it. My other device that needs full keyboard access makes more sense: a solar-powered Logitech keyboard, thus the Logi Options in my screenshot. That makes sense. But if you’re not going to play games on your mac and you only use the SteelSeries Engine to update firmware, there’s shouldn’t be a need to grant it access.




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User profile for user: pdX
pdX
User level: Level 1
59 points

Jan 23, 2021 1:15 PM in response to Valentinissimo

I went through the same steps you did, @Valentinissimo, immediately saying “no way” to the SteelSeries Engine requesting keystroke logging in any app. When in that app the new Nimbus+ wasn’t recognized I kept plugging it in, unplugging it, connecting it to bluetooth, relaunching the SteelSeries app again and again. Days later, I emailed SteelSeries support, and they sent an email back walking me through steps for a previous version of MacOS (I rewrote the steps for clarity):


  1. In Catalina, look for SteelSeries here: System Preferences>Security & Privacy>Privacy (tab)>Input Monitoring>
  2. Remove it from Input Monitoring
  3. Relaunch SteelSeries Engine 3
  4. When prompted for “input access”, grant it.
  5. If your SteelSeries is plugged into your Mac via USB, it will appear in the SteelSeries Engine app. It does not get recognized by the app via bluetooth.
  6. The GEAR section of the interface will now show a red-orange-yellow banner which seems like a button on hover, but tapping it does nothing. For Nimbus users, I expected the ability to configure controller buttons, but the only thing that works is to update firmware, or visit the website via a tiny About button.
  7. My new Nimbus+ said firmware was needed, so I updated firmware.


After finishing the firmware update, I headed back to Input Monitoring, and unchecked it. My other device that needs full keyboard access makes more sense: a solar-powered Logitech keyboard, thus the Logi Options in my screenshot. That makes sense. But if you’re not going to play games on your mac and you only use the SteelSeries Engine to update firmware, there’s shouldn’t be a need to grant it access.




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User profile for user: Discodynomites
Discodynomites
User level: Level 1
4 points

Jan 22, 2021 7:12 AM in response to Valentinissimo

Had similar experience as I bought this in December 2020 at an Apple Store. Haven’t found a specific need to update firmware nor am aware of an update. I did install the Mac OS app and found no updates required. I am happy with the Nimbus+ and use it with the iPhone 12 Pro Max and also iPad Pro. The thumb sticks feel good and it’s more or less an Xbox controller for iOS.


I also have the Razer Kishi for iOS which makes the iPhone more like a Nintendo Swtich. It doesn’t have great thin sticks and difficult to use woth shooters.

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Nimbus+ Rubbish

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