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'Continuity Activation Tool' Enables Handoff on Older Macs

I have continuity enabled in my 2011 Macbook Air

Although I had to do the installation of the "fix" twice, continuity works flawlessly. I plan to donate some money to the guy who developed the workaround.
 
Why the anger @ Apple?

Does your Mac work any less functionally than before? NO

Do MOST of the new Continuity features work, even on 7 year old Macs? YES

Is it possible the drivers (kexts) originally developed for the first models with BT4.0 lack some of the capabilities in later drivers? YES

Is it possible to modify the older kexts to do this? YES

Is it critical that this mod comes from Apple vs. 3rd Party? NO

Is it a surprise they develop new features that use new technologies not available 7 years ago when you bought your Mac? NO

So what's the issue here folks? I get the disappointment that one or two of the new features don't work on some of my machines. I even sympathize that the semi-new 2011 Macs lack the capabilities to use all of these features, after all these are only 3-4 years old. But, what is the alternative? Going back to a life of frustration with Microsoft products?

I find iOS8 and Yosemite are quite useful, even without Handoff. I really don't know how often I would actually use Handoff, it would be nice to have but it certainly does not disappoint me enough to switch to PC. I do enjoy the SMS and Voice Call capabilities on my 6-7 year old Macs. These features "simply work" because I happen to be on the same Wi-Fi. For that, I am quite grateful for the new OS which tend to extend the useful life of my older investments.
 
techwarrior said:
Does your Mac work any less functionally than before? NO

Do MOST of the new Continuity features work, even on 7 year old Macs? YES

Is it possible the drivers (kexts) originally developed for the first models with BT4.0 lack some of the capabilities in later drivers? YES

Is it possible to modify the older kexts to do this? YES

Is it critical that this mod comes from Apple vs. 3rd Party? NO

Is it a surprise they develop new features that use new technologies not available 7 years ago when you bought your Mac? NO

So what's the issue here folks? I get the disappointment that one or two of the new features don't work on some of my machines. I even sympathize that the semi-new 2011 Macs lack the capabilities to use all of these features, after all these are only 3-4 years old. But, what is the alternative? Going back to a life of frustration with Microsoft products?

I find iOS8 and Yosemite are quite useful, even without Handoff. I really don't know how often I would actually use Handoff, it would be nice to have but it certainly does not disappoint me enough to switch to PC. I do enjoy the SMS and Voice Call capabilities on my 6-7 year old Macs. These features "simply work" because I happen to be on the same Wi-Fi. For that, I am quite grateful for the new OS which tend to extend the useful life of my older investments.
Click to expand...

We're not talking about 7 year old Macs. We're talking about 3 year old Macs with the complete technological ability to use Handoff being deliberately prevented from doing so.
 
hetrigger said:
The reason we went to Mac's was we were tired of having to buy a new PC every time a new OS (provided it didn't work with the old system). Even though this system is 4 years old, we (I) am still happy with it. Unlike the PC's we owned, I am not trashing this system. Now to convince the wife that I need that 27" Retina iMac...any suggestions?!?!:)
Click to expand...

With you 100% here. Migrated over to a MBP in late 2012 and have had no problems remotely compared to the 20+ years of using a PC - no viruses, no driver conflicts, no program conflicts, etc ... :cool:
 
AirPort Adaptor for 2011 iMac

Hi all,

After doing some research into the adapter board for the Mid 2011 iMac (EMC 2429, A1312), I have come to the realization that its merely a standard mPCIe to an apple standardized mPCIe connector (I based my research on Pin connector count/Pin spacing). Now I understand that @macvidcards sells these cards at $128-$152 a piece which includes the adapter plus the BCM94360CD card however I think i have found a far cheaper solution.

Amazon.com is selling what they call a "Generic Mini PCI-E Adapter for BCM94360CD/BCM94331CD" which looks to be a simialr design to the macvidcard solution for $18.89 US (with Free Shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Mini-...14175659&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+pcie+BCM94360CD

If you pair the adapter with the BCM94360CD which is also available from Amazon.com for $31.98 (with Free Shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Broadcom-BCM9...TF8&qid=1414176542&sr=8-1&keywords=BCM94360CD

You arrive at a grand total of $50.97 which is $70-$100 off the price if purchased at macvidcard (plus they are currently out of stock). The only caveat to purchasing via Amazon is that it ships from China so shipping time will be 1 week+.

The other concern I have is that the BCM94360CD has 4 antenna ports while the iMac only has 3 pigtails to connect to the card. I have yet to determine if the BCM94360CD has 3 pigtails connectors for WiFi antennas and 1 connector for bluetooth antenna or if the card is supporting 4 spatial stream 802.11 AC (2.6 Gbit\s). In the event that you want to use this card and add an extra antenna to your iMac I found a solution!

Amazon sells a tuned embedded antenna for $12.68 (with shipping included) that supports the 2.4 Ghz (wifi) and 5 GHz (wifi or bluetooth operate at this freq) with the proper connector. The "2.4 / 5 GHz / 2.2dB (U.FL/ IPEX) embedded antennas N/A Antenna" can be placed in the iMac and voila you have all the ports of the Airport card populated!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00MHYRV3Q/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

So the new grand total with the adaptor\Airportcard\antenna is $63.65. I'm still debating if I really need the new continuity feature, but if I do this upgrade I will post a guide for all users.

FYI, I replaced my 2012 rMBP with the new Broadcom AC card (BCM94360CS) and had great success with the out of the box results. This card may prove to be a better option for the iMac since it has only 3 antenna ports (but is way more expensive).
 
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Well, about that bluetooth 4.0...

The Mid 2011 MacBook Air has Bluetooth 4.0 - I use that feature often.

So how many versions of the 2011 MBA are there?

Sans built in obsolesce, I can't find a vaild reason to replace a solid state laptop every three years, except the need to sell shiny little things in white boxes.

Maybe i'm crazy, I still have a business need to FAX every so often, something :apple: is set on exterminating like Daleks.

John.B said:
BTLE (aka: 4.0). That's pretty obvious if you've even remotely been paying attention.



Take it however you want, but your 2011 MBA does everything today that it did on the day you bought it. My Early 2009 Mac mini isn't any less functional five years later, even if it doesn't get all of the new Yosemite features.
Click to expand...
 
Let's not forget Apple is a HARDWARE company first and foremost that just so happens to make great software. Their main goal is to sell new hardware. If a new feature in Yosemite requires new hardware, well there's your answer. Apple used to charge for OS updates but I can see why they don't anymore.

It seems to me the only people who should be bitching to Apple are Mac Mini 2011 and MacBook Air Mid '11 owners. Everyone else would need new hardware to make Continuity work.

I'm also going to give Apple a pass here for not enabling support over USB.... yet. Yosemite JUST got released so Apple's still working the kinks out of everything. It's possible Apple is planning on quietly enabling 3rd party dongles at some point, it's just a matter of when, how to do it, and what dongles to support. Not all bluetooth dongles are created equally.

People bitching about their MacBook Pros and iMacs... well, let's wait and see. I'm typing this on a Mac Pro 2008. Would love to use Continuity on it as well but maybe at some point.
 
Last edited:
SpinThis! said:
Let's not forget Apple is a HARDWARE company first and foremost that just so happens to make great software. Their main goal is to sell new hardware. If a new feature in Yosemite requires new hardware, well there's your answer. Apple used to charge for OS updates but I can see why they don't anymore.

It seems to me the only people who should be bitching to Apple are Mac Mini 2011 and MacBook Air Mid '11 owners. Everyone else would need new hardware to make Continuity work.

I'm also going to give Apple a pass here for not enabling support over USB.... yet. Yosemite JUST got released so Apple's still working the kinks out of everything. It's possible Apple is planning on quietly enabling 3rd party dongles at some point, it's just a matter of when, how to do it, and what dongles to support. Not all bluetooth dongles are created equally.

People bitching about their MacBook Pros and iMacs... well, let's wait and see. I'm typing this on a Mac Pro 2008. Would love to use Continuity on it as well but maybe at some point.
Click to expand...

Personally I'm just a little peeved that apple decided to ship the iMac in 2011 without BT 4.0 when other macs during this period were sold with BT4.0. Now from a technical standpoint there probably was no reason to design a new mPCIe Airport card with BT4.0 for the iMac when the new design change (slim iMac w/o Optical drive) was going to come out 6 months later but still it makes me annoyed. But if your tech savvy installing a new card and changing a couple of kexts/log files is not a big deal in the grand scheme.
 
Last edited:
landi.erik said:
Hi all,

After doing some research into the adapter board for the Mid 2011 iMac (EMC 2429, A1312), I have come to the realization that its merely a standard mPCIe to an apple standardized mPCIe connector (I based my research on Pin connector count/Pin spacing). Now I understand that @macvidcards sells these cards at $128-$152 a piece which includes the adapter plus the BCM94360CD card however I think i have found a far cheaper solution.

Amazon.com is selling what they call a "Generic Mini PCI-E Adapter for BCM94360CD/BCM94331CD" which looks to be a simialr design to the macvidcard solution for $18.89 US (with Free Shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Mini-...14175659&sr=8-1&keywords=mini+pcie+BCM94360CD

If you pair the adapter with the BCM94360CD which is also available from Amazon.com for $31.98 (with Free Shipping)

http://www.amazon.com/Broadcom-BCM9...TF8&qid=1414176542&sr=8-1&keywords=BCM94360CD

You arrive at a grand total of $50.97 which is $70-$100 off the price if purchased at macvidcard (plus they are currently out of stock). The only caveat to purchasing via Amazon is that it ships from China so shipping time will be 1 week+.

The other concern I have is that the BCM94360CD has 4 antenna ports while the iMac only has 3 pigtails to connect to the card. I have yet to determine if the BCM94360CD has 3 pigtails connectors for WiFi antennas and 1 connector for bluetooth antenna or if the card is supporting 4 spatial stream 802.11 AC (2.6 Gbit\s). In the event that you want to use this card and add an extra antenna to your iMac I found a solution!

Amazon sells a tuned embedded antenna for $12.68 (with shipping included) that supports the 2.4 Ghz (wifi) and 5 GHz (wifi or bluetooth operate at this freq) with the proper connector. The "2.4 / 5 GHz / 2.2dB (U.FL/ IPEX) embedded antennas N/A Antenna" can be placed in the iMac and voila you have all the ports of the Airport card populated!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00MHYRV3Q/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new

So the new grand total with the adaptor\Airportcard\antenna is $63.65. I'm still debating if I really need the new continuity feature, but if I do this upgrade I will post a guide for all users.

FYI, I replaced my 2012 rMBP with the new Broadcom AC card (BCM94360CS) and had great success with the out of the box results. This card may prove to be a better option for the iMac since it has only 3 antenna ports (but is way more expensive).
Click to expand...

Pricing is tricky to do, OSXWifi has reasonable prices (I used them) but you have to remember that there is going to be a markup because either OSXwifi or MacVidCards or whoever did a lot of research months ago to figure out what cards work and how to do it. You're looking at it now saying "yeah of course thats what I need" but if these people didn't do the research you may not have arrived there.

So in the end its a little more expensive to buy the parts all together but in that little bit of markup you are giving back for the time and research they put in.
 
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Mattlike said:
Maybe I should give it a second run through, because I simply could not get it to work for me. I did everything. Sign out of iCloud sign back in etc.:(
Click to expand...

did you sign out of everything

REBOOT everything

and THEN sign back into everything?

Is your bluetooth on?

Did you try deleting all your old bluetooth pairings?
 
touchtone561 said:
The Mid 2011 MacBook Air has Bluetooth 4.0 - I use that feature often.

So how many versions of the 2011 MBA are there?

Sans built in obsolesce, I can't find a vaild reason to replace a solid state laptop every three years, except the need to sell shiny little things in white boxes.

Maybe i'm crazy, I still have a business need to FAX every so often, something :apple: is set on exterminating like Daleks.
Click to expand...

IDK. I'd bet that our Late 2011 Macbook Pro was built after your Mid 2011 Macbook Air, but it came with Bluetooth 2.1+EDR instead of BTLE (4.0). :shrug:

Edit: Just like landi.erik's 2011 iMac.

LOL at the Dr. Who reference.
 
2IS said:
What about the ones that DO have the hardware and don't work? It's funny how you ADF (Apple Defense Force) troops manage to leave that tidbit out of your arguments.
Click to expand...

My argument stands and like somebody wrote earlier there is nothing your mac could do when you first bought it that it is incapable of doing now!,you lot are treating this like an update! like iOS 8.01 it is not!,it is a new OS which comes with new features that are not essential for the proper functioning of your macbook!
 
UncleSchnitty said:
Pricing is tricky to do, OSXWifi has reasonable prices (I used them) but you have to remember that there is going to be a markup because either OSXwifi or MacVidCards or whoever did a lot of research months ago to figure out what cards work and how to do it. You're looking at it now saying "yeah of course thats what I need" but if these people didn't do the research you may not have arrived there.

So in the end its a little more expensive to buy the parts all together but in that little bit of markup you are giving back for the time and research they put in.
Click to expand...

While I agree with you about the original costs of R&D, marking up by $80-$100 dollars when you can source the same components elsewhere seems a little excessive to me, mind you get the support and documentation which could make up for the extra cost. If you are a little tech inclined you can do the work yourself and save some money. I merely was looking to help some people out wondering where and what you need to buy to get this to work.

Also OSXWifi is much more competitive pricewise vs macvidcards, thanks for the extra sourcing info. My only question from an iMac perspective vs the MacPro is do you need the extra usb power cable? I was under the impression that that connector from the iMac carried power, all you need was the adaptor?

What was the application of the adaptor you used?
 
bluespark said:
He got that; his point was that the chart was flawed in precisely this manner.
Click to expand...

How is the chart flawed?

"The tool should work with the following mac models", Which means.
  1. Items listed on the Left are supported by the tool
  2. The list on the right column shows what hardware modifications are required, and quite clearly states that two models do not require hardware any modifications.
 
landi.erik said:
While I agree with you about the original costs of R&D, marking up by $80-$100 dollars when you can source the same components elsewhere seems a little excessive to me, mind you get the support and documentation which could make up for the extra cost. If you are a little tech inclined you can do the work yourself and save some money. I merely was looking to help some people out wondering where and what you need to buy to get this to work.

Also OSXWifi is much more competitive pricewise vs macvidcards, thanks for the extra sourcing info. My only question from an iMac perspective vs the MacPro is do you need the extra usb power cable? I was under the impression that that connector from the iMac carried power, all you need was the adaptor?

What was the application of the adaptor you used?
Click to expand...
I have only tested the cards on the 08iMac and it did not need the usb cable. It's hard to tell if the other iMacs will need it or not without someone trying. Just like macpros of 08 didn't need the usb cable the 09+ did. It's not the power to the card it's the data from the Bt part.

So with more testing I could give you a better answer but like in my original article I don't have access to every device to test myself.
 
UncleSchnitty said:
I have only tested the cards on the 08iMac and it did not need the usb cable. It's hard to tell if the other iMacs will need it or not without someone trying. Just like macpros of 08 didn't need the usb cable the 09+ did. It's not the power to the card it's the data from the Bt part.

So with more testing I could give you a better answer but like in my original article I don't have access to every device to test myself.
Click to expand...

Gotcha, I think that it probably will not need it because the original BT+WiFi Card did not need the extra data line. I will have to test it out and report back my findings, but like i said everyone is out of stock sourcing these parts or expecting 1 week+ wait times from china.

UPDATE: looking at the old iFixit tear down of the 2011 iMac there is no extra USB data line as was the case in the MacPro (Pre vader design).

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xHCrR5KsLXlXNCXw.huge
 
Last edited:
bbeagle said:
I agree with your point in theory.

But what happens is that Apple must support the old hardware, something that nobody wants to do. Think about it - if you're a software engineer at Apple, do you want to be working on the latest technology - writing new software and fixing bugs for iPad Airs, or do you want to be working with the limitations of the iPad 1 and fixing bugs, and writing software updates?

I think it would be hard to have everyone 'on the team' while having hundreds of engineers working on old projects. Plus, it's not financially worth it for Apple. You're paying people to work on old things, encouraging people NOT to buy the latest things, and it's a net loss for the company. Shareholders would not like that at all.

It's just the reality of the business.
Click to expand...

There's only one problem with that statement: The WiFi and Bluetooth chips in the 2011 MBA, which they don't support and the 2012 MBA, which they do support are exactly the same. Same manufacturer. Same model.
 
landi.erik said:
Gotcha, I think that it probably will not need it because the original BT+WiFi Card did not need the extra data line. I will have to test it out and report back my findings, but like i said everyone is out of stock sourcing these parts or expecting 1 week+ wait times from china.

UPDATE: looking at the old iFixit tear down of the 2011 iMac there is no extra USB data line as was the case in the MacPro (Pre vader design).

https://d3nevzfk7ii3be.cloudfront.net/igi/xHCrR5KsLXlXNCXw.huge
Click to expand...
I don't understand your update, it's not something you can physically see from a picture. There is no visual difference on the 08imac connector and that one. The unknown is if it transmits usb signal. You can't tell from looking at the 08 vs 09 pros either. In fact when I ordered mine months ago they sent me the usb cable thinking I needed it. It was kind of just luck of design I didn't so I reported back and that's why its separated not with 08 and 09+ Kits
 
John.B said:
I'm not trying to defend anyone. I am wondering (based on experiences posted in this thread) whether Apple knows certain 2011 MBAs are going have a problem with Continuity, and excluded them on that basis.



I really don't get the vitriol.

We have two "older" Macs that I upgraded (for free) to Yosemite, a Late 2011 MBP and an Early 2009 mini. Neither have BTLE so they don't get the new Continuity features, but they are still great Macs. Even if I can't answer calls from my iPhone on them.
Click to expand...

The vitriol comes from the fact that, hardware wise there is no difference between the bluetooth on the 2011 MBA that they don't support, and the 2012 MBA that they do support. The WiFi and Bluetooth chips in both models are exactly the same. I mean the same manufacturer and model in both. So if there is a reason why it's not supported Apple should address it on their support site.
 
UncleSchnitty said:
I don't understand your update, it's not something you can physically see from a picture. There is no visual difference on the 08imac connector and that one. The unknown is if it transmits usb signal. You can't tell from looking at the 08 vs 09 pros either. In fact when I ordered mine months ago they sent me the usb cable thinking I needed it. It was kind of just luck of design I didn't so I reported back and that's why its separated not with 08 and 09+ Kits
Click to expand...

My thinking is that if the Bluetooth transceiver/radio needed to be connected via USB there would be a USB jumper connected to the original Airport Card? Also the 09 and 08 teardown of the Mac Pro shows that the Bluetooth and wifi modules are separate (and in fact the BT module is connected via an internal USB jumper on the 09 model and not on the 08). My original iMac Airport card is like yours where both the BT\WiFi modules are integrated on the single card.
 
I have a 2011 MBA. I am not the most IT literate, is this something I can do myself, or should I engage someone more fluent in this stuff to handle it for me in the event there is an issue?
 
GolfnCPA said:
I have a 2011 MBA. I am not the most IT literate, is this something I can do myself, or should I engage someone more fluent in this stuff to handle it for me in the event there is an issue?
Click to expand...

If you follow the step by step instructions in the new actvator application found here https://github.com/dokterdok/Continuity-Activation-Tool/ it should be pretty easy to install! Consider yourself lucky you don't need to perform open case surgery on your mac! ;)
 
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