Harmonix: Your Guitar Hero III guitar will work with Rock Band 2

With the release of Rock Band 2 for the Wii approaching, a flood of information about the game is finally making its way to the eyes and ears of would-be rockers. Yesterday, we heard about all of the awesome DLC we'll have access to and now we've got something for those of you who picked up Guitar Hero III for the Wii.

Posting on the Harmonix boards, one of the developers confirmed that the guitar used in Guitar Hero III for the Wii will be fully compatible with Rock Band 2. So, for those of you who prefer rocking out with a wireless plastic axe, as opposed to the one that comes with the full Rock Band bundle, you're in luck.

No word has been said about Guitar Hero World Tour's guitar and Rock Band 2, but seeing as how Harmonix wants to "encourage the interoperability of instruments between platforms," we're thinking it just might be.
Source Nintendo wii fanboy

Wiimote guitar effects control

[Rob Morris] sent us this video of his Wiimote based guitar effects. Similar to our post yesterday about using the Wiimote to control a synth, he is using changes in orientation to effect the sound. He starts off with simple pitch modulation, but later in the video he’s doing, uh, we’re not sure but its kind of cool.
Source hackaday.

Controlling a Doepfer modular synth with a Wiimote

The Wiimote has turned out to be very versatile indeed. This video shows someone using it to control his modular synth. There is not a lot of artistic jamming going on, but explains in fair detail how to set it up. If you want to see Isadore getting down, check this out.
source hackaday.

Playstation tank controller

[stuart] wanted a more intuitive way to control his rover platform than the software solution he had been using. He settled on using a Playstation controller with an AVR to operate the rover wirelessly. He found a couple references for talking to the controller using SPI on a PIC and adapted that for his ATMega88. The code is available on his site. He removed the rumble motors from the controller and stuffed the chip plus the transmitter package inside. The Linx TX/RX pair are mounted to pluggable boards so he can use them on other projects. A video of the tank in motion is after the jump.
Source hackaday

The latest joysticks on the joystick vault

Heres the latest sticks on the joystick vault.
Firstly a Mass Effect custom joystick, and secondly a silent hill custom joystick built using Happ competition buttons & joystick. MDF Board for the construction.
Both by GatsuGodhand.

Source Joystick Vault

MotorStorm With Mini-Motorbike Motion Controller

This isn't a product, but rather a concept product. Spotted a mini-motorcycle that had been modded with an embedded PS3 SIXAXIS controller. The guy on the motorbike said the original plan was to have the game projected lower so players weren't looking up at the wall, but it wasn't possible to work that out logistically, apparently. Fittingly, the PS3 was running MotorStorm, and playing it on a mini-bike did give the title an nostalgically arcadey feel. The only downside was that the handle was a tad too low so twisting the throttle wasn't so easy on the wrist.

Source kotaku

AKI 3.0 USB Interface

A new USB encoder is now available from B-Spec Labs. The AKI 3.0 USB Interface, successor to the AKI and SJC interfaces, is a user-configurable encoder which currently supports analog, digital, and 49-way joysticks, as well as joystick to keyboard, and joystick to mouse conversion. For more details, read the product description here.

Source arcade controlls.

A Brief History of Controllers: A and B

I meant to post this interesting little history lesson on controller mapping since the NES a few weeks ago, but an ill-fated department camping trip to the wilds of SoCal got in the way; Matthew Gallant of the aptly named 'Quixotic Engineer' takes us down memory lane and on a flying tour of the evolution of various controllers:

There’s always been a minor niggle at the back of my mind when I played the Nintendo DS. “They’ve got it backwards,” I thought, “The A button should be on the left and B on the right. That’s how it’s always been… I think.” A speedy investigation showed that my memory was a little foggy, and that the answer was significantly more interesting than that. Therefore, I present to you a brief history of gamepad button mapping.

It's a short and sweet look at how our controllers have evolved (or not) over the years — including issues of localization. Some questions are still unanswered (like where the 'A' and 'B' designations originated from, though it would appear that the NES was the first), but an interesting little wrap-up nonetheless.
Source kotaku

SteelSeries World of Warcraft Mouse Destroys Orcs, Your Last Shreds of Dignity With 15 Buttons

teelSeries' World of Warcraft MMO mouse is officially the most ridiculous gaming mouse I have ever seen. Designed with Blizzard just for WoW gamers (just in time for Wrath of the Lich King), it has 15 programmable buttons. You don't even have that many fingers. And it has flashing disco lights. In 16 million colors. Of course, this much nerd doesn't come cheap—it'll be $90 when it drops next month, but SteelSeries gear is tank-like, so you'll be stuck with it for a long time. Which is good, since you're going to be very lonely if you buy one.

Designed by Blizzard® and SteelSeries specifically for World of Warcraft®, The World of Warcraft® MMO Gaming Mouse provides remarkable benefit to all World of Warcraft® gamers, regardless of level or play style. The mouse can be customized to fit the users personal preferences; the illumination feature allows for up to 16 million colors, programmability of all 15 buttons via an intuitive and easy to use drag and drop interface. The fluid integration of software with hardware will provide the user with an amazing in-game experience featuring superior performance, comfort and control. The World of Warcraft® MMO Gaming Mouse is fully scalable to meet and exceed the requirements of even the most discerning World of Warcraft® gamer.

* 16 million illumination choices * A total of 15 programmable buttons
* Several predefined macros and posibility to create your own
* World’s first gaming mouse designed exclusively for World of Warcraft®

• Cable (braided): 2 m / 6,6 ft.
• 15 buttons
• 800 - 3000 CPI
• 3,6 mm lift distance

November 2008

Source gizmodo

Wiimote Rovio via Robodance

Robert Oschler, of Robots Rule, has a video up showing a preview of his Robodance software controlling the new Wow Wee Rovio remote surveillance bot via a Nintendo Wiimote. With this set-up, a Wiimote can control the Rovio from just about anywhere in the world via Bluetooth and a Web connection. Robert plans on having this new version of Robodance available by early next year.

For more information, visit the Rovio-Wiimote Robodance page.

Source make:blog

Vocal mouse control

Absolutely fascinating. The University of Washington is developing a vocally controled mouse interface. We’ve seen vocal control of the computer before, but it is usally responding to specific commands and words to carry out tasks such as opening files. This system uses different vowels and sounds to create cursor motion. You can see the same system used in the video above to control a robot arm as well.
Source hackaday

Sony has a PS3 controller charger, let us show you it

Even with today's wireless video game controllers, you can't stay untethered forever. After a few hours of gaming on the PlayStation 3, you'll have to plug in that SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 USB cable to charge. Starting December 18th, Sony Japan will offer an AC adapter intended for PS3 controllers at a price of ¥2,800 (just under $30). Like third party solutions we've seen, it has two USB ports so you'll be able to do two controllers or toss in a Bluetooth headset. Nothing yet on availability outside of Japan, but if we get word we'll be all over it, 'cause we feel slightly guilty for leaving the PS3 on overnight to charge -- what with the world's dwindling energy supply and all.
Source engadget.

Fraunhofer IPMS demonstrates OLED with touch control

Look, we're not going to argue that those chintzy clap lamps weren't pretty sweet in their heyday. And we're also not going to put up a fuss when you assert that snap bracelets were equally adorable in the early 90s. Nostalgia aside, Fraunhofer IPMS is headed straight for the future with its latest OLED breakthrough. Reportedly, the company has devised an OLED display that can be controlled via human touch or by simply waving one's hand in front of the panel. Unlike similar applications that have come before it, there's no additional hardware needed -- and therein lies the magic. The outfit is currently showing off the design at the Plastic Electronic 2008 show, though it yet to reveal anything close to a release plan.
Source engadget.

Wii Warm Up: Plugging it in

After seeing Taiko No Tatsujin Wii yesterday, we definitely think the drum looks pretty sweet ... but we also noticed something mildly annoying: it plugs into the Wii remote, like so many other things. Now, look, we're not saying this feature is in any way a gamebreaker -- it's just one of those features that begs the question of whether or not there would have been a better way. Of course, we are completely picky bastards, so perhaps this is something you don't even think about. Or is it?

Source nintendo wii fanboy

Brainwave Controlled Game From Square Enix

zombies-alive writes "Square Enix and Neurosky, maker of wearable sensory equipment, are coming out with a new 'Brainwave-Controlled' RPG. The game will be demonstrated at the Tokyo Game Show for the (Windows) PC, which features the NeuroSky MindSet headset. At this moment, the headset only detects the gamer's level of concentration and relaxation by means of a single electrode placed on the forehead."

Source Slashdot

fanatec rennsport wheel stand

Fanatec have posted news of the RennSport Wheel Stand, used with driving controllers it lets you use a wheel and pedals without the need for a table.
The features include:

* Compatible with all Fanatec Porsche and Speedster racing wheels
* Other makes:
Logitech: Driving Force, Driving Force Pro, G25
Microsoft wireless wheel
* Allows the use of a racing wheel without table in the living room
* Easy to store away within 10 seconds
* Attractive design both in operation or in storage leaning on a wall
* Rock solid steel / Aluminum construction avoids shaking even with strong Force feedback wheels
* Adjustable: wheel angle, height, pedal position
* Big rubber feet avoid any movement
* Porsche wheel and G25 shifter mount (optional)
* Optional race seat kit expands it to a full racing cockpit (available 2009)
* Designed in Germany by real Germaneering®

Source fanatec

Scratch offers Numark-controlled Guitar Hero for hip-hop heads

Are the blatant rockist tendencies of Guitar Hero and Rock Band ruining your enjoyment of those otherwise brilliant titles? Of course they are -- we noted your b-boy flava from two blocks away. But don't sweat it because Genius Products, 7 Studios and Quincy Jones III have your niche in their sights and will happily sell you Scratch: The Ultimate DJ when it hits the stores sometime in Spring 2009. With a game controller designed by Numark (known worldwide for its DJ controllers -- there's an example for you after the break), the game will be available for the Xbox 360 and PS3 and feature tracks by "many" (as yet unnamed) hip-hop artists. Trevor Drinkwater, President and CEO of Genius Products promises all and sundry "a cutting-edge game that captures the vital energy of hip-hop culture." And here we thought they were cynically jumping on the Guitar Hero bandwagon! We stand corrected.
Source Engadget

LittleBigPlanet Gets DualShock 3 Bundles Too

Taking a page from the Wii Play playbook, Sony is going to bundle one of its more popular upcoming games, LittleBigPlanet, with a DualShock 3. It'll do it in Japan anyway, hoping that the Japanese video game consuming public will be awed by the woolen cuteness of Sackboy and bring some vibrating solenoids into their workaday lives. Price is just 7980 yen, about $79 in increasingly worthless U.S. dollars.

For the PlayStation 3 plus LittleBigPlanet bundle box, please hit the jump.
Source kotaku.

The joystick vaults picks of the week

Heres some of joystick vaults posts of new custom joysticks posted this week:
all by RigoHoward!


Solrak's custom case

Heres a custom case (buttons and stick on the picture are mine xD), without art for a customer.


Flako's UMK arcade stick

A comissioned stick for a friend



Tony T. Chopper stick

My girlfriend is a very big fan of Shonen Jump One Piece series.. so i made this custom arcade stick with his favourite character of the luffy pirates tripulation :P

For more joysticks go here.

Light Gun Zero Plus wireless light gun demo unit spotted at TGS

We spotted this demo light gun on the floor of TGS2008. The cagey booth attendant wouldn't tell us if it will ever hit retail shelves, but the frankensteined (see the external batteries?) device was certainly working with a PS3 and projector here in Tokyo. We're all for some wireless light gun action, so bring it on, Light Gun Zero. That is, if you can. Oh, and if you can get rid of that unusual battery pack. Okay, thanks.

Source Engadget.

PSP Plus awkwardly unites PSP, DualShock 3

With only one analog nub, the PSP can't seem to nail down a comfortable first or third-person shooter control scheme on its own, but a new tech called "PSP Plus" will allow users to pair the handheld with the PlayStation 3's more genre-capable SIXAXIS or DualShock 3 controllers. Sony announced PSP Plus at the Tokyo Game Show today but didn't provide much info about how it works, so we're not sure if it's the same technology that was patented last year. We do know there's a pretty outrageous catch: you'll need to connect your PSP to your PS3 to use the controller. With only one game supported (Resistance Retribution), we prefer just about any homemade hack to this solution, and if you're at home with your PS3, why not play Resistance 2 instead? It's what Kratos would do.
Source engadget

Razer rolls out Lycosa Mirror, Arctosa gaming keyboards

It's been almost exactly a year since Razer introduced its Lycosa gaming keyboard and it looks like the company's decided to celebrate by rolling out a new, slightly updated model. From the looks of it, the Lycosa Mirror (pictured above) is identical in most respects to its predecessor, with the exception of a new high-gloss mirror finish on the keys (as opposed to rubber), and some "enhanced backlighting." Those looking to head in the opposite direction can also now opt for Razer's new Arctosa keyboard (check it after the break), which does away with the backlighting and non-slip rubber finish altogether but hangs on to the usual programmable macro and media keys. You can look for it to be available in both silver on black and black on black versions for $50 next month, while the Lycosa Mirror will set you back $80 when it lands in December.
Source Engadget.

Logitech intros Cordless Vantage Microphone for Xbox 360 and PS2 / PS3

Think that bundled Rock Band / High School Musical Sing It! mic is totally weak sauce? Ready to drop $79.99 in order to prove it? If so, have a gander at Logitech's latest, the Cordless Vantage Microphone. Crafted to work with the Xbox 360, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 consoles, this AA (x2) powered device comes with a USB receiver and stand and supports a handful of titles including Boogie, American Idol Encore and the games we mentioned at the top. It'll be available this December, just in time for you to succumb to high prices for the sake of having something to shove under the tree.
Source Engadget.

PS2/PS3/PC version of the Access Controller now shipping

The time has come! The PS2/PS3/PC version of the Access Controller is now shipping, in case the headline above somehow slipped your view.

There's nothing quite like unboxing a box you designed...
Unboxing the unit. I went with a much simpler “blue” look for the box this time, with a couple Easter Eggs on there as well.

You can use the link over on the right-hand side of the site to place your order and read more about the unit. I guess you could also click right here, wow copy/paste is awesome!

We’re still working on the Xbox 360 version (review process and what not) and will keep you posted once we know more. But yes, for the Sony and PC fans though you’re ready to go… hope it works well for you!

Coming next week: a How-To guide on modding this controller to add your own peripherals. Yes, that’s right - how to hack a Benheck product.

I had no reservations about running this cheesy image

The bus-like nature of the module plugs and the fact there’s always one empty make this quite doable and easy. Add a foot pedal to better help those in need, a larger joystick, all sorts of stuff… stay tuned!
Source ben heck

Screw you, Rock Band: Taiko no Tatsujin's wireless drum

In the midst of the seemingly-endless avalanche of Nintendo news in the latter half of this week, the tiniest of precious jewels appeared. Is it as important as Club Nintendo in the U.S. or new games? No, but it's damned neat, and it's the Taiko no Tatsujin Wii bundle. The game, which is slated for Japan on December 12, will be bundled with a wireless drum. Now that's a big ol' Wii accessory we could really get behind. The bundle retails for ¥7,980 ($75), and additional drums can be purchased for ¥3,990 ($38).

Here's why this news isn't even cooler: we'll probably never see it, unless you want to go to the trouble of importing everything necessary to bang your drum in your living room. Rats!
Source Nintendo wii fanboy.

Details on Guitar Hero: World Tour pricing

Earlier today,we told you about a Guitar Hero: World Tour deluxe bundle. Some mistook that as a price for the whole entire band kit. On top of that, confusion surrounding the price for the bundle still gathered, enough so that Activision Blizzard had to clarify the issue. Pricing for the game's bundles is as follows:

* $190 for the full band kit
* $110 for the bundle we posted about earlier
* $100 for the guitar/game bundle
Source nintendo wii fanboy.

Xbox 360 battery pack teardown

Reader, [Fox9p3400], opened up an Xbox 360 controller battery pack so we could all see what goes into one. It contains two Sanyo 2100mAh NiMH AA rechargeables (Model HR-3U 1.2V). In addition to that, there is an Atmel microcontroller (not pictured) and the copper temperature probe you can see above. He has more pictures on Photobucket.

Source Hackaday

hand grenade mouse mod: don’t pull the pin!

I don’t know if I’d feel really comfortable putting my hand on this mouse, given the fact that it started its life as a device designed to blow off limbs.

Still, assuming the explosives have been thoroughly scrubbed from the innards of the old grenade casing, I suppose you’d look mighty macho controlling your computer with one of these bad boys. The guy who modded this one even went through the extra effort to wire up the trigger as the left mouse button.

It sure doesn’t look ergonomically friendly, but should you really expect comfort from a hand grenade anyway?
Source technabob.

Ever fancy using something else than a joypad with your megadrive?

Sebastian's work interfacing with old Sega hardware for sound synthesis seems to be paying off - and the results sound quite nice -

In this video, the Sega Mega Drive II is controlled via the MIDI keyboard controller. Various parameters can be controlled from the keyboard, as one can hear in the video.

- Sega Mega Drive MIDI Keyboard Video

His research even brings the iconic blue hedgehog under musical control.
Source Make: Blog.

Targus kicks out a slew of Mac-focused accessories

Targus is making a big deal about how it's launching its first-ever line of Mac accessories, but we're not seeing much here that's particularly platform-dependent -- just a lot of gray and white plastic. The $70 Bluetooth Laser Mouse, $50 Wireless Mouse, and $80 Bluetooth Presenter all feature an interesting touch-sensitive scroll nub that switches to cursor control on the presenter and offers four-way scrolling on the mice. There's also a $50 USB file-transfer cable that offers direct file transfers between PCs and Macs, a $30 four-port compact USB hub with wraparound cable, MacBook and MacBook Pro privacy screens that range from $50 to $80, and a $50 dual-fan cooling pad with a slight ergonomic tilt. All this should be available now -- PC owners, you'll just have to find something else to do with your useless, useless money.
Source Engadget

Red Xbox 360 Controller Available for $64.99

Microsoft has just announced that players will now be able to purchase a red Xbox 360 controller with black accents for a limited time.The controller will be available for $64.99 (USD) and will be wireless up to 30 feet. The package will also include a Play & Charge cable and a red rechargeable battery good for about 25 hours of use. The controller is available in the US, Canada, Latin America, Austrailia, New Zealand and Asia.
Source Gameplasma

The pads and mods on flickr

The interesting thing about flickr is the amount of pics people show of their mods and rare controllers.

The most interesting find is this large NES controller in early progress.


Not much info as yet, but hopefully a Nes version of the SNES version posted on here last month. The modder mrdodd, has also put up a mp3 player inside a nes controller.
What ever the case we'll keep you posted.

Some other interesting pictures of this agetec Dreamcast stick mod, by zapeipaa.




"I switched the crappy joystick for a Seimitsu LS-32-02 and I love it so far. This is the guide I used (thanks to GaijinP for the link):

www.geocities.co.jp/AnimeComic-Name/4989/dc/dc.html

The guy uses a Sanwa stick, which is smaller. I had to cut off all plastic around to mount the LS-32-02. Also, the Seimitsu harness has different colors, so I had to do trial and error to find which wire to attach to which. Thanks to the landlord who lent me his awesome tools, without them I couldn't have done it."

MeWe reveals new Quad Charger for your Wiimotes

Those of you looking for a rechargeable solution to your Wiimote's power needs, manufacturer MeWe has just come up with a new device: the Quad Charger. As you can see above, it includes LEDs to let you know the power status of your recharging Wiimotes, as well as the capacity to charge four simultaneously. And, of course, it comes with four rechargeable packs (Ni-MH).

The MeWe Quad Charger is currently available and costs $49.95.
Source Nintendo wii fanboy.

NES Controller Socket Lets You Control Your Mods with Nostalgia

Parallax has just released their NES controller socket to the delights of modders everywhere. Instead of forcing them to chop up an old NES to get the 7-pin socket, Parallax has made it available for only $2 on their site. The NES controller would be great for all kinds of little projects, from robots to old-school gaming devices, and we're really looking forward to seeing what inventive modders can do with the humble and much-loved controller.
Source Dcemu.

Thrustmaster thrusts Wii Glow Saber, Dual Trigger Gun accessories in our direction

It's admittedly difficult to take a company named Thrustmaster seriously (especially on casual Friday), but given that it has recently pumped out what are likely the two best Wiimote accessories of all time, we'll give it a pass this go 'round. Speaking of, we'd like to point out that these two have been around the block a time or two, but that doesn't make the red and blue dueling Glow Sabers (each packing 17 LEDs, mind you) and the Dual Trigger Gun (complete with Nunchuck holster!) any less gnarly. The Glow Saber 2-pack is available right about now for $34.99, while the Dual Trigger Gun (shown after the break) should land in short order for $17.99.
Source Engadget.

Thrustmaster Dual Trigger Gun NW Hands-On

Thrustmaster's latest attempt at conquering the Zapper product type, the Dual Trigger Gun NW, has taken the idea and built upon it slightly by adding an optional Nunchuk holder attachment for improved ergonomics and enhanced efficiency. Instead of having to hold the Nunchuk out to the side and lose a significant amount of steadiness to the gun itself, the Nunchuk attachment mounts to the left of the gun like an additional handle. The biggest marketing point of the Dual Trigger Gun NW is simply that—its dual trigger. Built into the handle of the gun is a rectangular trigger that serves as an alternative to using the main trigger. Ultimately, however, the rectangular trigger is more responsive than the main trigger, which often becomes stuck and fails to fire at all.

When we tried it with the awesomely bad Wii-shooter Target Terror, the Dual Trigger Gun NW would have only been more ineffective if we had the TV turned off. AIMing with the device was simple, however, both of the shooting mechanisms required a sizable amount of applied force to get even the slowest sprays of fire. For a gun whose sole marketability is based on added speed and ergonomics, Thrustmaster's Dual Trigger Gun NW fails by all measurable standards.
Source IGN

Samba de Amigo - more maracas shell pics

Sega has just unveiled, at le Festival du Jeu video in Paris, the final version of the red maracas that will be used for Samba de Amigo Wii for the Wii, released today in Europe. Sega has confirmed to Gamekyo that a special bundle 'Samba de Amigo Wii + 4 maracas' will be available in about one month from now.
Source gamekyo.

Nova explodes your brain with the Slider X 600 gaming mouse and OVER Slide pad

If you're having trouble choosing which gaming mouse to sink your teeth into next, here's a newbie to add to the ever growing pile: the Nova Slider X 600. Not surprisingly, it's tethered to a "recommended" mouse pad -- a cornerstone product for this French based company. As for the laser mouse it features "indestructible" super-glide ceramic feet for speed and precision, along with 8 programmable buttons, a gold-plated USB connector, five luminous color options, and a cable that is notably positioned to the side. The 16.5-inch x 11.5-inch "OVER Slide" mouse pad boasts a 12,000 dpi ceramic surface, and promises "zero lag and optimal conditions" for the laser -- you know, way better than that magazine you've been using. The mouse and pad can be had for $99.99 and $39.99 respectively this November.
Source Engadget.

Mad Catz Rock Band Portable Drum Kit Review

Lets face it, the Rock Band series is based entirely upon the idea that people will be playing with friends, coworkers, or in certain party situations, other inebriated individuals. But despite being so multiplayer-centric, Rock Band requires a lot of hardware—guitar controllers, cables, microphones, and drum kits. While the guitar controllers can be carried around in one piece, the drum kit controllers must be either lugged around as one jarring unit, or broken down into several pieces. In either case, a Rock Band drummer on the go is a hard thing to be. Fortunately, the developers over at Mad Catz have posed a solution to the plight of the traveling virtual percussionist: the Rock Band Portable Drum Kit.

As part of Mad Catz's impressive series of licenses with Harmonix to produce some of the world's first Rock Band 2 accessories, Mad Catz has assembled one of the more truly unique products to come out of the franchise. By essentially breaking the Rock Band drum kit's components down to the absolute necessities--drum pads, control pod, kick pedal, and sticks—Mad Catz has made not only traveling with the kit easy, but storing it as well. The drum pads can be stacked for maximum space efficiency and portability, and the included wires are coiled to minimize cable-clutter. Taking the portability sentiment a step further, both of the included drumsticks unscrew into two pieces.

More here.

de Blob dev not down with MotionPlus

ick Hager, producer on de Blob, isn't too jazzed at the idea of MotionPlus. It's not that he doesn't like the tech, he just has a problem seeing the majority of people that enjoy Wii on a regular basis want to play with the new peripheral.

"While it's definitely intellectually stimulating from a development perspective to play with those ideas - and I think it does appeal to a set of gamers out there - I think the majority of people that play on the Wii want something very simple that they can just immediately get their heads around," Hagger said. Does he mean the casual crowd that bought Wii Fit and played it once? Is he talking about the people that nabbed the system only for Wii Sports?
Source Nintendo wii fanboy

Is 1:1 movement really that much of a leap for the casual crowd that are looking for a simple experience? We'd think not, because it's basically the same deal: moving the Wiimote to afftect things in-game. That's what got most into the console in the first place, so if the tech works a bit better, how is it deterring the extremely casual crowd away from the system?

Gyration Is Back With... Another Air Mouse...

Remember Gyration's range of 'air mice'? They didn't do too well in the UK and the company seems to have adopted an almost shameful silence over the last couple of years.

With no mention towards its previous foray in this area it seems to be trying again, and in the hope that we forgot why we didn't buy them a few years ago has released a new Air Mouse device to the UK market.

In case you don't know, Gyration devices typically adopted a Wii-style system by using in-air motion tracking to control a mouse cursor on screen.

They're designed primarily for business professionals to help them conduct presentations from afar but have a reasonable claim for offering a bit more control in the home media market, much like yesterday's rather more straightforward remote control.

However with Gyration's device you can use flicks of the wrist to invoke certain commands and it uses RF technology which means it'll work up to 100 feet away and through walls (why do we need to know that?).

The Air Mouse with Motionsense is available from October for a recommended retail price of £69.99, and you can find out more from the link below.
gyration
Source gizmodo.

Tiny keyboard with retractable USB cord

Either this hand model has some serious glandular issues or that, my friends, is a tiny keyboard. The aptly-named “Super Tiny Keyboard” from Brando is probably aimed at keyboard-less UMPC owners? Maybe for in-car PCs? Whatever the case, it’s got a USB zip-cord, so whatever device you plug it into will have to have a working USB port – so cell phones and PDAs are out.

Actual dimensions are 6.7 x 2.9 x 0.6 inches.
Source crunch gear.

How to Use the Playstation 3 Controller in Windows Vista

Hardcoreware writes, "So after picking up an emulator (I opted for Nestopia, which works very well in Vista by the way) I had to find a controller. As it turns out, I am very picky about controllers, especially for playing older games. When I play an NES game, I want something that is as close to an NES controller as possible. When I play SNES, I want a SNES controller. That’s why I love the Wii Remote and Classic Controller so much; they do a very good job of emulating the feel of the originals (I just wish we could remap the buttons on the Classic, so we can use Y and B as B and A - if you’ve played Super Mario All Stars on SNES, you will know what I mean).

But for the PC, decent controllers are few and far between. There are custom controllers out there - NES and SNES controllers converted to USB that natively support the latest operating systems. Cheap adapters are out there as well; everything from the NES controller to the DualShock 2 can be used with these. I needed one now though, and my choices were the XBOX 360 controller (no thanks, that cross pad is absolutely wretched), the gamepad that came with the Foxconn GeForce 7950 GT we reviewed last year (appreciate that they threw it in, but the cross pad is even worse than the 360’s), or one of my Playstation 3 controllers - DualShock 3 and original SixAxis. These controllers are pretty much perfect, as they have a nice cross pad feel, and a layout similar to the SNES.

If you’ve tried to install a SixAxis or DualShock 3 on a Windows Vista PC, I think you know where I’m going with this. It is actually identified in the Game Controllers section of the control panel, but doesn’t seem to accept button inputs."

Source hardcoreware.

Nyko Wing hands-on: we still suck at Mega Man

We just never got the hang of that little blue robotic man, with his arm-blaster and his wall jumping and his awesome friends, and the Nyko Wing helped none at all: we managed to kill they guy about five seconds after picking up the controller. Still, it's a nice little chunk of plastic. It's much more natural in the hand than that funky Classic Controller, and seems rather high-quality for a Nyko product, but the d-pad is too mushy for our taste, and the whole assembly seems a tad too light. Either way, we're sticking with Mario.
Source engadget.

New charger sends power to batteries through Wii Remote jackets

Teknocreations has unveiled their InCharge battery pack and charge stand for Wiimotes. The new stand uses a set of lithium polymer batteries, which, according to the press release, are half as heavy as other rechargeables and work over hundreds of charges. Each charge provides 25 hours of gameplay. The stand can charge two Wiimotes side-by-side.

But all of that is just a leadup to the real magic trick that separates this thing from other chargers: it charges without any metal contacts, and will charge a battery through a silicone cover. If you actually use your Wii Remote Jackets, you can leave them on when you dock your Wiimotes to charge. That is really, really cool. No word on whether or not this charger will melt your controllers.
Source Nintendo wii fanboy

Activision giving away free guitar with World Tour preorders

Even though we regard Activision as greedy for its approach to downloadable content and subscription models, we have to confess we're impressed by Guitar Hero World Tour's preorder gift of a totally free guitar.

The company just announced the scheme, but don't get too excited, because there are a couple of disclaimers to this. One: as far as we can tell, this is currently a UK-only offer (one that includes all online and high street retailers). Two: you do have to buy the full band set, which is currently going for around £150 at most online stores; still, this does allow you to have a bass player in your band from the get-go. Here, Activision, have some props from us.
Source Nintendo wii fanboy.

ITC to probe Wii patent violation claims

A US manufacturer’s recent claim that four of its patents for on-screen navigation and control technology have been infringed by the Wii are to be formally investigated by a US trade body.

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has voted to investigate Hillcrest Laboratories’ allegations – made in a recently filed lawsuit - that Nintendo has violated three patents Hillcrest owns relating to a “handheld three-dimensional pointing device” and a fourth for a “navigation interface display system that graphically organises content for display on television”.

The ITC said that the complaint alleges “violations of section 337 of the Tariff Act of 1930” and that it relates to “certain videogame machines and related three-dimensional pointing devices”.

Initially, the ITC's Chief Administrative Law Judge will assign the case to one of the ITC's five administrative law judges, who will hold an evidentiary hearing.

The selected judge will then make an initial decision over whether there is a violation of section 337, after which the ITC will make a final decision over the lawsuit’s merits.

Hillcrest’s hoping for an exclusion order and a cease and desist order, which if successful could see the Wii and/or the Remote and Nunchuck controllers banned from sale in the US and from being imported into the country.

Getting the ITC in on the act is a commonplace tactic used by US companies who allege that a foreign company has riden roughshod over their intellectual property rights. It's often seen as a quicker way of getting a result than waiting for the case to come to a conclusion in the courts.

Charlie Scibetta, a spokesman for Nintendo of America, has already claimed that none of the videogame pioneer's products infringe Hillcrest Laboratories’ patents. Nintendo plans to “vigorously defend” its position, he said

Let the fight begin...

Source The register.

New Samba De Amigo trailer, no sign of maracas

The new Samba De Amigo trailer is out, complete with a break dancing chimp!
But what is interesting, no actual maracas addon, just a standard Wiimote, and nunchuk setup, not a rattle anywhere...well apart from the chimp, which pretty much goes to confirm that there will be no official addons from sega, i'm guessing we're going to have to go unofficial as reported earlier this week.

Nintendo facing lawsuit over Wii - again

A lawsuit has been filed against Nintendo by a US-based firm, which claims that the Wii tramples over four patents for on-screen navigation and control technology.

Hillcrest Labs owns three patents relating to a “handheld three-dimensional pointing device” and another for a “navigation interface display system that graphically organises content for display on television”.

Exactly how Nintendo is supposed to have ridden roughshod over Hillcrest’s patents isn't yet clear, but it's believed the lawsuit is likely to focus on the console’s Remote and Nunchuck units, rather than the Classic Controller - which has already been the subject of a patent infringement action brought against Nintendo.

Hillcrest’s patents are believed to relate to its HoME and Freespace technologies. HoME enables consumer electronics manufacturers to create interactive digital media products for, say, TVs. Applications made with HoME are used in conjunction with Freespace, which allows devices like remote controls and PC mice to be turned into three-dimensional motion-sensitive pointers.

Nintendo hasn’t said anything publically about Hillcrest’s lawsuit yet, but this isn’t the first time the Wii has faced legal problems.

Last month, a US judge rejected Nintendo's attempt to avoid a $21m pay-out awarded against it over the design of its Wii Classic Controller.

In 2006, Nintendo found itself on the receiving end of a lawsuit alleging that the Wii’s Remote ripped off another patent owned by US firm Interlink Electronics for a “trigger-operated electronic device”. That case is thought to be ongoing.
SourceThe Register.

Wii want what you have

The motion controller is an integral part of the Nintendo Wii’s point of difference. Now PS3 and Xbox 360 are looking to change that.

When it comes to next-generation gaming, each of the three contenders has its own unique way to pitch their respective consoles. Sony can push the superior graphics potential and storage capacity of the PS3, Microsoft can highlight the Xbox 360s impressive selection of games and accessories, while Nintendo has the family-friendly Wii that revolves around motion control gaming. Now it looks as though Sony and Microsoft are looking to dull down Nintendo’s point of difference.

In2Games has released the first image of its proposed upcoming and familiar looking motion controller for the PS3 and Xbox 360. The Wii Nunchuk Xbox 360 and PS3 motion controller claims to operate through "proprietary and cutting-edge patent-pending ultrasonic technology". It will be interesting to see if this “patent-pending” product can get approval considering how similar in design and concept it is to the clever Wii controller.

If this product is approved however, PS3 and Xbox 360 gamers have no need to rush out just yet to buy one so they can play the latest in next-gen games with motion control. The only game that is supported currently is the (surprise, surprise) In2Games title Squeeballs.

If this patent is approved on the In2Games remote, it would be great to see some PS3 and Xbox 360 titles provide support for the motion controller. The Force Unleashed anyone?
Source gadgetzone.

Peter Moore: Iwata brought out the Wii controller and we said, “What the hell is that?”

Videogaming247 writes.
More completely frankness from the Moore. This time, he’s admitted that he and Robbie Bach were baffled by Wii’s controller, but knew Nintendo would come back despite the GameCube’s death.

“I was in Tokyo when Iwata-san brought the controller out and said, ‘here it is!’ and we were all going, ‘what the hell is that?”. I was with Robbie and I remember going ‘I don’t know… it’s different’. But we knew that they were too good a company to lose twice in a row,” he said.

“But even then it was all about Sony, it was not about Nintendo, because they were so down and out – it’s very difficult to think now, it was four years ago. You just couldn’t picture that four or five years ago. GameCube was just… dying. The Revolution as it was called, we knew it couldn’t be anything powerful. It was in the days when Sony and ourselves were saying it’s all about hi-def, it’s all about 5.1 sound, it’s all about 1080i, and they said it’s about a GameCube 1.5 and you’re going to wave this stick around and have a lot of fun.”

This was featured in the forth part of the guardian interview.

Guitar Hero pedal controller in action

Ben Heck writes, Aside from the 2 I built for a show back in May, the 3rd pedal demonstrated below is the first I’ve actually built by request for a customer. He knew the secret to getting a Ben project - diligent (yet not annoying) emails and patience! Plus he can play Guitar Hero on Hard, something I cannot. (Rock Band, yes)

Click here to check it out on YouTube…

In other related news the Access Controller should be arriving for shipment sometime next week… more details to come.

PS3 FPS Controller Invades Tokyo

SplitFish AG (SplitFish), the world's premiere designer of PlayStation 3 first-person-shooter (FPS) console controllers, announced that it will be showing off its award-winning FragFX v.2 at the TOKYO GAME SHOW 2008, October 9th-12th, 2008 at Makuhari Messe in Tokyo, Japan. On hand to put the FragFX v.2 through its paces will be one of the top FPS players in the world. Members of the media and other visitors to the Splitfish booth will be able to test their skill and get game playing tips from this pro.

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