3Dconnexion announces SpaceNavigator

Chances are you haven't considered your options for 3D inputs unless they were specialty gaming rigs or homebrew hacks, but that's gonna change today. 3Dconnexion, a subsidiary of Logitech, launched their new SpaceNavigator, a very simple, inexpensive six-axis method for navigating virtual environments. End users will plunk down $59 (pro users pay $99 for the same device, but a commercial license) to be able to run through Google Earth and build in SketchUp like they've never before. Unfortunately, until that SDK gets taken advantage of it won't be good for much else, but the built-in Google support for the SpaceNavigator really makes using at least those two 3D apps completely different. And let's face it, you're just not going to find a 3D controller for this price on the market. It should be available immediately or in short order; Mac users can probably expect support in 2007. Click on for more shots we got when we played around with it the other day.

It's heavy, it's sensitive, it has a good feel, and it's a total steal for $60, even if the only thing your average user can do with it right now is use a few Google 3D products.

[vince @ Apr 2nd 2008 3:17AM]

Trust me, this thing rocks!

[Ken @ Apr 8th 2008 4:56PM]

Agreed, 3DConnexion's 3D mice are awesome. I also have the space traveler and love it. I use it with Solidworks, Autodesk Inventor, and even 2d apps. I've seen the newer versions that are much cheaper. I wouldn't mind sacrificing the extra buttons for such a cost savings. Hell you can't even effectively use the ones on the space traveler because you can't distinguish them. The new, cheaper ones are an awesome tool for anyone doing CAD. You'll never go back to using on-screen manipulation.

[anonymous @ Nov 28th 2006 1:27PM]

Reminds me of Griffin's PowerMate at least in design.

[jarno @ Nov 28th 2006 1:07PM]

would this work like a standard mouse as well? does anyone have any info.... this would make a nice addition to a car pc like an i drive controller.

[last @ Nov 29th 2006 2:53PM]

how do you hold the thing?

[Nate @ Nov 28th 2006 1:53PM]

Sounds cool, but I wouldn't buy one

[lilpunk1302 @ Nov 28th 2006 5:11PM]

Hows it like...work, do you pick up the whole thing, ang wave it around? a vid would be nice

[abstractwater @ Nov 29th 2006 7:44PM]

last,
err... you put the thing on the table and tilt/spin/push/pull the cap.... :-)

here you can find more videos:
http://www.3dconnexion.com/video/9b.php

[bobsmith @ Nov 28th 2006 12:56PM]

At least according to its datasheet: http://www.3dconnexion.com/docs/Navigator_ds_FF.pdf, the SpaceNavigator supports a ton of applications such as 3D Studio, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, XSI, Maya etc. There must be a disconnect somewhere...

[Shignami @ Nov 28th 2006 1:02PM]

im still a little fuzzy on what this thing actually does

[Paul @ Nov 28th 2006 1:10PM]

Ok, this is really for CAD users, but from what i gather about these devices, imagine you are holding the 3d object you are creating in your hand, by twisting this device, it turns on the screen, push down on it, and the object goes down, pull up, the object goes up, tilt your hand forward, the object spins away from you.

[Andir3.0 @ Nov 28th 2006 1:30PM]

...or a new operating system free of "windows". But that's looking into the future, not at what's available today.

[Ken @ Nov 28th 2006 2:27PM]

The axis control settings are all adjustable through software including the orientation of the controller. I didn't like the default orientation and had to change mine with the SpaceTraveler.

I swear by 3D controllers after using them.

[Jiffylush @ Nov 28th 2006 1:57PM]

Reminds me of the BMW I-Drive or whatever it is called, 6 direction joy-knob thing to control the computer

[dj mcmanus @ Nov 28th 2006 1:19PM]

Midi? oh please!

Reminds me of that chrome knob on here a while back.

Maybe get both of these going or hack a couple ipod dials to control my DJ rig.

[Shignami @ Nov 28th 2006 1:20PM]

huh, i guess that makes sense.... i might have to check one of these things out

[SuperQ @ Nov 28th 2006 2:14PM]

Man.. this would be awesome for playing descent [2|freespace].

[Engineer @ Nov 28th 2006 1:32PM]

These things are awesome. Paul is absolutely right, they are for CAD. I've used the spaceball while working (with Solidworks), and was going to buy one for personal use, until I found out they cost $500! If this is anything like it, it's a steal, and just in time for Crimbo!

[dfgdfgdfg @ Nov 28th 2006 2:12PM]

you mean 3-axis right?

[EdZ @ Nov 28th 2006 1:33PM]

Looks awesome for fully 3D games (e.g. Homeworld 2). Full compatability list here:
http://www.3dconnexion.com/solutions/dcc/2c.php

[Scatpack @ Nov 28th 2006 1:48PM]

Viva la SpaceBall!

There was NO better controller for Quake!

If this supports games, I'll definitely buy it.

[Cyburke @ Nov 28th 2006 6:13PM]

haha.. i'm laughing that Scatpack brought up the SpaceBall! a 3D-axis controller that was DEFINITELY ahead of its time. i rocked Quake using that controller. would love to see an implementation like it for the new consoles 360/ps3/etc.

[chay @ Nov 28th 2006 3:05PM]

Have been waiting for these to come down in price for so long. Tried the (very expensive) version a couple of years ago at a 3D Festival and fell in love with it. If it's anything like as good, then 3D Studio Max and Maya users will be snapping them up. They reckoned you could speed up your modelling by as much as 20% over just using a mouse. Although you really need a third hand for the keyboard shortcuts :/

[Ken @ Nov 28th 2006 2:10PM]

This is an excellent improvement on the thier Space Traveller model that I'm currently using. The controller software automatically detects what software is active and adapts either custom or preset settings to that application. I use it for 3D manipulation in Inventor, a solid modeling and design program.

The SpaceNavigtor's price is unbelievable since the SpaceTraveler (the old model it replaces) used to sell for well over $250. I also am excited about the improved button layout and the added rubber grip.

[IraqiGeek @ Nov 28th 2006 2:28PM]

Is it just me, or does this look like a glorified resurrection of the 10-year old Logitech Cyberman 2 joystick???

[Ken @ Nov 28th 2006 2:29PM]

6 degrees of freedom is more correct.

Linear control along xyz
Rotational control around xyz

that's 6

[Matt @ Nov 28th 2006 3:01PM]

So does this thing show up in Windows as a game controller or not? If so I can imagine that it would be a perfect match for any 3D strategy game like Homeworld or Medieval 2.

[James @ Nov 28th 2006 3:46PM]

Here's a demo using Google Earth:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQGes21MRUE

[Paul @ Nov 28th 2006 3:31PM]

These devices have been around for a while and they are intended for CAD and other 3d applications.

It does not move around like a mouse, it is stationary and is not meant to be a replacement for a mouse.

It works sort of like a joystick but gives you full control over X Y and Z

[Frank Taylor @ Nov 28th 2006 4:44PM]

The device definitely runs on a number of other 3D products, and more will be coming quick. The latest Google Earth 4 has built-in support, and you can bet SecondLife, WorldWind, and Virtual Earth 3D will all support it as well. See a YouTube video demo of it in use here:

http://www.gearthblog.com/blog/archives/2006/11/youtube_demo_of_spac.html

[Ben @ Nov 28th 2006 6:00PM]

This is pretty tempting as a Maya user - kind of hard to see if there are any negative points on this over the SpaceTraveler - only difference I can see off hand between the two is the slightly comfier looking design of the new SpaceNavigator, the decrease from 8 to 2 programmable buttons, and the slightly heavier weight.

Given the significant price cut, is there something we're missing here? Is the SpaceTraveler going to keep being sold as an alternative to this?

[Jason @ Nov 28th 2006 4:13PM]

I have one of the $500 versions on my desk here at work. All of us have enabled the single axis filter which means it only pays attention to the biggest single motion you're making, because otherwise it's useless.

It's a neat idea but most of us ignore the thing altogether, it doesn't work how you think. To rotate you twist it a little and hold it, and the part keeps rotating. It just doesn't have the right tactile feedback.

[Ken @ Nov 28th 2006 6:01PM]

I work very well without using the dominant direction filter. I find using the filter makes control of the object less fluid.

[Eric @ Nov 28th 2006 4:17PM]

No haptic feedback though.

[the_godfather @ Nov 28th 2006 5:50PM]

i have one on my desk and it rocks for cad, i thought it would be gimmicky and that i wouldn't use it but boy did it prove me wrong.

[Bluephoenix @ Nov 28th 2006 5:54PM]

I have been using the ancestor for this controller (an RS-232 magellan spacemouse from the win 95 days) for quite some time.

the motion is not like a mouse, in fact it is supposed to be used in the left hand while the right hand uses the mouse. the motion causes 3D objects to move in the direction that your hand moves (think of the control knob as the object itself)

on the game controller subject:

it can be used as a game controller, I have been using my ancient one for Freespace 2, FS2004 (camera motion), and it is especially good for helicopter sims.

be warned however that this usually requires a driver hack or some sort of interface program as the true intentions of the device are for 3D design/mapping applications like Google Earth and Solidworks; not gaming

for those looking for a scroll type controller, check out logitech's NuLOOQ design controller, which is for creative applications like photoshop and music editing.

hope this helps.

[piper @ Dec 18th 2006 9:44AM]

I've got one of these in front of me and it works quite well with Google Earth. It's a bit sensitive, as you have to re-learn finger control as opposed to normal mouse movement. You need to learn better finger/hand control - also useful when playing violin or other beautiful instruments (cough-cough).

The true test will come when I test it on normally-clumsy CAD/flythrough software interfaces. If it works for gaming, it will be very popular.

[AxelRod @ Feb 28th 2007 1:52AM]

I have used these devices for years with solidworks... they were always really expensive ($300+) This one works just like the SpaceTravler, with less buttons, same 6DOF controll. There is also a 3rd party driver that will allow it to be used as a joystick for games, or mouse axis. Go here:
(http://www.3dconnexion.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=336&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0)