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The Chatpad returns on Xbox One this November
Remember that Chatpad you used to trash-talk your Xbox 360 rivals? It's back in an Xbox One version with a few new twists. The keyboard add-on still clips to the bottom of your gamepad and makes it easy to type just about anywhere on either the Xbox One or a Windows 10 PC, but it now has a pair of programmable keys to automate common input (for example, asking for help from your friends in a tough match). Microsoft won't ship the peripheral until November, alas, but pre-orders will start today -- we'll get you pricing as soon as we can.
Hyperkin's PS3 Remotext weds Blu-ray remote with keypad controller, DualShock 3 frets
With the PSN finally back up, it's time for important things -- you know, messaging your buds for a Black Ops pwning spree or hitting up Netflix. Hyperkin's Remotext for PS3 wants to help you get back into action with its hybrid remote / controller / chatpad. It features a slide-out Blu-ray remote panel, QWERTY keypad -- better positioned than SONY's offering -- and two analog nubs with a near-complete set of gaming controls. There's no sign of rear triggers, and Bluetooth connectivity is absent too, but it does come with a wireless USB receiver and rechargeable battery so you're not left scrounging between the couch cushions for AAs. Although we're doubtful it'll prove functional for gaming, it could be appropriate for PS3s that spend more time sitting at the movies than getting their Move on. The DualShock 3 shouldn't have much to worry about, but we'll find out at E3, when the Remotext will be officially showcased. There's no word on pricing or availability yet, but if you're dying for more in the meantime, a press release is beyond the break.
PSP and 360 Chatpad hacked into laptop (albeit for very small laps)
We've seen our share of PSP mods in the past -- it sure seems like everyone has an opinion on how to improve the thing. Acidmods.com member Folklord36's innovation has been to place the device in a clamshell scrounged from a Joytech Visor. But the pièce de résistance? The working keyboard, which once belonged to an Xbox 360 Chatpad. This is a hack in progress, so we can expect to see this guy become even more refined in the near future. That said, there's been lots of work done here: speakers moved, LEDs installed in speaker holes and triggers, and of course the case itself. Kudos, our man. Kudos. [Thanks, Robin]
Engadget reviews the PS3 wireless chatpad
Engadget got their hands on the recently released PS3 wireless chatpad peripheral and they seem to have mixed feelings about it. They were generally happy with typing aspects of the keypad, although they felt the buttons were a bit small and they didn't provide enough tactile feedback. On the other hand, the touchpad functionality was said to be lacking precision and "just doesn't work very well." In summary, the peripheral is perfect for those of you who are typing away all day on your PS3, but the $50 price tag is simply too expensive in their opinion. Take a look their full review here.Oh, and the best part of the review? Their picture gallery which includes a comparison picture (as seen above) with the infamously complex Atari Jaguar controller.Update: A tip from the PS Nation about calibration:1. Go to Internet Browser2. Activate Touch pad (the hand with index finger pointing)3. Hold blue and orange shoulder buttons for 2 seconds until the light flashesNow your touch pad should be calibrated. ENJOY!
Chatpad coming to Europe November 28th
SCEE has confirmed to Eurogamer that the PS3 controller chatpad add-on will be making its way to European stores before its American release in "early December." Specificially, Europeans will be able to get their hands on the full qwerty keyboard controller expansion on November 28th for the price of £24.99. No price in Euros has been revealed yet. A touch pricey, but the chatpad will be very handy for those who prefer to text chat rather than using a headset. Games like LittleBigPlanet can only benefit from it, not to mention the imminent Home open beta. Might be worth grabbing just for that.
iPhone and 360 Chatpad hacked into a wireless mess of need
This hack isn't for the faint of heart. In fact, it's more a demonstration of Dr. Ralf Ackermann's technical badassery than anything practical. But its as good as it gets until Apple achieves a state of sanity and flips the switch on its Bluetooth stack to finally allow us the option of pairing a Bluetooth keyboard to the iPhone. The setup starts with a cobbled together Xbox 360 Chatpad and XBee wireless module. The good doctor then takes a Jailbroken phone (naturally) and attaches another wireless XBee module to the iPhone's jury-rigged serial port housed in an Akku enclosure. A work in progress, it will ultimately rely upon a VNC server running on the iPhone to feed keyboard input to any application of your choosing. See Apple, this is the corner of desperation that you've backed us into.Update: Video added after the break.
New Live bundle with Chatpad and PGR4 for $69 [update]
Update: According to Xbox.com's accessory page, this new bundle will be available at retailers on October 7th.By golly, that Live 12 month bundle rumor turned out to be true. Over on Xbox.com, a new listing for a 12 month bundle called the "Xbox LIVE Messenger Gold Pack" popped up and is listed at $69, which is actually a pretty darn good deal. Included in the Messenger Gold Pack is a 12 month subscription to Xbox Live, a Chatpad, a wired headset and a copy of Project Gotham Racing 4. Not too shabby, especially for those in the market for Live subscriptions and Chatpads. [Thanks, Lightsout565]
Typing on PSP alleviated by Xbox 360 chatpad mod
Do you want an alternative to PSP's current keyboard? Perhaps you'd like to rip open an Xbox 360 chatpad and use it to connect it to a PSP? That's exactly what the clever folks at Acidmods did. A remarkable feat of engineering, indeed -- but we'll patiently wait for the official keyboard peripheral, due next year.Video is embedded after the break. (Warning: video features music which may or may not be incredibly annoying.)[Via Engadget]
PSP and 360 Chatpad are a match hacked in heaven
Some dedicated hackers have finally managed to get the PSP and Microsoft's Xbox 360 Chatpad typing. There are still a few kinks to smooth out, but the hard part seems over, with l0rdnic0 managing a tiny bit of soldiering using a PSP remote cable and some software from the Open Keyboard Project. It's all still pretty nerdy at the moment, and we're still miffed at that Logic 3 getting cancelled way back when, but we suppose this will have to do.
Stootsi offering 360 Messenger Kit for $15 [update]
Update: Going once, going twice ... sold out!If you're in the market for a super nifty chatpad text input device for your 360 (one piece of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit), then look no further than Stootsi. Available right this very moment until they're gone are open boxed Messenger Kits for the rock bottom price of $14.99, which works out to be 1/2 off retail. Though, one has to account for the rather high $6 shipping charge they tack on. Stootsi. Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. Under retail. Buy if you want. Okay? Awesome.[Thanks, PreacherMan23]
Messenger Kit not delayed, we repeat, not delayed
There has been a half a dozen or so rumors floating around the internets as of late surrounding the release of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. The kit should have been available September 4th, but some are saying that they've received emails from online retailers stating the item has been pushed back into October while others say that they simply can't find them in stores. Well, it's our duty to find you answers and we went straight to the source ... Major Nelson.Major confirmed with the Messenger Kit product manager that the product is not delayed, has shipped to retailers and is readily available. So, the September 4th release still stands. Though, you should know that hardware is treated a little differently than its software counterpart as peripherals are usually only shipped on the release date. As a result, such items like the Messenger Kit may not make it onto store shelves until a few days later. Happy Messenger Kit hunting!
Xbox 360 Chatpad and headset hands-on, impressions
So we snagged ourselves an Xbox 360 Messenger Kit (aka Chatpad + Chatpad headset), unboxed the hell out of it, and here's what we think: Blister packs suck. Microsoft, we're sick of 'em. The Chatpad is a little difficult to get on and off, but once engaged it fits perfectly on the controller (duh), and feels like a seamless extension. Unfortunately there are two awkwardly placed screw holes on the underside, but you'll learn to ignore 'em. Players with longer fingers may be annoyed, this thing kind of prevents finger-wraparound. The keys are nice and tactile. And with the keyboard sounds the 360 makes in text entry you can be sure your typing is getting through. Still, thumb touch-typing on this is going to be almost out of the question for most, the thing is basically a straight up button grid. The shift / caps / alt green and amber buttons were kind of wonky and took some getting used to. No big deal though. It feels light at first, but after not too long it really starts to affect the balance of the controller, and could weigh you down a little. We suggest removing it when you don't need it. The headset now has an inline mute / volume switch (with clip), so now you have move your hand off the controller mid-play to adjust the audio. Super lame. The Chatpad headset can be used on the controller without the Chatpad, but why would you want to? The old style headset is more efficient (see above) and sounds just as good. In fact, while we're on the topic, the original headset doesn't use those two data paddles either -- so we have no idea why the Chatpad didn't just skip bundling a second headset and instead include a port that could accept the original kind. We suspect this was to raise the consumer price of the package without raising Microsoft's cost much more. Either way, it's sucky. Should you buy one? Well, $30 isn't really too crazy of a price for this thing, but we'd say if Microsoft releases a $20 version that doesn't come bundled with the new headset (and can use the old headset kind), yeah, plunk down. Otherwise, we have a feeling only completionists and heavy message senders will really need this thing.%Gallery-6830%
Messenger Kit gets unboxed and exposed
Gather around fanboys, it's time for an electronics unboxing! The scissor wielding crew over at Gear Live got their hands on the new chatpad included Messenger Kit, which releases this Tuesday, and decided to chronicle the ritualistic unboxing process. Click through their unboxing pictures, be amazed at how all the contents were carefully stuffed inside the packaging and how pretty the chatpad's backlight glows. Yes sir, electronics unboxings rock especially when they feature Xbox 360 products.
Microsoft chatpad and Halo 3 accessories next week
Next week Microsoft kicks off their month of Halo by finally releasing the chatpad messenger kit (includes chatpad and headset) and the Halo 3 wireless controllers with art designed by Todd McFarlane. The messenger kit will retail for $30 and the Halo 3 controllers will be $60. Microsoft will also start selling the Halo 3 wireless headset for $60 as well.Oh chatpad, you will bring joy to the thousands of people out there that just can't use their voice to send a message, because as we all know, typing is such a faster form of communication than a simple voicemail. Actually, it's a nice deal for someone who may be vocal cord impaired or has completely lost their mind trying to type a message with the analog stick -- or lost their mind insisting to only type messages with the analog stick. It serves a purpose in the grand scheme ... unlike those stupid Wiimote add-ons.%Gallery-3895%
Chatpad and Halo 3 accessories arrive next week
Microsoft has announced that both the Chatpad and the special Halo 3 accessories, which include a wireless headset and two controllers with artwork by Todd McFarlane, will be available starting next week on September 4th. While we've known about the Chatpad's launch date for a while now, the McFarlane controllers previously had a launch date of September 18th and the wireless headset was listed only as "early September." Maybe Microsoft figured gamers would want a new controller to go with their new Chatpad. The controllers also come with a limited edition figurine of Master Chief, which may cause Halo fans to overlook the less than stellar artwork. The controllers and headset will run for $59.99 each, and the Chatpad -- which includes a special wired headset -- will retail for $29.99. %Gallery-3905%
Hands on with the Chatpad and Messenger Kit
The fellas over at GameSpot got their hands on the soon to be released Xbox 360 Messenger Kit and wrote up their impressions of the Chatpad add-on as well as the special headset. Overall, they feel that the Chatpad is a solid peripheral that is quite useful, won't get in the way of your gaming session and Messenger addicts will be required to pick this peripheral up ASAP. We're sold simply because of the back lite keyboard. Make the jump to read their full impressions as well as a few new products shots and a picture showing how awkward the white Chatpad looks on a black controller. Go ahead, jump already!
Xbox 360's QWERTY Chatpad gets price, release date
Amidst all the price slashing that's been going on of late, it's easy to forget about the minutiae, but those still keeping an ear to the ground for word on the Xbox 360's QWERTY thumboard can finally rejoice. Microsoft's Chatpad (as it's officially dubbed) will be part of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit, which will also include a separate Xbox 360 headset. The two-piece bundle will run users a modest $29.99, which isn't appalling, but it is a tad unfair that a standalone unit (apparently) won't be offered at a lower price point for those who wish to sidestep the headset. Nevertheless, interested parties can mark September 4th down as the date to remember.[Via Xbox360Fanboy]
Chatpad Messenger Kit will cost $30 [update 1]
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/xbox_360/Xbox_360_Chatpad_Messenger_Kit_will_cost_30'; Eagle-eyed fanboy reader lee\ sent in a tip telling us that our long awaited Chatpad (which was announced back in May) has been priced and now has its own page up on Xbox.com. The Chatpad will be part of what is called the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit which will also include a separate headset and retail for $29.99. No other new Chatpad news or surprises that we haven't already known are detailed as we'd still like to have a look at the separate headset. Though, we're banking on seeing all the goods later tonight. So fanboys, is $30 worth paying for this text input kit or will you pass and put the money towards a new game?Update 1: We just found out (via some searching on Xbox.com) that the Messenger Kit's release date will be September 4th.[Thanks, lee\]
Sega releases Phantasy Star-branded texting gadget for PS2, Xbox 360
Sega has just announced a Phantasy Star-branded Blue Orb Texter for sale through its online store. The gadget is plugged in between the controller and console -- available for PlayStation 2 and Xbox 360 -- and the player can use an analog stick to kind of jab in the text. (Note: Xbox 360 owners must have a wired controller to use this.)Looking at the layout of the characters, pictured, gives us the impression that we wouldn't be so accurate with it. According to Sega's website, gadget can be used with any game that accepts a USB keyboard.Someone will find this very convenient, to be sure, but considering the price -- $35 for PS2, $40 for Xbox 360 -- we have a hard time justifying this except for PSU enthusiasts who want the packaged "swag aplenty" and free t-shirt. We're eschewing the learning curve for this device and buying a USB keyboard and/or saving up for the Xbox 360 chatpad.[Thanks, Brett]
Chatpad seen in Chicago at GSB Road Tour stop
Charles Huseman over at Gaming Nexus attended GamerscoreBlog's Road Tour event in Chicago, and got some hands-on time with the Chatpad, although not the retail version that'll hit shelves this summer. Charles said the Chatpad doesn't get in the way at all or messes up the weight balance of the controller. He also noted that the buttons are backlit for those who may be texting in the dark, with minimal impact on the wireless controller's battery life. Still no word on pricing or when we'll be getting it this summer. The special headset packed with the Chatpad has yet to be seen. Either way, exactly 1/3 of X3F staff (We bet you can't guess who) is all about the IMing whilst gaming, to the point of having a USB keyboard handy to make use of the overlay window for quick conversations. Have any of you slowly warmed up to the idea of IMing while you game? Or would an accessory like this be necessary for you to make the jump?
