SteeringWheel
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CTA's translucent Kinect steering wheel, for when you absolutely, positively must see the road
Steering wheels: sure, they're fun and functional, but why do they have to be so opaque? It's like you can't see through them at all! Our friends at CTA Digital -- purveyors of such fine gaming peripherals as the Wii bowling ball and the Nintendo DS/DSi Puppet Pouch -- are thinking outside that particular box with the aptly named Transparent Steering Wheel. Looking like something pulled from the wreckage of Wonder Woman's invisible plane, the TSW is nothing more than a transparent (well, translucent if we're being nitpicky) piece of plastic shaped like a steering wheel, which promises more precise driving on the Kinect racetrack. The company's apparently still perfecting the clear-plastic technology, which will ship June 5th, setting you back $12.99.
XCM's F-1 Converter lets XBox 360 players get behind G25, G27 racing wheels (video)
We've never been shy about our affection for Logitech's G25 and G27 steering wheels, and now we can share our love with our friends of the Xbox 360 persuasion. With the brand new F-1 converter from XCM, die hard Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Slim fans can get behind the same wheels we've been behind since 2006. If that wasn't reward enough, the F-1 also sports a built-in combo-attack memory function for fighting games, and rumble support is baked in for good measure. So go ahead, ye of the XBox 360 ilk, plug her in, caress the contours of her beautiful leather-wrapped curves, feel the way she kicks -- we'll try not to get jealous. Video game voyeurs can check out the F-1 in action after the jump. [Thanks, Roadography]
Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection
First the tease, now the payoff. Thrustmaster has officially announced the full specs and price for its T500RS steering wheel and pedal set, otherwise known as the official driving simulator for Gran Turismo 5. The T500RS purportedly lets "users truly feel the emotions experienced by drivers on real racing circuits," though whether this includes feelings of unquenchable anger from being put into the wall at Daytona is unclear. A contactless magnetic sensor system known as HallEffect AccuRate Technology gives gamers sixteen-bit precision input that represents a significant upgrade over the twelve-bit version in the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition. Additionally, 1080 degree wheel rotation gives drivers a half-turn more than Logitech's Driving Force GT, and the system comes with fully adjustable pedals configurable for floor mounted (F1-style) and suspended (GT-style) positions. Slated for a late December or mid January release, depending on your location, the T500RS has a hefty list price of $599.99 MSRP, but how else will you find out what a Bugatti Veyron really handles like on the 'ring? %Gallery-111939%
Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2 racing wheel steers its way into online availability
For some of you, it wouldn't be Gran Turismo 5 unless there's a force-feedback steering wheel at the helm, but which one to choose? If history's any judge, that depends on how just how badly you want to feel like you're driving a Porsche. $250 buys you the Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2, another officially-licensed Xbox 360 wireless wheel, which features fourteen hidden buttons, a 900° steering angle, and the exact same soft Alacantra leather you'll find on the real deal. (R.I.P, Khan.) Like its oh-so-similar predecessors, the controller also plays nice with PS3 and PC via USB cable, and an extra $250 for the Clubsport Edition gets you a stick shift, carbon fiber paddle shifters, and some seriously high-end adjustable aluminum pedals. Read up on all the details at our source link. You'll want to be prepared for that heart-to-heart with your wallet.
Thrustmaster teases T500RS steering wheel, the new official peripheral for Gran Turismo
GT5 is finally, finally out, but amazingly it seems to have beaten its official steering wheel to market. For a long time Logitech has maintained the honor of building the wheel that carried Gran Turismo branding, and indeed its Driving Force GT is still the first wheel in the GT5 options. But, Thrustmaster seems to have secured the license for the franchise now and is building a wheel called the T500RS which, if you go Thrustmaster.com, you can get a quick peek of -- or you can just look at the screengrab above. The wheel promises unrivaled accuracy and what looks to be the same sort of magnetic sensor technology used in the company's overwhelmingly beefy HOTAS Warthog controller. Rumors say it'll carry a similar price, too, a whopping $500 MSRP without the optional H-pattern shifter and, though our attempts to confirm anything were shooed away like so many fruitflies, we've been promised more info to come at CES.
Alps Electric wants to wire up your car for interactivity
At first glance it might seem that Alps Electric would actually just be happy to have you crash horrifically or mow down pedestrians while trying to fiddle with one of its steering wheel-mounted touchpads. Upon closer examination, however, it seems the Japanese-based Alps just loves tech, and is content to leave the specific applications -- and their potential safety implications -- up to others. The touchpads seem like a nice addition to a car if someone can come up with low-impact UI to be controlled by them, but we're more interested in the stereo camera and human presence sensor Alps Electric wants to build into your car roof. The idea is that it allows for folks in the back seat to use gestures to control the dashboard navigation device, or AC vents to automatically point themselves at the appropriate height of the occupant. The camera and presence sensor can also be used to obtain imagery of potential car thieves. We don't know how much all this will cost, or when we'll start finding it in our cars, but in the meantime we're going to start gesticulating wildly in the backseat of vehicles and seeing if any onboard electronics notice.
Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel for Xbox 360 review
To celebrate the release of Forza Motorsport 2, Microsoft made a big deal about its Wireless Racing Wheel, a cable-free force-feedback controller for racers that was only really wireless if you didn't want force-feedback. It was a reasonable compromise and a reasonably good wheel, but it just didn't compare to the high-end stuff supported by that other great console racing series: Gran Turismo. In GT5 you can hit the track while gripping things like Logitech's G25 or G27, either of which make Microsoft's offering look like a toy. With the release of Forza 3 there's a new contender available, the Porsche Turbo S from Fanatec. It's a much more serious offering with more capable feedback, proper shifters with a clutch, and a rather more impressive design. But it also has a rather more impressive price tag: $249 to start and, like a real Porsche, going way up from there with options. Is it worth the entrance price or are you better off putting your money toward race tires? Read on to find out.
Logitech's $300 G27 racing wheel gives sidelined DUI possessors a taste of the road
Eager to get back on the track, but not so eager to ease up on the sauce? Fret not, our continually inebriated friends, as Logitech has just the answer for your awfully depressing road woes. The long-awaited successor to the original G25 racing wheel is finally on the scenes, as the G27 brings along real metal, real leather and a real taste of driving that can likely only be mimicked whilst seated in some sort of $30k+ sportster. The wheel is designed to function with Sony's PS2 and PS3 as well as Windows-based PCs, and aside from the built-in force feedback mechanism, you'll also find a pair of stainless steel shifter paddles, RPM / shift indicator lights and a clutch that fully supports heel-and-toe downshifting. Is all that realism worth $299.99? Judge with your wallet come September.
What CTA's iPhone steering wheel lacks in style, it also lacks in convenience
For many users, any game that ends up installed on an iPhone is something of an after-thought: It sits there, quietly, waiting for a spare moment in the dentist's waiting room or on the train. But CTA Digital, a company known for its various game controllers, has a vision of the future that includes people lugging around little plastic steering wheels with an iPhone-sized hole in the middle. We don't know how much this "Basic Steering Wheel for iPhone and iPod Touch" will actually bring the "feel of driving a real vehicle" to Ferrari GT, but the guy in the video sure looks like he's having fun. Allegedly works with most horizontally configured racing games, and includes adapters for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, and iPod Touch 2G. See for yourself after the break.
German researchers show off steering wheel-mounted OLED
We've already seen OLED displays that promise to squeeze into a rearview mirror and other parts of a vehicle, and it looks like Germany's CARO research association has now found yet another place to stick one: right in the middle of the steering wheel. As you can see above, that would effectively replace the center emblem in the steering wheel (the gauges are just for show, apparently), which the researchers say would open up a whole host of new design possibilities for auto manufacturers -- for instance, having the center emblem light up when the door opens. They're also quick to point out that the thin nature of the OLED wouldn't affect the airbag, and power consumption would, of course, be at a minimum. As you might have guessed, however, there's no word on any automakers that have signed up just yet, although CARO does also have a new highly-readable, orange emitting OLED suitable for in-dash use for those looking to keep things a bit more conventional.
Fanatec's Porsche 911 Turbo S racing wheel plays on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC
If you managed to pull in the reigns and hold off on Fanatec's wireless Porsche 911 Turbo Racing Wheel back in April, you can get a beautiful alternative right about now with even more utility. Today, the outfit has introduced the limited edition Porsche 911 Turbo S Racing Wheel for Xbox 360 -- which, contrary to its name, actually plays nice with the PlayStation 3 and PC. Of note, there are three variants from which to choose: a 911 Turbo S Edition, Clubsport Edition, and Pure Edition, all of which are licensed by Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH and feature a 900° steering angle. You'll also find a 6+1 shifter, and if you opt for the Clubsport Edition, you'll get high-end pedals that are actually crafted from aluminum and feature a load cell pressure sensor for the brake. The pain? $250, $400 and $150 in order of mention, 90% of which is totally paying for that logo in the middle.
Logitech introduces PS3 Driving Force wireless steering wheel
Logitech's put out a couple PS3 driving wheels, but the new Driving Force Wireless is the company's first wireless driving controller for Sony's console. The 2.4GHz wheel features a one-piece design with an expandable lap rest so you don't need to clip it onto a table or desk, and there's the usual wheel-mounted d-pad and buttons. Should be out in August for a cool Benny.
Hitachi shows off finger-controlled steering wheel
Rest assured, there are plenty of steering wheels on the road right now that happily accept finger commands, but Hitachi's latest invention takes things one step further. The so-called finger vein authentication system can apparently be customized for a certain driver so that simple presses can adjust one's seat, load up a given playlist, tweak the equalizer, crank the AC or start up the engine. Moreover, such a system provides an additional layer of security against theft or unwanted drive-offs (think mischievous children). Reportedly, Hitachi is still unsure if / when this will actually hit vehicles on showroom floors, but a ballpark figure of "three to four years" was thrown out there for good measure.[Via AFP / Yahoo]
Wii Warm Up: Zapper, board, or wheel?
We don't much discuss the Zapper, balance board, and steering wheel accessories coming down the pipe by themselves -- usually, we discuss them in relation to various games. However, considering them on their own, how do you feel about these accessories? Is there one you find yourself more interested in than the others? Personally, we like the balance board, despite the hefty price tag (in comparison), and think it seems to have interesting potential. But we're only one voice. How do you feel?
A metal solution to Nintendo's upcoming Wii Wheel
With Nintendo preparing to launch its own wheel peripheral alongside one of its most well-respected franchises, there are still other parties out there looking to snugly secure your Wiimote into a wheel-like peripheral. Because, you know, holding it sideways and naked is for dumb jerks. Enter Billet's aluminum Wii steering wheel. Not only is it functional, but if someone is trying to get the next race and you aren't about to give up your spot, you could always beat them to death. Of course, your enemy's homicide doesn't come cheap, as this bad boy retails for $44.95 USD.[Via Engadget]
Wii Warm Up: Wiimote accessories
Fishing rods, tennis rackets, baseball bats, guns -- a year from now, you'll probably be able to transform your Wii remote into a car and zoom around your living room. But are any of the shells and add-ons necessary? Are they useful? We're curious what you think. Which ones (if any) do you want to try, or even buy, and which do you find completely superfluous? Obviously, all Guitar Hero-related paraphernalia is exempt on grounds of being both awesome and necessary. We're talking about straight-up shells here.
Kia Kue abandons airbag, swaps in GPS navigation
We know it's possible to strap a PSP to your steering wheel, but seriously, it's not like we'd recommend taking such a setup onto the open road. Apparently, designers at Kia are throwing caution to the wind and cramming convenience in your face with its Kue concept vehicle, which neatly sports a full-fledged GPS navigation system in place of an airbag. Yeah, you've got Honda trying to stuff such protective devices into frickin' motorcycles, but who needs driver's side safety when you've got a 100,000-mile warranty? Nevertheless, the whip also manages to sport Lambo-doors, swivel seats, a widescreen in-dash display, and what appears to be flush-mounted pillar controls. Of course, the Kue could end up rocking a half dozen airbags in a variety of other locations, but if you're interested in a few more pics of the quasi-street-legal ride, be sure to click on through.
PSP steering wheel mod rides into reality
When it comes to video game-related mods, practicality is often the first casualty, as is fully evidenced by this latest bit of a workmanship from AcidMods member Neubit. Apparently, like so many others, the PSP's nub got the better of him, prompting him to enact his revenge by wiring up a PS2 steering wheel to the handheld's buttons and analog control. As the video after the break shows, the whole setup appears to work reasonably well -- or, at least as well as a full-size steering wheel hooked up to a PSP can be expected to work.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Frankenstein mod combines steering wheel + PSP
Neubit from Acidmods sent us an e-mail to let us know that he's got the first video from his mod-in-progress that sees a PSP marrying a steering wheel. He's stated the mod is for all the racing junkies out there, though I won't believe someone is a true racing junkie till I see them using this while riding the bus. But until then, we'll just have to enjoy the video of another unique Acidmods creation.Video after the jump ...[ Thanks Neubit ]
The ultimate sim controller dog fight
As any hardcore gamer will tell you, simulation games aren't really simulations unless you've got the appropriate hardware to back up all that finely-tuned software. Taking that into consideration, the folks at Extreme Tech decided to round up no less than ten controllers of various sorts to see how well they replicated the real thing, including flight sticks, throttles, steering wheels, and pedals. While any of the tested controllers will get the basic job done, they did find a few standouts in bunch. Getting top marks among the flight sticks was Saitek's X52 Pro, with CH 's Fighterstick Pro only slightly behind. CH came out ahead with its other flight-related peripherals, however, with its Pro Throttle and Pro Pedals USB getting marks of 8 out of 10 and 9 out of 10, respectively. For those who prefer to keep things on the ground, Extreme Tech found Logitech's G25 racing wheel (complete with pedals and console) to be the best bet for driving sims, although at $250, authenticity certainly doesn't come cheap. Those not willing to go that far may want to take a look at Microsoft's PC-compatible Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, which comes in at half the price Logitech's rig but, according to Extreme Tech, still provides a decent racing experience for less-demanding gamers.
