thumbpad
Latest
Experimental controller has 'thumbstick within thumbstick' for blistering sensations (video)
Just when you thought slingshots were the future, here comes a whole new way to enjoy baddie deletion in Uncharted 7. Each thumbstick on the prototype controller above has a secondary force feedback-enabled nub at its center, which moves independently and creates different sensations by stretching the skin on the pad of your opposable digit. In the video after the break, the designers at the University of Utah show how they've created effects for crawling, collisions, explosions and even fishing. They're apparently hoping to push their technology into next-gen games consoles, but they'll have to join the queue.
RIM: 'We're committed to the keyboard'
With all the gossip about BBX screens becoming more tablet-like and the rumored BlackBerry 'London' being QWERTY-less, lovers of the physical keyboard can be forgiven for getting antsy. Hey, we feel it too -- after all, a BB's thumb pad is as quintessential as Québécois poutine. So, we put the question straight to one of our buddies at RIM. His unhesitating (yet not totally unambiguous) reply? That RIM will "maintain choice within its product portfolio" and is "absolutely committed to building more great keyboard-based smartphones." There you have it. Now, did someone mention cheesy fries?
MTV Multiplayer gets its hands on the PS3 keypad
We all looked on the announcement of the PS3 Keypad at Leipzig with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Finally, QWERTY keyboard input directly on our controller, but why is it above the thumbsticks? MTV Multiplayer's Stephen Totilo got his hands on the device and snapped some photos (with his mouth, presumably) to show how comfortably the keys can be reached from a normal playing position. Of course, we're not really sure exactly what Mr. Totilo thinks of the contraption as a collection of images was practically all his post had to say on the matter. We were hoping he would come to some sort of conclusion, but instead we're left to decide for ourselves whether it looks comfortable to handle. Our thoughts? We need to try it for ourselves, but it seems like it won't be too much of a stretch. What do you think?
MadCatz brings portable keyboard with Thumbpad
We have to admit that this peripheral by MadCatz looks like a winner. It reminds us a lot of Xbox 360's chatpad -- this device plugs into the PS3 controller and allows you to type at a whim. Supposedly, the device was released all the way back in May, but it seemingly has fallen out of our grasp.This seems rather ingenious, but user reviews have been negative for one key reason -- apparently, it doesn't work with PS2 games. Final Fantasy XI fans were quite disappointed. But, those of you that enjoy using the web browser and the XMB messaging system may find this $30 peripheral a neat addition to your gadgets collection. See a video, after the cut.[Via PSP GadgetZ]
Xbox.com: $30 360 thumb board launching Sept. 4
Fans of quick text entry rejoice! Microsoft has put up an official page for the previously announced QWERTY thumb board, which is now officially being called the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit. The $29.99 unit will include a custom headset (because the existing one doesn't work while the keyboard is installed) and seems set for a Sept. 4 release date. It sure beats having an ugly USB keyboard hanging off of your system.[Via X3F]
Mad Catz PS3 Wireless Thumbpad adds useless QWERTY keys to your SIXAXIS
Third-party gaming controllers are always a mixed bag, ranging from terrific, like the popular Logitech Cordless Action PS2 controllers, to decidedly weird, like the SplitFish EdgeFX, to head-scratchingly awful, like this Pelican / Nerf abomination. Mad Catz has never been afraid to spew out products all over the bottom half of this spectrum, and the recently-released PS3 Wireless Thumbpad is no exception. Looking for all the world like it was designed by someone who has never attempted to actually hold a SIXAXIS, the QWERTY thumbpad clips on to your controller ... at the top. While we're not sure how you're supposed to use this thing, we are almost 100% confident that no one at Mad Catz looked at a picture of the Xbox 360 QWERTY thumb keyboard before sketching this one out.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
