Rumble
Latest
Immersion wants Sony to upgrade rumble technology
While the announcement that Sony would finally bring the DualShock 3 to the PS3 excited us all, we couldn't help but feel a little underwhelmed when we realized the controller would utilize the same rumble technology found in the DualShock 2.However, if Immersion CEO Vic Viegas has his way, the DualShock 3 will be just the first-generation rumble controller for the PS3. "Immersion is very motivated and very interested in working with [Sony] to bring the next generation of gaming technology because the gamers deserve a full, immersive environment where you can match high-fidelity graphics and sound with high-quality haptics," he said. "We're hoping [the DualShock 3] will be just the first step towards integrating the next-generation technology."What makes this prospective upgrade even more plausible is the fact that Viegas says the upgrade will actually be cheaper since the old technology uses two motors, while Immersion's TouchSense technology only needs one to achieve better results. "Immersion is already committed that we won't charge anything extra for the next technology. We have a standard royalty rate ... we don't want to make this more expensive and give anyone a reason not to implement it," Viegas said.
Immersion CEO on next-gen rumble and possible Nintendo IP infringement
Immersion CEO Vic Viegas says in an interview with GameDaily that he doesn't understand why Sony decided to put the DualShock 2's rumble technology into the DualShock 3, considering he believes the new next-gen rumble technology is cheaper. Viegas says, "The old technology utilizes two motors to create the complex set of sensations, whereas Immersion's new TouchSense technology utilizes a single motor, but we drive the motor in unique ways so that you can get stronger yet crisper effects." He says the one motor uses less power, "the cost to implement is less expensive than the old tech" and he says they won't charge Sony extra.Viegas also talked a little about handhelds and implementing rumble into the DS or PSP. Currently Nintendo does not license its vibration tech from Immersion and may be working on their own ways of bringing rumble to the DS. As to whether Immersion might sue Nintendo one day like they did Sony, Viegas says, "We have not yet formally taken a position on whether it's infringing or not infringing any of our IP." Then again, if Nintendo can afford $18 million in Wiimote jackets, licensing some next-gen rumble might be an afterthought for them.
"Rumble feature on the DualShock 3 is the same as DualShock 2"
Sony Computer Entertainment America's Kimberly Otzman, corporate communications, confirmed to GameDaily BIZ, what we suspected all along: "The rumble feature on the DualShock 3 is the same as DualShock 2." The controller does not feature any new advanced form of rumbling, as some internet forums have been murmuring. In addition to talking about the rumble technology, Otzman revealed information about the battery life, noting that "battery life depends on how often the rumble feature is used." She added, "When the rumble feature is completely turned off, it's equivalent with the Sixaxis (maximum of 30 hours) and when the rumble feature is active it's about 15 hours, under SCE standard testing conditions." Obviously, battery life will be shorted with rumble. For those that are going to get the new rumble controllers, get ready to use your USB cables a lot more regularly.
It is a last gen feature; DualShock 3 same tech as DualShock 2
Remember when Sony's Phil Harrison called rumble a "last generation feature?" Well, can't call the man a liar because he was absolutely right! GameDaily BIZ confirmed with Sony today that the technology in the recently announced DualShock 3 is identical to that in the DualShock 2. So anybody expecting Immersion's next-gen rumble technology can just let those dreams pass into the ether.As for battery life, the DualShock 3 will last approximately 15 hours with the rumble feature on, and 30 hours (the same as the Sixaxis) with it off. As for the DualShock 3 replaces the Sixaxis, Sony Corporate Communications' Kimberly Otzman says, "Nothing has been decided yet, stay tuned." The natural assumption would be the DualShock 3 will replace the Sixaxis across the board by holiday '08, but don't expect any announcements like that until early next year.
TGS07: DualShock 3 unveiled, PS3 learns to shake, rattle and roll
At their Tokyo Game Show press conference today, Sony finally revealed how the PS3 got its groove back. Kaz Hirai announced that the DualShock 3 -- a Sixaxis controller with rumble -- will be out this November in Japan and Spring 2008 everywhere else. Future games, such as Metal Gear Solid 4, will incorporate rumble technology, while older titles can enable rumble through software updates. No price has been given, nor was there any discussion on whether the Sixaxis would be phased out.
EA leaks SIXAXIS with rumble at Tokyo Game Show?
If you're a publisher trying to keep mum about a "brand new" controller functionality from Sony, it might be best not to put those controllers into the hands of members of the press and set 'em a rumblin'. The big sticker on the back that says "RUMBLE" doesn't exactly help either. IGN spotted the new, much rumored version of the SIXAXIS while at a pre-Tokyo Game Show event, playing a demo of Burnout Paradise. IGN says the controller is notably heavier than the SIXAXIS, but otherwise looks identical, and the rumble was comparative to a PS2 controller. An announcement is expected tomorrow at Kaz Hirai's keynote.[Via Joystiq]
TGS07: Rumbling SIXAXIS accidentally revealed by EA
According to IGN, EA accidentally revealed the rumbling SIXAXIS to the press in its pre-TGS media briefing. The PS3 version of Burnout Paradise had a heftier feel to it: the controller was heavier and had a giant sticker that said "RUMBLE." With the cat out of the bag, IGN also added that "A formal announcement is expected tomorrow at Kaz Hirai's keynote address." Early word on Kaz's keynote suggests that other significant announcements will headline Sony's presentation.[Via PS3F]
1UP's Shane: DualShock 3 is "confirmed"
A listen to the latest episode of the 1UP Yours podcast reveals that the rumbling DualShock 3 is "confirmed," at least according to 1UP's lead Sony fanboy, Shane. He says that TGS will ultimately reveal the long-awaited rumbling controllers and the now-legendary 2.0 firmware, which will magically allow you to run many XMB tools from within a game. We're sure Sony's going to playing hardball at TGS, and you'll probably want to tune into our continuing coverage of the event, starting this Wednesday. [Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
Logitech planning third-party Wiimote?
Peripherals company Logitech has hit on a capital idea: combine motion-sensing and rumble in a single controller. At least, that's what Chris Spearing, UK and Ireland manager for Logitech, seemed to think. His company still has yet to formally announce the identity of their first Wii product, but the discussion seems to be turning towards a Wiimote substitute. Speaking about the issue of rumble versus motion controls, Spearing said "Having the motion-sensing in the Sixaxis, that really works for some games. And for the Wii – you've seen people rush out and buy the Wii for that realism, if you're swinging a tennis racket, you know how to do it." He then went on to mention that "Hopefully we'll be at the forefront of pushing that further, combining some of the two."We'd assume that Spearing was talking about a PS3 controller design if not for the title of the GamesIndustry.biz story: "Logitech to create Wiimote rival?" If he is indeed talking about the Wii, he should check it out sometime-- he may be impressed with the controller.Once they get their technological issues straightened out (i.e. figure out what technology is in the controller), we'd love to see Logitech's take on the Wii controller. Their hardware is top-notch, and often outclasses standard controllers.
Rumor: DualShock 3 to rumble with GT5 Prologue
Supposedly, the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will support DualShock 3 -- at least according to a NeoGAF retelling of Japanese publication Dengeki PlayStation. This has sparked discussion that the controller featured on the official GT5 website (pictured above) is actually a DualShock 3, not a Sixaxis. But honestly, we all expect the rumble-enabled PS3 controller to look identical to our current Sixaxis controller. A silhouette won't tell us much.Hopefully, we'll find out something at Leipzig later today.[Via Joystiq]
DualShock 3 rumbles with GT5 Prologue, Japanese gaming mag claims
DualShock 3 will be compatible with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, allegedly reports Japanese publication Dengeki PlayStation. The sparse detail was provided by a NeoGAF poster (sans scan) rounding up the magazine's news and has fueled speculation that the gamepad silhouette featured on the official GT5 website (pictured above) is actually a DualShock 3, rather than the assumed SixAxis. With Prologue scheduled for October (in Japan), the next logical assumption is that DualShock 3 will launch alongside the dressed up demo. But these are uninformed guesses, folks. Let hearsay be hearsay until Sony speaks up ... maybe right now in Leipzig. (But probably not until TGS.)[Via PSPSPS.tv]
ShiatsuCube: Homebrew happy endings
We don't see much homebrew for the Wii or GameCube that doesn't have to do with emulating some system or another, so when something wacky like this comes along, we can't help but jump at the chance to write it up.Working 160R's Massager application is easy -- select a technique or mode, place the GameCube controller(s) anywhere you want, and enjoy the rumble rubdown. Sure, it's nothing like the real thing, but have you looked at hourly rates for a professional massage lately? Inconceivable! And despite our efforts to coerce our cats into walking their padded feet on our aching backs, no amount of kitten treats will keep them there any longer than a few seconds.Unsurprisingly, this sort of vibration-based program is ripe for abuse -- we're looking at you, Jane Pinckard (link potentially NSFW) -- but how could the developer not expect to see his work perverted? It's a small consolation, though, to see the old purple console get a little love after all this time, even if it is mostly self-love.
Sony denies the rumble Sixaxis, admits upgrades
Sony is denying recent reports that rumble Sixaxis' are ready to shake things up for consumers. Sony spokesman Dave Karraker tells GamePro that they have not added rumble to the Sixaxis and have no announcements regarding the feature. Although, if we're going to get technical with the word play, we know that Sony hasn't added rumble to the Sixaxis yet ('cause we don't have them) and, as for the future, they have no announcement at this time. They didn't actually deny the reports that developers have Sixaxis' with the rumble feature though, but of course, that's if we're getting technical. At this point, in all fairness, the rumble Sixaxis is merely rumor and speculation.What Karraker did say is that the motion sensing abilities of the Sixaxis have been enhanced and developers are currently working with those. He says, "We recently sent out to the development community some new prototypes that have a slightly enhanced sensitivity for the analog sticks and the motion sensing within the Sixaxis controller ... This is not a new controller, but is part of the normal development and evolution of controllers." This follows along with statements already made by Kaz Hirai that the Sixaxis will continue to evolve and we should expect more iterations in the future.
Sony kinda denies rumble coming to the PS3
Man, Sony must really love teasing us: just a couple days after we got word that rumble-enabled SIXAXIS controllers were leaking out to developers, Sony's director of corporate communications Dave Karraker told GamePro that the company has "not added rumble [to PS3], and have no announcements regarding this feature." That's a non-denial denial, if you ask us -- way to be sly, Sony. Karraker also confirmed that updated SIXAXIS controllers with refined motion-sensing features were shipping out, but characterized that as "part of the normal development and evolution of controllers." Here's hoping the SIXAXIS evolves itself a rumble unit sooner rather than later.[Via PC World]
Sony insists they haven't added rumble to controllers
Dave Karraker from SCEA recently responded to the mostly confirmed rumors of a rumbling Sixaxis controller by stating, basically, no such controller exists. He did confirm that better motion-sensing controllers were in the works, but downplayed it as more of a controller update than a new controller. He said that "[Sony] recently sent out to the development community some new prototypes that have a slightly enhanced sensitivity for the analog sticks and the motion sensing within the Sixaxis controller ... This is not a new controller, but is part of the normal development and evolution of controllers."While this may seem disheartening, this may be a PR tactic utilizing semantics. Rumble, as far as controllers are concerned, involve rotating hammer weights, causing the controller to shake. That feature is not coming to the PS3. But Karraker might have been dancing around the word rumble, when the proper term is TouchSense technology. Know what we're saying? Of course, maybe we're wrong. But we like dancing, too, Sony![via Digg]
Rumor: Rumble Sixaxis in developer hands
Website Inner Bits says they can "confirm" that prototypes of the new rumble Sixaxis are in the hands of "various Sony developers." They say that Sony could make the announcement about the new Sixaxis as early as Leipzig, or hold off until more games support the new features. Sony probably wouldn't want to make all those "rushed technology" stories pop up again.Inner Bits also says that a new version of the Sixaxis is quietly replacing those currently on the market. Allegedly Sony improved "the fidelity of motion sensing" so now there isn't so much of a "dead zone." Of course this is all still currently rumor and speculation, but we are hoping that the Sixaxis will rumble this year.
Rumbling SIXAXIS controllers already going out to devs?
We've been expecting SIXAXIS controllers to get their shake on ever since Sony and Immersion settled that little patent dispute of theirs, and that glorious day seems like it's inching ever closer, with game-industry gossip blog Inner Bits reporting that rumbling SIXAXIS prototypes are already in the hands of developers, and that they'll be unveiled in two to three months -- or whenever Sony's happy with developer support. Inner Bits is also saying that updated SIXAXIS units with refined motion-control features are already starting to filter onto shelves, so it looks like the controller devs at Sony have been busy the past few months.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Mod adds rumble to PSP
While there may be one very obvious Sony gaming peripheral that's screaming out for a rumble feature, that hasn't stopped modders from looking at adding the functionality to other Sony gadgets. A modder by the handle of FOO-f00 has given the PSP a basic rumble feature through a bundle of wires and circuitry that somehow translates the speaker volume into a signal that a motor can use. FOO-f00 made it so it only activates once a high enough pitch is reached, but we'd imagine the result is far from a perfect rumble feature. Still, the project is very much a proof of concept: and an awesome concept at that.[Via PSP Fanboy]
Want rumble? Do it yourself
If you're lacking the small amount of cash it would cost you to pick up a Rumble Pak of your own, there's always the DIY solution. With just a little elbow grease, a spare Pokemon Pinball GBA game, and a spare Nokia 5100, you can create your own Rumble Pak that fits in flush with your DS Lite. Of course, one could argue that it isn't worth the effort and suggest just plunking down the dough for one, but then you wouldn't have that sense of accomplishment that comes from doing it yourself and the future comfort of bragging to your friends that you're better than them.[Via Engadget]
A rumbling PSP, seriously
The ninjas at Acidmods can do anything, right? In the midst of E3-related chaos, we missed this awesome modification, which brings sound-activated rumble to the PSP. F00 f00 explains the magic: "In basic terms what is happening here is the volt amp is sending voltage fed by the speaker to the pic, when it hits a certain pitch the pic turns on the motor."Obviously, this feature isn't included in the upcoming PSP redesign. However, it's awesome to see the community add interesting new features to our handheld all the time.
