audojo
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Audojo is a twin-stick iPad case on Kickstarter
Audojo is the latest hopeful in the burgeoning "aftermarket physical interfaces for touchscreen devices" sector of the gaming world, adding two analog sticks, two triggers and a pair of external speakers to any iPad model 2 or newer. Or at least, it will, provided that its $240,000 Kickstarter goal is reached in time.Rather than interfacing with the iPad via Bluetooth, Audojo plugs directly into the headphone jack and communicates that way, with a second headphone jack provided on its own backside for private listening. Battery life, when used with headphones, is said to be in the weeks, though it's worth noting that the Audojo does nothing to charge the iPad itself.Games will need to be made compatible with the Audojo, though integration is "super simple" thanks to the device's foundation in Unity, according to its Kickstarter video. Meanwhile, an Objective C SDK is already available for developers.If it hits retail, the device is expected to cost around $100, though 200 Kickstarter supporters can receive one by pledging $55. Once those are gone, however, pre-orders can still be placed for $80.Update: Audojo co-founder Matt Tullis contacted us to clarify that the device is not founded on Unity, but rather that a Unity package is available to ease integration for developers that work in that environment.
Audojo iPad gaming case gets the hands-on treatment
Our sister site Engadget recently went hands-on with the Audojo gaming case for iPad, which saw its Kickstarter funding campaign launched today. Designed for all generations of the 9.7-inch iPad, the case locks onto the tablet and turns it into one large game controller. It has two analog joysticks -- one on either side of the screen -- and two shoulder buttons behind the upper-right- and left-hand sides of the tablet, a combination of controls that makes it ideally suited for first-person shooters. The Audojo connects to the iPad via its headphone jack, offering a passthrough for it and a cutaway for the 30-pin or Lightning connector. The accessory is powered by batteries and features its own built-in stereo speakers. Despite its bulky looks, Engadget says it found the Audojo to be surprisingly comfortable to use. Evidently the final product wil actually be thinner and lighter than what they used. The Audojo is currently supported by two existing iOS games (1948: Dawn of Future and Cowboy Guns) and Unity developers can easily add support for their titles. The Audojo gaming case is seeking Kickstarter backing to the tune of US$240,000 with amounts of $55 or more securing one of the first 200 units produced. The accessory is on track to launch in July for a retail price of $99.
Daily Update for January 22, 2012
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Audojo kick-starts iPad gaming case, we go hands-on (video)
While many of us love playing games on the iPad, we often lament the lack of physical controls inherent to the platform. Audojo is hoping to change this with an iPad gaming case which is launching today on Kickstarter. The accessory works with any iPad 2 or newer, and features a pair of analog joysticks, two shoulder buttons and stereo speakers. Unlike other mobile game controllers like iFrogz's Caliber Advantage or PowerA's Moga / Moga Pro, Audojo skips Bluetooth for a low-latency microphone-based interface. The case slides open just enough to accommodate an iPad and, once closed, wraps around both ends of the tablet without interfering with any of the cameras, buttons, or the 30-pin / Lightning port. Audojo automatically connects to the iPad via the standard 3.5mm audio jack, which is replicated at the bottom of the case next to a power switch, LED and mini-USB connector (for charging). It's important to note that the accessory is not designed to charge the iPad, something that would require a larger battery and increase complexity / cost. We spent some time with a prototype iPad gaming case and came away pretty satisfied -- head past the break for our impressions.
