datel
Latest
Wii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold
Datel Japan will start selling the aluminum WiiPad Famicom faceplate pictured above at the end of July for ¥1,980, roughly $20. If you're looking to play some old NES games while your WiiPad looks the part, Nintendo officially launched the Virtual Console on Wii U at the end of April. The initial launch list is pretty slim, but Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory's beloved SNES RPG, Earthbound, is on the way.
It's not your Datel controller, it's your Xbox 360
Having problems using your Datel controller with your Xbox 360 all of a sudden? Well, you can blame yesterday's stealthy system update, which has wreaked havoc with some wireless controllers – specifically, the TurboFire 2, WildFire 2, EVO line and the Super Sports 3X steering wheel peripheral.Right now, there is a fix, but it's complicated. You'll have to download a software update made specifically for your hardware, which you can find here. Microsoft doesn't officially support your Datel controller, after all – and it's not like the two are best pals.
Datel wireless controllers borked by Xbox 360 update, patch coming soon
Woke up to a buggy Datel wireless controller? Don't worry, you didn't overdo that Street Fighter session last night. A June 20th Xbox update has caused issues with some of the company's controllers including the TurboFire 2 and Wildfire 2. Microsoft's support site claimed the controller maker had posted a fix, although currently there's only a note saying that a patch is "still being tested." It also advises to check regularly, so feel free to click the source links below as often as you want for more info.
Microsoft and Datel finally make nice, settle out of court
After a protracted court battle involving lawsuits on both sides of the fence, Microsoft and Datel have finally settled their differences and moved on. Bloomberg reports that a December 30 court filing outs a settlement between the two -- a settlement that Microsoft spokesperson Kevin Kutz describes as "to the satisfaction of both parties," without getting any more specific. Datel's suit against Microsoft claimed the console manufacturer was in breach of antitrust laws in updating its firmware to lock out Datel devices. Microsoft denied the claims and fought back with its own lawsuit against Datel, claiming patent infringement over a third-party controller created by Datel that was said to too closely resemble the official 360 controller. Datel had yet to respond to request for comment as of publishing.
New Datel Xbox 360 controller packs LCD screen, parties like it's 1998
Datel's latest controller for the Xbox 360 is inducing waves of nostalgia, with a curious LCD display channeling the ghost of the Sega Dreamcast's VMU. The Turbofire EVO also packs in button mapping and fine-tune rumble options alongside third-party controller staples like turbo button settings. These can all be tweaked through the 1.7-inch screen, with extra custom profiles available if you connect the proudly unofficial controller to a PC. Check the video after the break and if a baked-in display presses your buttons, it's available now direct from Datel.
Watch your back, Dreamcast VMU, here comes the Turbofire EVO
Despite Datel's storied history with Microsoft's Xbox 360 console, the third-party peripheral manufacturer is once again throwing the dice with an unlicensed controller for the Xbox 360. And in true game industry fashion, the controller is a sequel. Dubbed the "Turbofire EVO Wireless Controller," the $55 pad advertises a ridiculously deep level of control customization, enabling users to map buttons, fine tune rumble strength, and even set rapid-fire speeds. More bizarrely, the customization is all handled via built-in LCD screen (which looks adorably like the Dreamcast's VMU, albeit modernized), though all the settings can be tweaked on a computer via USB plug. And like previous Datel products, this one seems to fly in the face of Microsoft regulation -- it's completely wireless and syncs with the Xbox 360 without the use of a dongle, which is a big no-no when creating products for Microsoft's console without a license. The Turbofire EVO costs $55 and is available right now from Datel. At least, it's available until Microsoft sues Datel again.%Gallery-135200%
Court rules not to dismiss Datel antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft
Datel's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft will continue, now that a US District Court has rejected Microsoft's motion to dismiss the case. In all, five of Datel's six allegations against the Xbox 360 maker will be weighed. The court did dismiss Datel's claim that Microsoft would be blocking the company from competing in the console market, since Datel does not actually manufacture game consoles. (Find Datel's full announcement of the court's rejection posted after the break.) The antitrust case claims that by locking out Datel's Max Memory Card with a firmware update, Microsoft used its status as the platform holder to unlawfully prevent competition. In Microsoft's motion to dismiss, it claimed that language in the "Additional Terms and Conditions" clause in the Xbox 360 product warranty barred the use of unauthorized peripherals. The company back upped its case by citing Apple's successful defense of its right to limit use of OS X to its own hardware. The court rejected Microsoft's motion, however, finding the language in the "Additional Terms and Conditions" vague and too wide-reaching. For example, if Microsoft's interpretation of the terms was accepted, it could prevent the use of certain televisions with the console. Since Datel's suit was first filed, of course, Microsoft has enabled the use any USB drive as a memory unit for the Xbox 360, which means that even if Datel is able to continue to sell the device, there likely won't be much demand for it. Meanwhile, Microsoft recently filed its own suit against Datel over claims that one of Datel's controllers is too similar in design to the official Xbox 360 gamepad. Source – Order Granting in Part and Denying in Part Defendant's Motion to Dismiss [PDF]
Microsoft presses 'A' to sue Datel over supposed copycat controller
Microsoft reckons that third-part peripheral maker Datel's unlicensed Turbofire controller (Wildfire in the company's native UK) comes just a little too close to the design and tech of its own Xbox 360 pads for comfort. So, according to a Reuters report, it's suing. Specifically, Microsoft is said to be seeking monetary compensation (including profits Datel has made selling the controller in question) along with an injunction preventing the company from manufacturing any more of the infernal devices. This isn't the first time the two company's have resorted to the courtroom to settle peripheral-related beefs: Datel filed a suit against Microsoft late last year when the console maker blocked the use of unlicensed memory units on Xbox 360.
Datel TiltFX adds tilt-based motion controls to PSP
Do you ever look at those iPhone gaming ads and say, "Gee, I wish I could do that on my PSP?" Well, if just buying an iPod is out of the question, Datel may have a solution for you. The TiltFX is a new accessory that promises to add motion controls to "all games" on the PSP. According to a press release, the device features a three-axis MEMS sensor and is able to replace the functions of the standard D-Pad and analog stick. Additionally, Datel is offering customized profiles for specific games, like WipEout, LocoRoco, and Super Monkey Ball. Presumably, these will tweak the controls for a better tailored experience. We haven't had a chance to test the TiltFX for ourselves, but it is advertised as compatible with all PSP systems, minus the Go -- meaning owners of PSP-1000, 2000 and 3000 series systems can use the device. According to a Datel representative, the device won't require custom firmware to operate. (It seems the device is sending control data via the PSP's headset port.) Apparently, it's available now and has a MSRP of £14.99 or $19.99. You can check out a commercial after the break.
Microsoft files motion to dismiss Datel suit, cites Apple and others in defense
Microsoft has registered a motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit originally filed by unofficial memory card maker Datel, in which Datel claimed that by locking out its cards, Microsoft was being illegally anti-competitive in the field of 'Multiplayer Online Dedicated Gaming Systems" and their accessories. Microsoft's motion to dismiss (here's the PDF link) actually cites one of its biggest rivals, Apple, who fought off another unofficial vendor by claiming that its users (us) had knowingly agreed that by using its products, any aftermarket products had to come from Apple as well. You can't run OS X on any computers not made by Apple, says Microsoft, and so you can't use any non-Microsoft memory cards on your Xbox. As with most legal filings, the situation is complicated. Datel is also trying to claim that Microsoft has a grip on the console market by claiming that the much better selling Nintendo Wii isn't actually a part of that market, which leaves Microsoft in the weird position of arguing that yes, there are plenty of consoles (including the PSP and even the PlayStation 2) that "have outsold the Xbox 360." And Microsoft also argues that Datel's cheat-enabling memory cards "undermine quality user experience" on Xbox Live, which would also be reason enough to keep them off the system. Interesting arguments, all, but we'll have to see which emerge victorious after a hearing scheduled for March 2 in San Francisco.
Datel claims new Action Replay works on PSP Go, we hope cautiously
Now this is interesting. Datel, which is well known for enabling all sorts of hacks on varying consoles, seems to have just introduced a refreshed version of its Action Replay PSP. What's new, you ask? Why, PSP Go support, of course! In the item description, we're told that those using this on Sony's UMD-less portable console will have to install it directly on the inbuilt memory, but one of two things has to happen (in theory, anyway) for that claim to be true. The first is that Datel is now an official Sony partner, which is about as likely as you getting a Foleo for Christmas. The other is that Datel found a way to run unencrypted code on the PSP Go, and if that's the case, we've got an idea that the homebrew junkies in the crowd will be all over this in search of further exploits. Hop on past the break for a promo video, and if you're down with shelling out funds for something that may or may not work as advertised, it's all yours for $24.99. [Thanks, Bill]
Datel's Sound Speaker DSi eats handhelds for breakfast
Nothing's ever going to top Nyko's crazy Zoom Case, but Datel Japan's bulky DSi speaker attachment thing -- the official title is the Sound Speaker DSi -- is definitely making a strong play for Most Crazy DSi Accessory Ever. As you can see, the accessory is not only meant to protect by consuming the handheld whole, but it also amplifies the DSi's audio ... because that's what you want from your DSi. The multitasking capabilities of Datel's device also allow you to charge your handheld (through an included AC adapter or some AA batteries) after you've spent hours being kind of a jerk. The Datel Sound Speaker DSi runs 3,990 yen (about $45) and can be purchased here. [Via GoNintendo]
Datel sues Microsoft, wants its Xbox 360 market back
Seems like we just can't go a week without some corporate power plays or mudslinging making our pages. Back in October, Datel promised it would "remedy" the situation created by Microsoft's forthcoming (now present) Dashboard update locking out its higher capacity memory modules. The accessory company was the first (and only) third-party supplier of memory cards for the Xbox 360, but it seems that MS took a dislike to the MicroSD-expandable Max Memory units and has since taken the unusual step of downgrading the console to being able to read only chips up to 512MB, essentially taking Datel's 2GB+ wares out of commission. Yeah, classy. Datel's retaliation is in the finest Anglo-Saxon legal tradition, namely to assert antitrust concerns and to claim its right to act as a competitor to Microsoft in the memory market for Redmond's own console. It all sounds rather silly to us too, and could probably have been avoided by a rational compromise, but what's the fun in that?
Datel suing Microsoft over Max Memory card lockout
Datel announced that it has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft, in response to Microsoft's lockout (via Xbox 360 firmware update) of the company's Max Memory Cards. We doubt this is the "remedy" for the lockout issue to which the company previously referred, but it's certainly one way to address it. "Microsoft has taken steps to render inoperable the competing Datel memory card for no visible purpose other than to have that market entirely to themselves," Datel attorney Marty Glick explained in a press release. "They accomplished their recent update by making a system change that will not recognize or allow operation of a memory card with greater capacity than their own. We believe that with the power Microsoft enjoys in the market for Xbox accessories this conduct is unlawful." In the press release, Datel goes on to say that the lawsuit is intended to "restore competition" which, the company suggests, is beneficial to consumers. It's now up to a federal court in San Francisco to determine whether the Max Memory-crippling Xbox update constitutes unlawful anti-competitive behavior on the part of Microsoft. The last time Datel went to court, it viewed the experience from the other side. Sony filed suit against the peripheral maker over the "Lite Blue Tool," which would have enabled users to run unsigned code on PSP hardware.
Datel working on 'remedy' for its unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units
There was something of an outcry in the Xbox community when Microsoft announced that the upcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard Update would disable "unauthorized" memory units. Datel, a manufacturer of such devices, recently expressed its disappointment following the announcement. Fortunately, it looks like it takes more than that to keep a good company down, as Maxconsole.net reports that Datel intends to release a solution to the problem. In a letter to retailers, Datel stated it was "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." Naturally, the company didn't elaborate on the necessary changes. Datel also didn't supply a precise release date for the updated memory units, saying only that they would be available "shortly." Still, it's good news for folks that want more memory for less-than-exorbitant prices. [Via Engadget]
Datel reportedly looking to 'remedy' Microsoft's lock-out of unauthorized memory units
This brouhaha isn't officially on just yet, but MaxConsole has what it says is a letter from Datel's UK distributors, which details the company's response to Microsoft's locking-out of unauthorized memory units in the upcoming (and currently previewed) Xbox 360 dashboard update. While it's a bit short on specifics, Datel reportedly says that it is "aware of the changes that are required to remedy this problem and will shortly release a solution in readiness for this potential update." In the meantime, it's apparently telling retailers that they can send back the affected memory units if they like, and promises it will replace them with updated units in time for the dashboard update.
Datel 'disappointed' by Xbox 360's unofficial memory unit lockout
Outlawed off-white accessory news now, with CVG relaying manufacturer Datel's unenthusiastic response to the the forthcoming Xbox 360 Dashboard update, which intends to kill support for unauthorized, third-party memory units. Datel has said that it's "disappointed" by Microsoft's decision, one that it feels will limit consumers in "exercising their freedom of choice." Specifically, their freedom of choosing a memory solution that doesn't come from Microsoft.What to do if you're the owner of one of these bad boys? Unless you want to stay offline forever, you'll have to back up your data and transfer it to an official memory unit or hard drive. Failing that, you could just lift anchor in protest and set sail for Redmond, but we wouldn't suggest doing that unless you're English and living in 1983.
Upcoming Xbox 360 update locking out 'unauthorized' Memory Units
Don't worry, folks -- Microsoft knows you really hate those subversive little devils making third-party Memory Units, what with their 2GB and 4GB offerings for the Xbox 360. In an effort to stamp out these Doris Dogooders from your Xbox Live Experience™, Microsoft's Major Nelson announced on his blog yesterday that "When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work." In plain English, this means that any third-party Memory Unit you might have been using will be rendered useless. Mr. Hryb suggests moving any saves on said devices get moved to an authorized one, unless losing access to "stored profile or saves games" simply ain't no thang for you.
Datel gets first stab at third party memory card for Xbox 360, supports microSD expansion
After ages of monopolizing most of its add-on market for the 360, it looks like Microsoft is letting up a bit. Datel just came out with two new MAX Memory cards that are compatible with the console, in 2GB and 4GB capacities. That's all well and boring, but the potential excitement here is that cards can also be augmented by a microSD slot, with support for up to 16GB cards, for some trippy card-within-a-card hijinks, and what might be one of the best portals for hackers yet. Or perhaps not, since it seems likely that Microsoft wouldn't open up what it knew to be a major security hole, and given the numerous other interfaces with the console, the 360 is still pretty well on lockdown for the average user, after almost four years on the market. At least this should provide a slightly more flexible hard drive alternative for folks who don't want to shell out for Microsoft's overpriced humps. The Datel cards start at $40.[Via Engadget Spanish]
Datel kicks the retro up a notch with Famicom Wii controller
If dropping 80 bones on a Wii Super Famicom Classic controller sounds a wee bit insane, how's about a Jackson for a Famicom Wii controller? Datel's Old Skool Retro Controller (seriously, how great is that name?) works with any game that supports the Wii Classic Controller, and the unique "rapid fire" mode should really keep things interesting when firing up the Virtual Console. Can't really go wrong at $19.99, right? Right.[Via OhGizmo]
