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Breakfast Topic: It shouldn't annoy you, but it does
I've been leveling my warrior recently, as those of you who read a previous Breakfast Topic already know. There's one thing about leveling her as protection that really keeps niggling at me, and that's how bizarrely a one-handed weapon sits on the female tauren model. It might just be me, but something about how the handle of almost every sword, axe, and mace in the game bangs into her chin seems wrong somehow. (I could probably also write something about tabards bugging out on the female tauren when she sits, but I'm pretty used to that now.) Now, in the grand scheme of things, this is small potatoes. I should be getting mad about how druids aren't getting Shark With Lasers form in Mists of Pandaria or the serious game balance issues posed by my inability to get a decent pair of shoulders to drop for my shaman. I have absolutely no excuse for my obsession with how high a one-handed weapon sits on a female tauren -- and yet somehow, it still bugs me. At least with my warrior, I can spec her fury with Titan's Grip and stop thinking about it, but other classes are still kinda stuck. Spill, folks. We've all got tiny things in the game that don't merit attention and yet drive us nuts. What are yours?
Keyglove ditches QWERTY for one-handed computer control (video)
We've seen some pretty ambitious hand warmers in our day, but this one takes the cake. Keyglove is an Open Source Hardware (OSHW) project that's intended to eliminate those clunky keyboards and unmanageable mice from the computing process altogether, instead engaging a series of conductive sensors that, when touched together, mimic a keystroke. The mitt's creator says the traditional mobile keyboard is "either too big to be portable, or too small to be easy to use," adding that his solution would eventually become second nature just like touch typing. Keyglove is an Arduino and AVR-powered device that also incorporates an accelerometer to control mouse movements. It's apparently fully customizable and allows for a total of 60 unique touch combinations -- impressive, sure, but it took us long enough to figure out the home keys on the real thing. If you dream of a world full of one-handed typists, check out the video after the break, or follow the source link to find out how you can donate to the project.
Modder, brother-of-the-year candidate crafts one-handed GameCube controller (video)
It's not that we haven't seen a one-handed controller before -- we most certainly have -- but the only significant one on record was done by one Benjamin Heckendorn, the greatest modder of the modern era. In other words, whipping something like this up takes more than a strong will and a boatload of vacation days, making Hasse's hack all the more impressive. As the story goes, his brother is incapable of playing video games due to needing two hands to work the controls; rather than chalking it up to tough luck, this guy completely re-engineered a GameCube controller for single-handed operation. After cracking it open and relocating a few bits and pieces, he then shoved an ATtiny44A, an accelerometer and a digital-to-analog converter within. Crazier still, he even included a toggle switch to select the analog stick or D-pad, depending on preference. Head on past the break to see this thing in action, and tap that source link to leave a handful of kudos.
Ben Heck throws together one-handed Xbox 360 controller, probably with one hand
Ben Heck. Just the mere mention of the name brings chills to the spines of all who mod, and if today's the first day you've ever come into contact with those seven letters, prepare to be changed. Forever. The Great Modder's latest gig involved the creation of a one-handed Xbox 360 controller, but the catch was that it required completion within a ridiculously short period of time. Essentially, the left analog stick was repositioned to fit on the underside of the controller, enabling the user to operate that with his / her leg while handling the right side of the pad as usual. Check out a video of the admittedly raw looking final product after the break, and feel free to grab some inspiration while you're there.[Via HackADay]
Clove 2 typing glove leaves your other hand free for high fives
Have no fear, we're always on the hunt for new and innovative ways to boost your bombdigity quotient, and we've really found just the thing this time around. The Clove 2 interfaces with your computer over Bluetooth, and through a strange set of tapping gestures (that sort of remind us of that one Daft Punk video), allows you to type one-handed, sans keyboard. Seems like quite the learning curve, but we're sure it's totally worth it in the end. Four words per minute never looked so good. Video is after the break.[Via Hack a Day]
Ben Heck and eDimensional's Access Controller for one-handed gamers
Leave it to Ben Heck to create something that's not only cool, but also good for humanity. We've had our eyes on the Access Controller, and now it has an actual retail channel and final design. The eDimensional Access Controller enables one-handed gaming in a completely modular design. Each control function module can be rearranged based on the gamer's needs -- even the act of rearranging of modules can be done with one hand. Ben, the nice guy that he is, also includes a custom module-creation guide if you're so inclined. The controller is also designed with a concave back to sit comfortably on either a table or leg and uses 2.4GHz wireless. eDimensional is taking preorders now, and the unit is compatible with PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PC. To top it all off, a portion of the $129.99 you spend will go to Children's Hospital and Veterans Medical centers. We feel all good inside.
Ben Heck's one-handed Xbox 360 controller refined
Since not every game can pass the, erm, one-handed test (DOAX2 does), hacker extraordinaire Ben Heck has one-upped himself (pun intended) in recreating the one-handed Xbox 360 controller he originally concocted in December 2006. The whole thing puts all buttons in easy-to-reach locations and the nice camcorder-style handstrap helps you hold onto it. The bottom joystick is intended to be played against your lap. More details can be found at his website; stay tuned for more information on Heck's upcoming commercial project, the "Access" one-handed controller.[Via Engadget]
One-handed Wii controller is a feel-good mod
digg_url='http://digg.com/nintendo/One_Handed_Wiimote_and_Nunchuk_Helps_the_Disabled_Play'; While we love gaming, it's often easy to overlook the fact that people with certain handicaps tend to get left out of the hobby. That's why reader Ryan Culy recently modded the Wiimote and Nunchuck into a controller that can be used with one hand. Designed for a friend who lost most of his left arm, Ryan moved the "Z" and "C" buttons from the Nunchuck to the Wiimote. The joystick was separated and can be put on a table, knee, or foot, allowing the player to control it with his or her elbow.Although Ryan makes his creation look and sound easy, we know the process wasn't simple. Everyone's favorite mod genius, Ben Heck, was so impressed that he featured it as his "Pick of the Wii-k."To read about the creation of the one-handed Wii controller in detail, hit up Ryan's site and check out the "projects" section.%Gallery-16339%
Hand it to Heck: The Xbox 360 one-handed controller
Hackmeister Übergeneral Ben Heckendorn has whipped up a handy (pun!) one-handed Xbox 360 controller, perfect for The Fugitive dude or folks who are busy multitasking. This isn't for the faint of heart, but if you've got a bit of a bug to try it out yourself, roll up your sleeves and give it a go.Seriously, is there anything this guy can't do? The thing is wireless, AND has both rumble controllers inside of it (take that, SIXAXIS!). Between this and the Xbox 360 laptop, he's a one-man hacking machine. Really. We're convinced the guy is a robot himself, with no organic parts left inside.[Via The Xbox Domain]
