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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.
New Logitech G13 gameboard offers in-box WoW support
Our friend Drayner over at twinkinfo.com sends word of a brand new Logitech "gameboard" (keyboard extension?), called the G13. It actually looks really cool -- it's got the G15's screen, but it's actually an extra set of 22 keys that you can control outside of your normal keyboard. And plus, the keys are all backlit (with hundreds of available colors), and it even has an analog thumbstick on there for extra-precise movement. World of Warcraft gets mentioned not once but twice in the press release, and they say that it comes with support for "Burning Crusade," which we would assume also means Wrath of the Lich King as well.Pretty groovy. It works with both Windows and OS X, and it'll set you back a tidy $80, which seems like a lot for a "gameboard," but then again, if this is the kind of thing you play WoW enough to actually make good use of, you've probably got a way to justify the purchase anyway (and if anyone's looking for a gift for me this year...). Anyone intersted in replacing their Nostromo with this one?
New doodad kind of adds a joystick to the Wiimote
Cyber Gadget's new Wiimote add-on covers your d-pad with a thumbstick. We doubt this will improve the Wiimote's effectiveness in fighting games, but it might make the controller slightly more comfortable for people who just started gaming in the last two console generations, and for whom the d-pad as primary input is weird and alien.We remember going to the state fair once and buying an adhesive joystick that went over the NES's d-pad. That wasn't a good idea on our part or the manufacturer's! This thumbstick at least won't leave sticky residue all over your d-pad. If you're interested in the Cyber Gadget Remocon Stick, we found an $8.49 preorder link at YesAsia.
Texter turns Xbox 360 controller into keyboard, sorta
Blue Orb's Texter transforms the Xbox 360's thumbsticks into a makeshift keyboard -- and comes with decals. The device plugs in between the console and gamepad, and registers as a USB keyboard. A simple double-click of the left thumbstick activates Texter, allowing users to bypass Xbox 360's clunky on-screen keyboard. But is Texter any more efficient?Unless you take the time to memorize the character inputs (see diagram above), we're not convinced Texter warrants a purchase. But given the limits of a controller, we should give Blue Orb points for being clever. (up-right, left) (right, up) (up-right, up) (right, up-right) (RB) (left, right) (RB) (left, left) (up-left, up-left) (up, up-right) (right, left) (right, left)?
A tale of two mods: different PSP joysticks
Engadget's newest columnist, hardware hacker extraordinaire Ben Heckendorn (yes, we're jealous) has built a very nifty PSP joystick mod, and provided handy steps so that you can also void your warranty and save your thumb. However, taking BenHeck's mod and improving on it, Joe Stranger has posted his own "ghetto" joystick mod in the DCEmu Forums. Stranger cleans up the design from BenHeck's schematics (giving him the proper amount of props), and makes the mod detachable with a tight little enclosure that houses a USB adapter. Check out the drool-worthy ghetto thumbstick video after the break. We want to send our PSP direct to him for pimping out.As far as mods go, this has to be one of the most useful we've ever seen. It makes us want to pick up Loco Roco again, since we won't have to wear off the skin on the pads of our thumbs to finish it.Read - Engadget's analog control stick how-toRead - DCEmu's version of Engadget's mod
