PS3 controller adds touchpad interaction
by Andrew CrowSony is introducing a new accessory for the PS3 controller. Soon, gamers will be able to snap on a wireless keypad that supports typing on the Playstation 3, including texting in the new Home environment and games like LittleBigPlanet.
In addition to the QWERTY keyboard, there are a couple of shortcut buttons – a Message Box button and a Communication button. But what’s most interesting from a interaction standpoint is the new Touch Pad feature.
The Touch Pad button allows PS3 users to use the entire surface of the keypad as a touch pad, allowing them to easily maneuver the pointer while web browsing, simply by sliding their finger on the keypad surface.
That’s pretty clever. Rather than cramming in a trackball or trackpad (making it heavier and larger), Sony extended the keyboard’s use to include scrolling and mouse input.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:59 am
damn clever but doesn’t it kind of look like a rotary phone overall?
November 13th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Yeah, it’s not pretty. Personally I think the Xbox 360’s keyboard looks nicer. But, it doesn’t have the slick touchpad-like technology.
November 13th, 2008 at 9:53 am
Its been said before, and i will say it again. The ps keypad is impractable, this is because the keyboards at the top of the controller where as Xbox is at the bottom, which is easy as you can keep your hands in the same place of the controller and use the keypad. The top keyboard will make it hard to play and type quickly.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
i think sony did the right thing making this, i find it hard to write messages with the controller, getting this as soon as its out.
November 13th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Complete waste of money! Both consoles already support keyboard functions. Just plug-in a USB (wireless) keyboard to the console’s USB port. There you go, you now have a keyboard support:/
November 13th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
yeah i had a madcats on like the ps3 keyboard worked amazing and fit nice in my hands if a third party company can make a good mini keyboard then i cant wait for what sony has to offer
November 13th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
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November 13th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Although the X-Box 360’s keyboard does look a lot better, I like how the PS3 version’s design puts it out of the way a bit more. Touchpad is also a very good idea, thumbs up for Sony.
November 13th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
I agree with just about all of what you guys are saying. The Xbox controller looks great, and probably fits the thumb ergonomics better. But, the Sony feature of the touchpad is pretty slick.
If you want a nice fullsize companion keyboard, check out Logitech’s PS3 Cordless Mediaboard Pro.
November 14th, 2008 at 8:22 am
oops i meant Touch screen
November 14th, 2008 at 8:24 am
How are you guys comparing what isn’t shown to the Xbox 360 controller keyboard. I don’t believe the picture displayed is of Sony’s Touch Screen controller keyboard.. it doesn’t seem to have a touch screen at all..
November 14th, 2008 at 10:50 am
@Uhm, I’m not sure anyone’s referred to a touchscreen component. Sony is calling the technology that’s enabled on the device a “touchpad”. The buttons of the controller keypad are touch sensitive, so when that feature is toggled on, you would glide your fingertips over the buttons much like you do on a laptop’s trackpad. When the feature is turned off, the keypad buttons return to their normal depressing self (ah, button humor, I love it).
I would consider “touchscreen” technology to be like what’s found in the Nintendo DS.
November 14th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
I agree with aks muganix it is impractical and the 360 one is better ONLY because its more comfortable but DAMN big thumbs up to Sony! great job, i will definitely go get me one of these!