Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

As you may know in the planned Xbox 360 spring update you will be able to access MSN messenger, which obviously would be quite difficult just using a standard controller.

Well now Microsoft have solved this problem with a mini keyboard that snaps onto a standard Xbox 360 controller, and i must say it looks awesome.


http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/4540/pad1rh8.jpg

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/1079/pad2gy4.jpg

Source although that article has vanished since i posted this.

[edit]

Seeing i can't get to the article anymore i can't tell if this is real or not but these pictures do look photoshopped.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Does look great, but apart from sending the odd text and typing out your name on a game what's its use?

The 360 has usb ports, all we ask is proper keyboard and mouse support that can be used for proper gaming or at least let us have a choice.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

A left over April fool perhaps?

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

You never know, but i remember seeing something similar a while ago.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

...on the 1st of April? :)

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

microsoft should create a keyboard and mouse shaped controller might get some pc gamers interested mind you they would own you guys (who need 4 thumbs) with mouse aim ;)

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Looks like you're right SnoopZ with the new pad and update. See here: http://www.majornelson.com/archive/2...sh-update.aspx

:angel:

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Yes it's on Major Nelsons Flickr. :)

http://uk.gamespot.com/news/6168769....stnews;title;1

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Promises, promises ;)

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

They would never have games that required a keyboard and mouse. It will spilt the user-base so much not to mention the awkwardness.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Probably, but it shouldn't be too hard to implement. PC can now use the 360's controller(s) no probs, and most up to date games cater for the controller. Or you can use keyboard/mouse combo.

I play rainbow 6 Vegas on the PC using the 360's controller and it's sets up (auto) exactly as it would be on the 360 version. And on the tricky levels I switch to keyboard and mouse for better accuracy.

It may be awkward to play keyboard and mouse if you play on the big screen as it's not at a desk so to speak, that I would agree with as being a pain.

Why would it split the user base? People who don't like consoles tend to be the people who don't like the controllers, so it would be a bonus for M$ to get more people buying their consoles if they bring in the pc gamers.

Saying that it could stop people buying PCs :erm:

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Here's some pictures of the real thing and apparently this keyboard will also ship with a new headset.

Source and more pictures here.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

The key's on the keyboard look way too small - unless you are a whizz kid with mobie dexterity (which i'm not, probably my age showing once again!!!)think this will prove a hit with the teens, after all messenger is aimed at them.

Just wondering how the keyboard could be incorporated into game playing, could open up a whole new level of interaction perhaps?

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

I don't think it ever will be incorprated into game playing, not like a FPS anyway. I'm a firm believer that the Xbox 360 should be controller only.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Reminds me of those useless keypads you used to be able to stick on the bottom of the old Ericsson phones

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Seeing Windows Live messenger(MSN) contacts will now be intergrated with Xbox360 contacts i think it could be very useful, and not everyone wants to voice chat so maybe you can keyboard chat like you do in PC games.

I can't see myself buying it as i currently don't play on live that often but i think it looks pretty smart.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

I really wish it had voice chat, next update maybe

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Much happier just using a USB keyboard.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Ditto.

I was shocked to see my usb keyboard worked the day I got the 360 to input my account info, seeing how they blocked normal webcam use. :rolleyes:

Plus the offical 360 keyboard will probably retail for about £sillly.cash... :D

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

It wasn't until I'd read it in a mag that I did. It's a nice feature, but I think they should allow the use of non-xbox live certified webcams too.

---------- Post added at 20:36 ---------- Previous post was at 20:31 ----------

No doubt it will. The only advantage this pad will have over a USB keyboard is; if you were in a game and were using the pad at the time but didn't want to pick up a bulky keyboard to type. Given that the feature for chatting whilst you're playing probably wont be implemented, a usb keyboard is much nicer. The pad is too much of a gizmo to work for me.

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

input device drivers and webcam drivers are 2 totally different animals. USB keyboard will work with a generic driver where as different branded webcams will not. How many webcams can you just plug in a use in xp without drivers ???

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Yeah I agree Zing, I know what you mean.

Would of been nice to have the 360 pre-loaded with so many drivers that some standard webcams could of been used out of the box thou and have a compatibilty list on there site. Or something similar.

Never mind - I doubt I will use a cam on Live anyway. :D

Re: Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon
 

Funny thing that, I bought one, and haven't really used it. The UNO download was fun while it lasted, at least ;)