Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller addon

SnoopZ · 08-04-2007, 18:51

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.

Quote:

Xbox 360 gets keyboard controller

New attachment snaps onto system's standard pad for quick and easy instant message typing.

While Microsoft's Xbox 360 Spring Update will integrate Windows Live Messenger into the system's dashboard for cross-platform chatting, the machine's text-window interface for standard control pads makes lengthy conversations a chore.

To ease the task of typing in messages without the aid of a full-sized keyboard, Microsoft today announced a new text input device for the Xbox 360 controller. The attachment snaps onto the bottom of the controller through the headset jack and features a QWERTY-style key layout with 47 keys.

The keyboard attachment has not been priced or even named yet, but it is expected to see release this summer.

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.

peanut · 08-04-2007, 19:06

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.

08-04-2007, 21:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoopZ

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.

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.

A left over April fool perhaps?

SnoopZ · 08-04-2007, 22:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEONKNIGHT

A left over April fool perhaps?

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

Graham M · 09-04-2007, 00:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by SnoopZ

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

...on the 1st of April?

09-04-2007, 00:40

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

09-04-2007, 08:59

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

SnoopZ · 09-04-2007, 10:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEONKNIGHT

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

Yes it's on Major Nelsons Flickr.

Quote:

Xbox 360 gamers who quickly grow tired of navigating the on-screen virtual keyboard to type messages can either plug a USB keyboard into the system, or wait for Microsoft to release its new Xbox 360 keyboard controller attachment this summer.

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

Downloads · 09-04-2007, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by zinglebarb

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

Promises, promises

**Damien** · 09-04-2007, 12:25

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

peanut · 09-04-2007, 13:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Damien

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

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

SnoopZ · 09-04-2007, 22:55

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

Source and more pictures here.

11-04-2007, 16:59

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?

SnoopZ · 11-04-2007, 18:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEONKNIGHT

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?

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.

Uncle Peter · 11-04-2007, 19:55

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