The X-Box 360's Newton Controller. (ThreeMote)
Article Gizmondo
Quote:
More Xbox 360 Wiimote Details: Code Name 'Newton'
After MTV News broke the news on Microsoft designing a Nintendo Wii-like Wiimote for the Xbox 360, 8bitjoystick felt it was time to give up their secrets as well. Not only do they confirm that the project exists, but they can give up the codename for it: Newton. Jesus was kind enough to mock up a version of the controller based on MTV's sketch.
Jake also says that Microsoft has recently licensed patents from Gyration, maker of those gesture mice we all know and don't really care about. Nintendo did the same back in 2001 in order to help develop their own Wiimote.
The 360mote will also receive signal from an LED sensor bar (like the Wii), but one-ups the Wiimote by having a microphone on board for Xbox Live chat. He doesn't have many other solid points of data—there are guesses about it using the standard rechargeable battery pack and what colors it will have—but he does think the target date of late '08 looks very likely.
Edit: Article Kotaku
Quote:
More Info On Xbox 360 Wiimote?
Not so long ago, a major rumor dropped courtesy of an MTV source that Microsoft was developing a Wiimote-style peripheral for the Xbox 360. Many were shocked at the totally crazy news, but truth be told, there have been rumblings about the possibility for some time. That report just added a big pile of legitimacy to the whispers.
Now 8bitjoystick, a blog known for close affiliation with somebody at Microsoft, is confirming that the peripheral indeed exists under the codename "Newton," and that the public could see the device by this winter.
Their details tell of a device using licensed Gyration patents—the same firm Nintendo scored much of their tech—that utilizes an LED sensor bar, accelerometers and gyroscope, as well as separate 2-way wireless communication (just like the Wiimote uses Bluetooth, the 36mote would probably use Microsoft's proprietary frequency).
8bitjoystick speculates that the Xbox Play & Charge battery pack will fit in the controller, and will dictate much of its design (assuring curved edges and a dual-AA width).
My thought on the matter is why wouldn't Microsoft make such a device? So what if it flops? So what if Microsoft loses a few licensing dollars? A 360mote would allow Microsoft to compete with not just Sony, but Nintendo as well.
Sounds cool. I doubt that many games will circle around the device though, unless this new controller is packaged with future systems. I'm glad it has the pointer. That's easily my favorite part of the Wii Remote, as it directly represents your hand's movement, even if it can't be used for simulation purposes. The thing about the pointer is that rather than inputting a command with some kind of different motion in replacement of a button press, you've got direct control over something, like a cursor. I doubt any company would really use the pointer in a Command-Fashion.
However, as nice as the pointer is, I highly dislike that layout shown on the page. Unless it's much smaller than I think it is, that looks like it'll be tough to actually use the buttons on the controller effectively. Also, this ThreeMote lacks a Nunchuk attachment, so you'll probably have to use that D-Pad for movement. The buttons should be placed in a way so that your thumb will land on the D-Pad, and your other fingers can hit the other 4 buttons.
What do you think of this?
