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The Xbox 360 controller gets a QWERTY keypad for messaging

Despite clearly having PC roots, Microsoft has always wanted to distance the Xbox console from the desktop computer. Because of this, the Xbox consoles never received official keyboard and mouse accessories, despite continued gamer requests. In contrast, Sony has never been shy from adding PC peripherals to its consoles. The PlayStation 2 supported USB keyboard and mice, which is carried over to the PlayStation 3.

Now, it looks like Microsoft is finally softening its stance on the keyboard issue, though the mouse still remains taboo. First seen in a GameSpot story (that now no longer exists on the site), are renders of an Xbox 360 controller with a QWERTY keypad attached.

Reports say that the QWERTY keypad will be its own separate accessory that will attach neatly to the bottom of the Xbox 360 controller, though it is currently unknown exactly how the device will latch on and interface with the controller. From the pictures, it appears that the keypad will cover the port on the bottom of the controller used for the headset connection. Release date is set for the summer, but pricing has yet to be announced.

The purpose of the QWERTY keypad add-on is likely the rumored addition of Windows Live Messenger functionality into the next Xbox 360 Spring Update.

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Bit hard to type
By Zurtex on 4/9/2007 1:56:12 AM , Rating: 3
That looks pretty hard to type on and pretty difficult to hold as a controller.

I don't know if any of you remember the gamecube controller keyboard, it looked a bit more silly but at least it looked o.k to type with and manageable to control.

But who knows, maybe people will find it o.k




RE: Bit hard to type
By ObscureCaucasian on 4/9/2007 9:16:45 AM , Rating: 3
It won't be as fast as a keyboard, but people IM on phones and thats far from optimal.


RE: Bit hard to type
By encryptkeeper on 4/9/2007 9:33:42 AM , Rating: 2
Yes, this does look hard to type on, but it's nice to see them build this into an extra controller. I will however say, I believe that these pictures may have been edited by photoshop. Just my opinion though.


RE: Bit hard to type
By dice1111 on 4/9/2007 10:35:01 AM , Rating: 2
Note: They aren't pictures but computer renders, as per the article.


RE: Bit hard to type
By encryptkeeper on 4/9/2007 12:26:10 PM , Rating: 2
Oops, must have missed that.


RE: Bit hard to type
By BladeVenom on 4/9/2007 1:14:02 PM , Rating: 3
It's as fat and ugly as Rosie O'Donnell. Just add a regular USB keyboard.


RE: Bit hard to type
By therealnickdanger on 4/9/2007 1:33:47 PM , Rating: 2
But that's not really the point. The point here is that post-update, you'll be able to pause your game and chat with a buddy that hops onto messenger without having to shuffle between devices or wasting USB ports on the Xbox360.

I highly doubt that I'll use the Messenger feature of the update, but for the few times I send text messages over Live or type stuff in, I think this will be a good purchase.


RE: Bit hard to type
By ObscureCaucasian on 4/11/2007 9:46:25 AM , Rating: 2
I think it could work. Sure you won't get crazy wpm, but it's better than a lot of things (virtual keyboard).


Someday
By krotchy on 4/9/2007 1:24:36 AM , Rating: 2
This is one step closer to a keyboard and mouse for Gears of War. Too bad its still not close enough to be a for sure.




RE: Someday
By DaRkFib3r on 4/9/2007 1:50:59 AM , Rating: 2
Oh that will be the day :D lol


Wt?
By DarthKojima on 4/9/2007 1:43:57 AM , Rating: 2
Sure Microsoft really wants a bulky controller eh? seriously integrating keypad on a gaming controller is not neccessary at all. It's kinda akward to see and to feel the way it is originally design.




RE: Wt?
By DaRkFib3r on 4/9/2007 1:50:31 AM , Rating: 2
They are not "integrating" it, it will be a attatchment to the controller if you want to use a keyboard.


Atari did that years ago.
By Combatcolin on 4/9/2007 6:16:01 AM , Rating: 2
Jaguar anyone?

Cool little slip on key covers for the joypad, shame the diagonals were so bad.




RE: Atari did that years ago.
By Rollomite on 4/9/2007 4:12:50 PM , Rating: 2
My sentiments exactly.....Jaguar. And this will probably sell a comparable number of units.

Rollo


kinda ugly
By decapitator666 on 4/9/2007 8:34:01 AM , Rating: 4
Looks like Fisher Price's designed the Xbox360's baby's first keyboard.




If...
By daftrok on 4/9/2007 11:27:51 AM , Rating: 3
If its under 20 bucks than its a good deal, otherwise its a rip off.




By NastyPope on 4/9/2007 6:01:48 PM , Rating: 3
The keyboard looks interesting, but I would be far more interested in a trackball for the right thumbstick for FPS games. much like what http://www.Bodielobus.com is doing.




MS can put a Web browser for 360!!
By djequi on 4/12/2007 1:04:45 PM , Rating: 3
I like to see a web browser in my 360, a keyboard and mouse.
these aditions never will threat MS PC busines. And will put the 360 head to head with the PS3. Come on, even the WII have web browser.

djequi
from Argentina (sorry for my bad english)




Been there, Done that!
By Pyrros on 4/9/2007 4:12:54 AM , Rating: 2
those are hardly real pictures
By Homerboy on 4/9/2007 9:45:15 AM , Rating: 2
I wont believe it until I see pictures of a physical device, not some computer drawn picture




Keys in the middle
By Mitch101 on 4/9/2007 9:56:39 AM , Rating: 2
When I hold the x-box controller and look at the picture I dont feel those middle keys would be easy access to my thumbs and I have good size hands. As well some of the lower inner keys might be tough to reach. I dont think my thumbs pull back that far.

I would have expected a little more ergonomic layout and would like to see some sort of USB connector for a standard keyboard as an alternative but I like the intial concept.




By Trisped on 4/9/2007 8:55:05 PM , Rating: 2
How nice, Microsoft has decided to offically support a keyboard on their console. We should totally forget the fact that you can take a regular USB keyboard and plug it into the console for perfrect operation. But hey, those young, hip IMing cats all need small keyboards, so it is more like texting.




lol
By yacoub on 4/9/2007 8:50:18 AM , Rating: 1
Somehow I don't think that's quite what folks had in mind when they said they wanted to see a keyboard (& mouse) for the 360. ;)




ok but?
By dome1234 on 4/9/07, Rating: -1
RE: ok but?
By MDE on 4/9/2007 1:51:35 AM , Rating: 2
The Xbox 360 has supported USB keyboards for typing anything into the dashboard (messaging, credit card info, whatever the on screen keyboard comes up for) since day one. Flamebait somewhere else.


RE: ok but?
By dome1234 on 4/9/2007 2:25:47 AM , Rating: 2
ok one off the list.

>>Flamebait somewhere else.

but you got caught? hahaha


RE: ok but?
By MDE on 4/9/2007 2:34:33 AM , Rating: 2
Caught doing what? I didn't spread any blatantly wrong information that I assumed was right so I didn't bother researching it at all.


RE: ok but?
By RobFDB on 4/10/2007 6:32:38 AM , Rating: 3
He means you were caught by the flame bait, as you decided to respond.


RE: ok but?
By andrewrocks on 4/9/2007 7:49:53 AM , Rating: 1
what about the "mice, webcam, flash memories, sata hdds, headsets?"

the OP has a good point. MS nickel & dimes you EVERY FUCKING CHANCE THEY GET.


RE: ok but?
By ObscureCaucasian on 4/9/2007 9:14:18 AM , Rating: 2
The UI isn't setup for mice, any usb stick will be recognized by the console, and any headset w/ an 1/8 inch plug will work.


RE: ok but?
By dome1234 on 4/9/2007 10:01:36 AM , Rating: 2
my point was to illustrate the contrasting strategies, most importantly in "value". Sony is notorious in shameless pushing of its proprietary crap ie. blueray, memory sticks, minidisc, etc. But on the ps3, they don't even have PS3 memory card! on the other hand, ms is charging 40 quid for a puny 64M (ok, elite model etc). If you have a spare sata 2.5", you can't stick in 360, but you could on the ps3.

if sony could do it, why microsoft can't? Lots of moaning on how microsoft do the great xbox live but sony can't do a better job the ps network? And if both microsoft and sony could come up with online plays, why the blazes nintendo still insists on the bloody friend codes?

http://www.joystiq.com/tag/ps3delight

quote, "Microsoft's been doing the talking, Sony is doing the walking. PlayStation 3 is the console for those that value choice. From a standard three-pronged power cord to a standard hard drive bay, Sony's hardware is compatible with a vast range of products, including additional operating systems (e.g., Linux).

Already own a USB headset? What about a web cam? As Microsoft forces us to buy into -- often inferior -- proprietary devices, Sony welcomes us to use those peripherals we might already have lying around. Bravo!"


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