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[Xbox-Scene]

Xbox 360 Keypad Impressions and QandA Posted by XanTium | May 18 13:03 EST | News Category: Xbox360

From teamxbox.com: To get a bit more insight into the mysterious Xbox 360 QWERTY Keypad Device, we called on the expertise of Xbox Live's Group Program Manager Jerry Johnson. * TeamXbox: Did you have any particular games in mind when creating this? * Jerry Johnson: While we are sure that game developers will implement this keyboard into their titles down the line, this peripheral was created to make text chat and IM over the Xbox 360 easier and more convenient. We are excited to see how game developers use this accessory in the future, but games were not the primary reason for its creation. * TeamXbox: Why did you decide to create a keyboard that was added to the controller, as opposed to a full-sized standalone keyboard? * Jerry Johnson: A USB keyboard can already be used with the Xbox 360 today. Rather than create another standalone keyboard, the Xbox team decided to bring something entirely new to the gaming market. The new keypad for the Xbox 360 is the first ever that connects directly to the controller. Because it fits seamlessly into the 360 controller, gamers can use it while playing games without having to interrupt game play. We have created a very easy and convenient way to type messages to friends without having to ever pause the game or put down the controller. We're really looking forward to using Windows Live Messenger with the Xbox 360 QWERTY Keypad Device, as it will easily change how people interact when engaged in an Xbox 360 endeavor (no more pecking at the virtual keyboard - whew!). The quality and seamless integration of the Xbox 360 QWERTY Keypad Device also gets us amped for the future possibilities of this device, as any text-based MMORPG or title needing more buttons for assignments will clearly benefit form such a quality piece. Even if you don't plan on playing games of a MMO nature or chatting with your friends via Live, you'll at least consider the Xbox 360 QWERTY Keypad Device as a favorable ergonomic upgrade for your current 1st party 360 controller. Full Story: teamxbox.com (4 pages)

[BurnDown]

I guess it's a good idea but i would never buy it....

Is it just me or is every peripheral M$ release even harder to paint then the last one? Im sure you case modders are gonna have fun working this one out!

[Psykomantis00]

They were never meant to be painted.

[dazinith]

this would really have come in handy when my wife was playing viva pinata and naming her animals.. or when i was setting up my worms teams.. and it will make sending text messages actually usable.. sure i've hooked up a wireless usb keyboard in the past, but this addon will just make sense for me..

now where is a release date or preorder so i dont forget! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Mastershredder]

Sounds pretty cool. I just hope they don't try to charge more than $20 for it.

[incognegro]

Now all we need is somebody to get that thing working on PCs then im all set (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I love using the 360 controller on my PC but I hate that I have to use keyboard still. It would feel more seemless if they got this working.

[Trevante]

QUOTE(incognegro @ May 18 2007, 02:01 PM)

Now all we need is somebody to get that thing working on PCs then im all set (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I love using the 360 controller on my PC but I hate that I have to use keyboard still. It would feel more seemless if they got this working.

I'm sure it would would work with the PC, there's no reason for MS not to have drivers for it. I'm sure the drivers are either already installed, or they will release an update to the driver to support the chatpad. If I can use my headset on my 360 controller on my PC, there's no reason why I shouldn't be able to use the chatpad either.

QUOTE(Jerry Johnson)

Rather than create another standalone keyboard, the Xbox team decided to bring something entirely new to the gaming market.

Yea right, having a controller with a keyboard on it is nothing new

http://gear.ign.com/articles/784/784242p1.html

http://www.ugo.com/channels/tech/features/...lay/default.asp

http://www.nyko.com/nyko/products/?i=13

While I'll admit that MS's execution of it looks better than the three examples I just listed, to say it's completely new to the market is completely wrong.

This post has been edited by Trevante: May 19 2007, 09:00 AM

[bucko]

This will be a must have accessory (but wonders if it will go well with the black controller?).