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iPhone As a PC Game Controller

Posted by Soulskill on from the this-joystick-is-flat dept.

TechCrunch has an article about a startup called iMo, which aims to enable control of any PC game using an iPhone or iPod Touch. The idea is to reduce the need for gaming peripherals while you're on the move, and make motion-control available to more players. Quoting: "The system also features onscreen controls for the iPhone and iPod Touch, as not every PC game will benefit from using things like the accelerometer, obviously. This all works via both Bluetooth and WiFi connections between your device and your computer. The plan is to offer iMo in the App Store for $0.99; the first version should be available new in the App Store. And long-term, the company hopes to make it available on other mobile platforms as well, including Android. And ultimately, they'd love to include support for gaming consoles as well, like the aforementioned Wii, the PS3, and the Xbox 360."

6 of 54 comments (clear)

  1. Great... by Zurd · · Score: 5, Funny

    Y'know, I was just thinking. I love PC games, but I wish the controls were worse.

    --
    The Kingdom of Loathing
  2. 360 Controller by Hadlock · · Score: 2, Interesting

    The off brand (wired - USB port included at no additional cost!) 360 controller at any big box store is only $15-20. A bluetooth!! rumble PS3 controller is $45. I'd rather (and do!) recycle my controllers from game consoles. Most everyone already has one (even if you don't already have a next-gen console), if only to take to a friend's house/dorm room so everyone can play. The chances you'll lose/break an iphone before you do the same to a real console controller is pretty high.

    --
    moox. for a new generation.
  3. Response Time by Bicx · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Even with native iPhone/iTouch apps, the touch response leaves a lot to be desired. I often find myself hitting a button several times before the button actually gets pressed. My fingers aren't fat; I just can't seem to get an immediate response maybe 30% of the time. Gaming --particularly PC gaming-- usually assumes that you are using a keyboard/mouse combination, which (at least in my case) allows me to have a faster reaction than even a wired conventional console controller, and PC games are designed wit this in mind. To use the iPhone as a controller interface for a PC FPS seems like an idea destined for failure if the touchscreen can't be calibrated effectively. Aside from that, it is a cool idea.

  4. Oh boy! by binarylarry · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Gee, I hope Apple's cool with us using their equipment like this.

    --
    Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
  5. Re:Alread done on Android.. yaaawwwwwwnnnnn by E+IS+mC(Square) · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I guess its time for "alreadyonadnroid" (or "alradyon" tag. Just to stop this iphone bullshit.

    I thought /. was different than gizmodo. *sigh*

  6. Re:PC Games? What PC Games? by Monkeedude1212 · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Which is exactly my point. If they made Wii games for the PC - I'd be all for it. But they don't. So in every situation I can think of, a Keyboard and mouse combination trumps on top.

    Except for perhaps Racing games, which have all but died off on PC's.