Kotaku: motion sensing

Stix - A Wiimote For Your PC

Mike Fahey — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:40:00 MDT

This August PC gamers can briefly jump on the motion sensing bandwagon before shrugging and going back to keyboard and mouse control with a new line of vaguely Wiimote-looking controllers from GoLive2. Called Stix, the press release calls them motion-sensing touch-screen controllers, though the lack of an actual screen makes me think they meant touch-sensitive.

"Stix will completely change the way people experience online and PC gaming," said Brian Zheng, President, Plahut. "At purchase, Stix will be compatible with thousands of free online and retail games, and we're adding more games to that list daily. The fun is endless with Stix, and the wide-range of free, supported games makes this product perfect for every member of the family."

The Stix controller will come in two flavors at launch, the 2D motion sensing Stix 200 and the 3D Stix 400, both supported by the online gaming portal at http://Sphere.GoLive2.com.

Getting a Wiimote to work with your PC is really only fun for the novelty of it all. These look more like a me too than anything else. I mean, if I wanted to sit in front of my PC and shake my hand back and forth I'd...nevermind.

GOLIVE2 UNVEILS STIX, A NEW LINE OF WIRELESS, MOTION-SENSING CONTROLLERS SET TO REDEFINE PC GAMING

Compatible with Thousands of Free Online Games, Stix Touch-Screen Controllers Bring Active, Motion-Sensing Gameplay to the PC

CITY OF INDUSTRY, CALIF. - July 1, 2008 - GoLive2, the independent gaming division of Playhut, Inc., today introduced Stix, a new line of wireless, motion-sensing gaming controllers for the PC and Internet. Redefining the PC and online gaming experience, Stix are wireless, touch-screen controllers that allow users to play thousands of free Web-based games as well as Games For Windows® titles with an active, motion-sensing play pattern. For the first time, players can abandon their mouse and keyboard to experience online and PC games in an entirely new way! Available at retailers nationwide in August, Stix are designed for players six years and older.

"Stix will completely change the way people experience online and PC gaming," said Brian Zheng, President, Plahut. "At purchase, Stix will be compatible with thousands of free online and retail games, and we're adding more games to that list daily. The fun is endless with Stix, and the wide-range of free, supported games makes this product perfect for every member of the family."

Introducing an unprecedented level of active gameplay to PC gaming, the motion-sensitive Stix are compatible with thousands of existing, free online games. GoLive2 will unveil two versions of the Stix available at launch: Stix 200 and Stix 400. Designed for casual gamers, Stix 200 adds active gameplay to 2D online gaming. Stix 400 is compatible with both 2D and 3D environments for the ultimate online and Games for Windows gaming experience.

As a compliment to the Stix product line, GoLive2 has also launched a free, online game portal called Sphere (http://Sphere.GoLive2.com) that provides hundreds of free games to play with Stix controllers. Sphere consists of both internally-developed games designed exclusively for the Stix as well as hosted games from online game developers that support Stix. Sphere also features a search engine that connects users to thousands of compatible third-party free, online games. In addition, users can configure their favorite PC games to preferred Stix settings. Finally, developers of all skill levels have the ability to create new games that harness the unique Stix gameplay pattern.

Stix will be available at retailers nationwide in August 2008, along with the Sphere companion site (http://Sphere.GoLive2.com).

For more information on the Stix line, visit www.GoLive2.com.

360 Motion Sensing Arrives, Crickets Sing

Mike Fahey — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 10:20:58 MDT

Finally, Xbox 360 owners, our day has come. The most shocking drawback of Microsoft's system - aside from the whole dying within minutes of warranty expiration thing - has finally been addressed. Thanks to Talismoon's Tiltboard, 360 users can know that PlayStation 3 owners have known all along...

Tilt sensing is pretty useless.

Okay, not exactly true. A game built around tilt sensing like flOw or that damn duck game can be downright entertaining, but the 360 doesn't have any of those games...so why? Should you void your warranty, crack open your controller and drip solder onto the circuitry to create something far more complex than you'd ever need?

Everything required to enjoy the latest sensation in console gaming on Xbox 360™ comes in a convenient package and requires only seven wires to solder.

Only if you're as whacky as the guy who wrote that. Latest sensation indeed. Talismoon caters to niche gamers. The kind of person who builds a giant analog platform so you can control games with your couch. This one's for you, lil' buddy. Try not to set your house on fire. Michael Fahey

Talismoon's Xbox 360 Tiltboard [Product Page at Talismoon]

DDR Gets Its Groove On

Brian Ashcraft — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 22:00:43 MDT

At a recent health and fitness exhibition in Japan, Konami introduced GROOVE MOTION DDR. It's based off the company's Dance Dance Revolution game, but includes six programs like yoga and martial arts-style exercises. While a DDR-type mat is used, GROOVE MOTION differs in that a motion sensor belt is worn. It calculates individual data like calories counted and "score." This title most likely won't find its way into Japanese arcades, but rather, into Konami's own fitness clubs. Yes, there are Konami fitness clubs — hence the exercise games. Makes sense! Brian Ashcraft

GROOVE MOTION DDR [Famitsu]