As promised last week, Mad Catz has drawn back the curtain on its new line of mobile peripherals, each (well, not the headset) featuring its fancy GameSmart technology to ensure compatibility across a wide range of mobile devices. If it supports Bluetooth Smart (and it should), your mobile jam could be enhanced by a mouse that looks like it comes from the future. Oh, and wait until you hear the names.
Mad Catz proudly presents the R.A.T.M gaming mouse, F.R.E.Q.M headset, M.O.U.S.9 everyday mouse and the C.T.R.L.R game pad, each pushing the envelope in terms of periods-per-peripheral-name. For the sake of my sanity I am going to have to start ignoring Mad Catz' naming conventions completely.
The RatM (screw it) is a gaming mouse with 12 buttons (10 programmable) and an adjustable palm rest. The Mous9 is your more basic pointer-and-clicker, but still looks like a robot. The FreqM is a headset with sexy lines and two different cords, one for PC/MAC and one for mobile devices, and the Ctrlr is a console-style gamepad.
Being powered by Bluetooth Smart tech, each of these can be used on your PC, Mac, phones and tablets, like many other Bluetooth devices. What sets them apart from the rest? I'm not really sure at this point. I guess I'll find out.
The GameSmart line is slated for release at an unspecified date in early 2013. That leaves us plenty of time to memorize these official product descriptions, browse the gallery, and wonder why.
The R.A.T.M is the first mouse to combine Bluetooth Smart technology and a gaming grade laser sensor, providing market leading battery life, universal compatibility and the performance expected from a R.A.T. gaming mouse. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the R.A.T.M is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV's and tablets. For devices that do not feature Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M comes equipped with a nano dongle. For platforms running Windows 8 with native Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the R.A.T.M can be connected directly. The R.A.T.M features an adjustable palm rest, 12 action buttons (10 of which are programmable), and a power efficient 6400DPI twin-eye laser sensor. The R.A.T.M uses an all new Windows and Mac compatible drag-and-drop programming interface, allowing gamers to intuitively program commands with speed. In addition, the R.A.T.M is app-enabled, allowing for future configuration via a smart device app.
The F.R.E.Q.M is the first mobile headset in the F.R.E.Q. audio line, featuring rich stereo sound and a lightweight aluminum chassis which folds away for easy transport. The F.R.E.Q.M comes with two unique in-line cables, one for use with PC or Mac and the other for use with smart devices and some consoles; each providing the user with different functionality.
The M.O.U.S.9, with striking aesthetics based upon the Company's award-winning R.A.T. gaming mouse,has been simplified for everyday use and features new Bluetooth Smart technology and a laser sensor capable of tracking on virtually any surface, including glass. Delivering up to a one year battery life, the M.O.U.S.9 is compatible with a multitude of devices from PC and Mac through to next generation TV's and tablets. For devices that do not have Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the M.O.U.S.9 comes equipped with a nano dongle. For platforms running Windows 8 with native Bluetooth Smart mouse support, the M.O.U.S.9 can be connected directly. The M.O.U.S.9 features an adjustable palm rest and uses an all new Windows and Mac compatible drag-and-drop programming interface, allowing gamers to intuitively program commands with speed, featuring profiles for many home and office applications such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office. The M.O.U.S.9 is app-enabled, allowing for future configuration via a smart device app.
The C.T.R.L.R is inspired by the Company's critically acclaimed MLG Pro Circuit Controller and will bring console-like functionality to smart devices. Equipped with dual analog sticks, triggers, media controls, shoulder and action buttons, the C.T.R.L.R connects via Bluetooth Smart technology and brings a fully featured console-like experience to any compatible device. The C.T.R.L.R is app-enabled and can be configured via a smart device app.