Engadget RSS Feed http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2013 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ <![CDATA[Nokia patent filing uses steering wheel touch for media controls, turns your radio on with that lovin' feeling]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/15/nokia-patent-application-uses-steering-wheel-touch-for-media-controls/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/15/nokia-patent-application-uses-steering-wheel-touch-for-media-controls/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/15/nokia-patent-application-uses-steering-wheel-touch-for-media-controls/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Nokia patent application uses steering wheel touch for center stack controls, turns your radio on with that lovin' feeling

Nokia has only ever had a fleeting involvement with cars, but if it brings a just-published patent application to fruition, the Lumia maker could be front and center for drivers. The technology it wants would detect vibrations in the steering wheel to let the driver control music, GPS and other components of the car's center stack just by touching particular spots on the wheel itself -- no overabundance of buttons here. Underneath, it would use temporal sensing to register input, and filtering would prevent the wheel from interpreting speed bumps as cues to turn on the stereo. Nokia's mobile know-how mostly comes into play through the option of using a mobile device like a smartphone to handle tasks rather than having to build something directly into the wheel. Given that the company is currently cutting everything back, it's more likely to license the patent out rather than trying to build anything itself, if anything happens at all. Should the patent eventually come to use, you could end up tenderly caressing the wheel for all your in-car media controls... just be sure to buy it some chocolate and roses first.

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]]> applicationcarscellphonecellphonesdrivingfilingin-carin-car entertainmentin-car navigationIn-carEntertainmentIn-carNavigationinfotainmentlumianokiapatentpatent applicationpatent filingPatentApplicationPatentFilingpatentssmartphonesmartphonessteering wheelSteeringWheeltouchtransportation Fri, 15 Jun 2012 00:55:00 -0400 21|20258970 <![CDATA[Saginomiya driving simulator steers real car, isn't quite Avatar on wheels (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/saginomiya-driving-simulator-steers-real-car/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Image

Most simulators act in isolation from the real world, so when we see one that breaks out of its virtual shell, we're more than a little intrigued. Saginomiya has designed a driving simulator that's directly linked to an actual car's components sitting on a six-axis motion system. The whole affair works as a form of virtuous circle for testing, where the real parts feed on the simulator and vice versa: since the simulator is based on the internal model of the car, it can translate road results directly to the suspension and steering of the physical components, which promptly loop around and dictate force feedback in the simulator through actuators in the steering wheel. Apart from creating what amounts to the real real driving simulator, Saginomiya's invention is a huge boon to automakers, which can test how key components work without having to build the whole vehicle first. Sadly, the simulator likely won't reach full-on Avatar levels and steer a car on a real road anytime soon, but it's engaging enough that we can see more than a few test drivers putting in overtime just for kicks.

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]]> cardrivingdriving simulatorDrivingSimulatorsaginomiyasimulatorsteeringsteering wheelSteeringWheelsuspensiontest drivetest drivertest drivingTestDriveTestDriverTestDrivingtransportationvehiclevideo Wed, 30 May 2012 00:17:00 -0400 21|20246685 <![CDATA[Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/fanatec-clubsport-pedals-v2-racing-sim/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/fanatec-clubsport-pedals-v2-racing-sim/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/fanatec-clubsport-pedals-v2-racing-sim/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Fanatec's Clubsport pedals V2 bring improved brake and clutch feel to the virtual speedway (video)

Around these parts, we're generally suckers for all things related to racing simulators. As such, we're excited to learn that Fanatec has unveiled its next generation of the Clubsport pedals that we reviewed over a year ago. Dubbed as the Clubsport pedals V2, the company refers to the peripheral as an "evolutionary" update to original, offering a trio of improvements. The clutch has been retooled to have a "regressive feel" that's said to be similar to a real automobile, while the brake is now of the hydraulic variety, featuring user replaceable synthetic oil -- naturally, it still has an adjustable spring and load cell pressure sensor for the utmost customizability. The final touch is merely some visual spice in the way of black anodization. Notably, there won't be any tuning kit available initially, and V1 owners might be disappointed to know that the company has opted not to offer an upgrade kit, citing costs and potentially complicated installation. Fanatec is aiming to have the Clubsport pedals V2 out by June, bundled alongside its Clubsport wheel, with pricing set at $250 for the US (€250 in the UK). Pre-orders won't begin until May, so in the meantime, shift over to the source link below and the video past the break for all the details.

Gallery: Fanatec Clubsport pedals V2

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]]> 911clubsportclubsport pedals v2ClubsportPedalsV2clutchendorfanatechydraulicload cellLoadCellpedalsporsche 911Porsche911racingracing simracing simulatorRacingSimRacingSimulatorsimulatorsteering wheelSteeringWheelv2videovideogameswheel Fri, 27 Apr 2012 14:26:00 -0400 21|20225565 <![CDATA[Hands-on with AT&T Labs prototypes: ShadowPuppets and haptic steering wheel]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/hands-on-with-atandt-labs-prototypes-shadowpuppets-and-haptic-ste/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/hands-on-with-atandt-labs-prototypes-shadowpuppets-and-haptic-ste/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/19/hands-on-with-atandt-labs-prototypes-shadowpuppets-and-haptic-ste/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Hands-on with AT&T Labs prototypes: ShadowPuppets and haptic steering wheel

We're not done with the AT&T prototypes yet. After putting our rears in the seat of a Porsche 911 and turning our questionable English into even more questionable Spanish, Ma Bell gave us a glimpse at some super rough devices fresh from the labs. The first one we got our hands on, really didn't need us to put our hands on it. ShadowPuppets sticks a webcam to a pico projector (literally... with gaffers tape) to create a touchless "multitouch" interface for your phone. Rather than have friends gather around your tiny iPhone display or force a person to awkwardly reach across you and tap on your handset, this concept lets anyone simply cast shadows to control the interface. It's not terribly dissimilar from a number of other projects out there, except it's specifically geared at turning smartphone interaction into a social experience. The demo required the assistance of an Alienware laptop, and the pinch to zoom function was a little wonky to say the least. Still, it was pretty easy to see how this might prove useful in daily life.

Gallery: AT&T Labs prototype hands-on

The other concept on hand was the haptic feedback steering wheel the company dreamed up with help from Carnegie Mellon. While the research may sound compelling, the device it self couldn't be any rougher around the edges... literally. The design consisted of roughly cut chunks of foam taped (this time with packing tape, we believe) haphazardly to a game controller. On each piece of foam was a tiny vibrating actuator connected to an Arduino that dangled below in a vaguely menacing tangle of cables. The sensation as the vibrations travel in circular patterns (clockwise to indicate a right turn, counter clockwise for left), was strange to say the least. But, as the cycles sped up and the turn approached we grew less uncomfortable with the feeling of a vibrating steering wheel. And we actually found the increasing tempo an easier way to discern when a turn was approaching than hearing a robotic voice shout out, "turn left in 500 feet." Check out the gallery above for some not so glamorous shots of the future of tech.

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]]> ATTATT LabsAttLabshands-onhaptic feedbackHapticFeedbackpico projectorPicoProjectorprototypeshadowpuppetssteering wheelSteeringWheel Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:08:00 -0400 21|20219737 <![CDATA[AT&T Labs, Carnegie Mellon research haptic-feedback steering wheel for turn-by-turn directions]]> http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/att-labs-carnegie-mellon-haptic-steering-wheel/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/att-labs-carnegie-mellon-haptic-steering-wheel/ http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/25/att-labs-carnegie-mellon-haptic-steering-wheel/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments A force-feedback steering wheel. It's quite literally the stuff of racing games, and AT&T labs, along with Carnegie Mellon, is researching the possibly of throwing similar tech into your real-world whip. MIT's Technology Review recently highlighted the project, which uses 20 vibrating actuators shoved inside of a steering wheel to create a variety of patterns -- a counter-clockwise sequence could indicate a left turn, for example. As you might have guessed, one of the goals is to keep drivers less distracted by the likes of visual turn-by-turn GPS navigators and more focused on the road. While it's currently being tested with driving simulators, the results are positive so far, if a bit modest. When supplemented with typical audio / visual navigation, folks near the age of 25 kept their eyes planted on the asphalt for 3.1 percent more time than without it. Notably, the improvement wasn't found with those over 65 in the aforementioned instance, however, supplemented with just the audio, the vibrating wheel had them focusing on the road by an increase of four percent.

According to Technology Review, this isn't the first time haptic feedback has been tested as a driving aid, although past tests have, notably, resulted in "fewer turn errors" by those behind the wheel. Best of all, the tech is capable of sending more than just navigation cues -- it could certainly be useful in a Telsa. So when can you expect to find a force-feedback steering wheel in your ride? Technology Review cites Kevin Li, an AT&T Labs researcher on the project, who says the main hurdle is making something that people will just "get," and that it's still "years" away from becoming a possibility. While there's no photos of the setup just yet, a full report on the research will get released in June. Hey, there's always Forza and Gran Turismo, at least for now -- right?

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]]> attatt labsAttLabsfeedbackforce feedbackForceFeedbackhaptichaptic steeringHapticSteeringKevin LiKevinLiresearchSeungJun KimSeungjunKimsteering wheelSteeringWheeltun-by-turn navigationTun-by-turnNavigationvibrationwheel Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:56:00 -0400 21|20200500 <![CDATA[Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSR wheel and Elite pedals review]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/edit-fanatec-forza-motorsort-csr-wheel-and-elite-pedals-review/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/edit-fanatec-forza-motorsort-csr-wheel-and-elite-pedals-review/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/24/edit-fanatec-forza-motorsort-csr-wheel-and-elite-pedals-review/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It's amazing to realize that about two years ago Fanatec's first Xbox 360 racing wheel, the Forza 3 Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel, hit the scene. Although it turned out to be a mixed bag, Fanatec pleasantly surprised us with its Porsche GT2 and Clubsport Pedals in January of this year -- despite a roaring fan and shaky shifter mounts. Now, we're saying hello to a new trio of racing sim-related goods intended for Forza Motorsport 4 on Xbox 360: the $249.95 Forza Motorsport CSR Wheel, $59.95 shifter set, and $149.95 CSR Elite Pedals.

If you'll recall, it was back in March that we checked some of this kit out, and now with Forza 4 here, we hooked this mashup of gear up with our Playseat Evolution for a massive amount of virtual spins. So, did this combination help speed past the checkerboard with a respectable feel? Shift past the break find out in our full review.

Gallery: Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSR Wheel and Elite Pedals review

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]]> carscsrcsr elitecsr elite pedalscsr racing wheelcsr shifter setCsrEliteCsrElitePedalsCsrRacingWheelCsrShifterSetfanatecfanatec csrfanatec csr wheelFanatec Forza Motorsport CSR wheelFanatecCsrFanatecCsrWheelFanatecForzaMotorsportCsrWheelforzaforza 4Forza4pedalsPeripheralracetrackracingreviewshiftersimulationsteeringsteering wheelSteeringWheelVideoGamevirtual racingVirtualRacingwheelxboxxbox 360Xbox360 Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:00:00 -0500 21|20111746 <![CDATA[Who needs feet? SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 steering wheel puts pedals at your fingertips]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/who-needs-feet-steelseries-simraceway-srw-s1-steering-wheel-put/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/who-needs-feet-steelseries-simraceway-srw-s1-steering-wheel-put/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/who-needs-feet-steelseries-simraceway-srw-s1-steering-wheel-put/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Time to face the facts -- your tiny apartment just doesn't have room for a fancy wheel and pedal setup, but clunky gamepads aren't getting you any closer to the winners circle. What's a racing fanatic to do? SteelSeries has an idea: keep the wheel, kill the pedals. Boasting enough buttons to make an authentic F1 steering wheel blush, the SteelSeries Simraceway SRW-S1 steering wheel swaps the traditional foot petal peripheral for a quartet of finger ready paddles saddled on the controller's rear. A motion sensor gives the wheel a tinge of Mario Kart flair, and eliminates the bulky, mountable steering column. The SRW-S1 will set you back $120, and score you just enough room for that La-Z-Boy you always wanted. Check out the wheel's official press release and a demo video after the break.

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]]> gamesgamingracingracing controllerracing gameracing gamesracing wheelRacingControllerRacingGameRacingGamesRacingWheelsim racingSimRacingsteering wheelSteeringWheelvideo Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:33:00 -0500 21|20109583 <![CDATA[Mario Kart 7 Steering Wheel for Nintendo 3DS should help you drift past Toadie]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mario-kart-7-steering-wheel-for-nintendo-3ds-should-help-you-dri/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mario-kart-7-steering-wheel-for-nintendo-3ds-should-help-you-dri/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/25/mario-kart-7-steering-wheel-for-nintendo-3ds-should-help-you-dri/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
It's no secret that Mario Kart 7 is due out in December, but it now appears that a certain 3DS-compatible steering wheel from Hori will be too. (Stoked?) According to Andriasang, Amazon's Japanese site listed the peripheral sans photos, pricing it at a cool ¥1,280 (about $17). Not long after that the blog snagged a few press shots of said unit, which looks like a odd blend of the iPhone-oriented Helix grip and Nintendo's own Wii Wheel. The attachment is said to feature tweaked shoulder triggers and Nintendo's Official Seal of Approval, but won't score you extra SlidePad functionality. You'll find a shot of the back past the break and more details at the links below.

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]]> 3DSHorihori 3ds wheelhori mario kart wheelHori3dsWheelHoriMarioKartWheelMario kart 7mario kart wheelMarioKart7MarioKartWheelnintendoNintendo 3DSnintendo 3ds steering wheelNintendo3dsNintendo3dsSteeringWheelportable gamingPortableGamingsteering wheelSteeringWheelwheel Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:19:00 -0400 21|20090133 <![CDATA[Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On takes you from zero to hero in $200]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
You may never get the chance to join Ferrari's Formula 1 team, but indulging your imagination is about to get a lot easier, now that Thrustmaster has unveiled its new Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On -- a life-sized replica of the wheel you'd find within the 150° Italia. Announced yesterday, this rubber-textured wheel features a full slate of professional-grade rotary knobs, switches and action buttons -- including two rotary encoder switches, eight push-buttons and a set of "push and pull" sequential shifters that, true to form, are attached directly to the wheel face. Designed to seamlessly attach to your T500 RS, the accessory will be available in two models: a PC- and PS3-compatible mode, with 13 action buttons and three D-Pads, or an advanced PC-compatible mode, with 25 action buttons and one D-Pad. No mention, however, of that And if you look in the upper left corner, you'll even find your very own boost button. The Add-On is slated to start shipping in early October for $200, so buckle up and steer past the break for more details, in the full PR.

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]]> add-onbrushed metalBrushedMetalbuttonconsoleD PadD-PadDPaddrivingf1ferrariferrari f1 wheel add onFerrariF1WheelAddOnformula 1Formula1gamePCplaystation 3Playstation3PS3racingrotary knobRotaryKnobsequential shifterSequentialShiftersteering wheelSteeringWheelT500 RST500Rsthrustmasterthrustmaster t500rsThrustmasterT500rswheel Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:02:00 -0400 21|20070338 <![CDATA[Start your engines, open your wallets: Fanatec Forza Motorsport CSRs available for pre-ordering]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/start-your-engines-open-your-wallets-fanatec-forza-motorsport/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/start-your-engines-open-your-wallets-fanatec-forza-motorsport/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/26/start-your-engines-open-your-wallets-fanatec-forza-motorsport/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
The green flag just waved on pre-orders for Fanatec's line of Forza Motorsport accessories, including the CSR Wheel ($250), CSR Elite Pedal Set ($150) and CSR Shifter Set ($60). To refresh your memory: all feature metal construction that, as we noted, gives them a solid, rugged feel. The wheel's force feedback is powered by a Mabuchi RS550 motor, with two additional actuators simulating motor and ABS vibration. The pedals are fully adjustable; a pressure-sensitive brake pedal can be tuned to mimic any car. Finally, the shifter set features a six-speed H-pattern design and can be mounted on either side of the steering wheel. There's no word on when these will actually ship, and sadly for you big spenders, the CSR Wheel Elite isn't yet available. But don't let that keep you from getting revved up over the PR below.

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]]> csrcsr eliteCsrElitefanatecforzaforza motorsportForzaMotorsportmicrosoftpedalpedalsracing wheelRacingWheelsteering wheelSteeringWheelwheel Mon, 26 Sep 2011 16:17:00 -0400 21|20065940 <![CDATA[Fanatec's ClubSport racing wheel is definitely not for Sunday drivers (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fanatecs-clubsport-racing-wheel-is-definitely-not-for-sunday-dr/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fanatecs-clubsport-racing-wheel-is-definitely-not-for-sunday-dr/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/22/fanatecs-clubsport-racing-wheel-is-definitely-not-for-sunday-dr/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments The Fanatec ClubSport is coming this winter to steer that fine line between desirable and ridiculous. The wheel rim can be quick-released from the all-metal, ultra-customizable base, allowing you to switch between a Formula style wheel (depicted), or GT, NASCAR and rally styles. Pricing will be equally hardcore: $450 (excluding taxes) for the base, plus between $150 and $300 for each rim, and an extra $200 if you want machined aluminum ClubSport pedals to match. Full demo in the video after the break.

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]]> clubsportcontrollercustomizableFanatecfanatec clubsportFanatecClubsportGermanminipoststeering wheelSteeringWheelvideowheel Mon, 22 Aug 2011 08:59:00 -0400 21|20023211 <![CDATA[Toyota's new crash-avoidance technology takes control of the wheel]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/toyotas-new-crash-avoidance-technology-takes-control-of-the-whe/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Crash-avoidance technology in cars is hardly anything new, of course, but Toyota's gone a bit further than most with its latest effort. While complete details are still a bit light (including any word of an actual rollout to vehicles), the new system is said to use a combination of both front and rear cameras, and millimeter wave radar technology to detect pedestrians or obstacles that could lead to a crash. The real kicker, however, is that when the car does detect a possible collision, it actually takes control of the wheel to avoid it instead of just stopping the vehicle. What's more, that's just one new safety measure that Toyota recently showed off to reporters in Tokyo -- it's also working on things like a pop-up hood that could provide some additional protection in the event of a crash, and a steering wheel that can measure the driver's heartbeat and avoid a crash if they suffer a heart attack.

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]]> collisioncollision avoidanceCollisionAvoidancecrashcrash avoidanceCrashAvoidancemillimeter wavemillimeter wave radarmillimeter-waveMillimeterWaveMillimeterWaveRadarradarsteeringsteering wheelSteeringWheeltoyota Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:21:00 -0400 21|19997004 <![CDATA[Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on If you're a console racer and you own an Xbox 360 then you know Forza Motorsport is among the best, but you also know that your selection of compatible controllers has left a bit to be desired. At this year's E3, which saw Microsoft peeling the protective tape from the bumpers and fenders of Forza Motorsport 4, there was actually an abundance of compatible wheels on display, but it's clear which were the most serious: two new wheels from Fanatec. They're called the CSR and CSR Elite, and there's a new set of pedals to match. Click on through for our detailed impressions.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheels

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]]> csrcsr eliteCsrElitee3e3 2011E32011fanatecforzaforza motorsportForzaMotorsporthands-onmicrosoftracing wheelRacingWheelsteering wheelSteeringWheelvideowheel Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:22:00 -0400 21|19962855 <![CDATA[Visualized: Porsche's GT3 R Hybrid has its very own boost button]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/visualized-porsches-gt3-r-hybrid-has-its-very-own-boost-button/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/visualized-porsches-gt3-r-hybrid-has-its-very-own-boost-button/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/visualized-porsches-gt3-r-hybrid-has-its-very-own-boost-button/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Sure, it may seem like any old Formula 1 steering wheel, but take a closer look. See that big red button sitting on the left side, just begging to be pressed? That, friends, would be a boost button, capable of giving this Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid racer an extra burst of acceleration. Unlike most battery powered hybrids, both the 911 GT3 R and the 918 RSR run on an inertial flywheel that's spun by the momentum generated whenever the car brakes. All it takes is one tap of the boost button, however, for that momentum to be instantly converted into a potent jolt of KITT-like horsepower. We still don't really know what we'd do with all the other buttons, but we definitely know which one we'd keep our thumb on.

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]]> boost buttonBoostButtonbuttoncarflywheelflywheel hybridFlywheelHybridformula 1Formula1hybridhybrid carsHybridCarsinertial flywheelInertialFlywheelKITTPorscheporsche 911porsche 911 gt3Porsche911Porsche911Gt3RacingSteering WheelSteeringWheeltransportationvisualized Mon, 09 May 2011 13:39:00 -0400 21|19935313 <![CDATA[CTA's translucent Kinect steering wheel, for when you absolutely, positively must see the road]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/ctas-translucent-kinect-steering-wheel-for-when-you-absolutely/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/ctas-translucent-kinect-steering-wheel-for-when-you-absolutely/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/09/ctas-translucent-kinect-steering-wheel-for-when-you-absolutely/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Steering wheels: sure, they're fun and functional, but why do they have to be so opaque? It's like you can't see through them at all! Our friends at CTA Digital -- purveyors of such fine gaming peripherals as the Wii bowling ball and the Nintendo DS/DSi Puppet Pouch -- are thinking outside that particular box with the aptly named Transparent Steering Wheel. Looking like something pulled from the wreckage of Wonder Woman's invisible plane, the TSW is nothing more than a transparent (well, translucent if we're being nitpicky) piece of plastic shaped like a steering wheel, which promises more precise driving on the Kinect racetrack. The company's apparently still perfecting the clear-plastic technology, which will ship June 5th, setting you back $12.99.

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]]> CTACTA DigitalCtaDigitalKinectmicrosoft kinectMicrosoft Xbox 360microsoft xbox360MicrosoftKinectMicrosoftXbox360steering wheelSteeringWheeltranslucentTransparentTransparent Steering WheelTransparentSteeringWheelX-BoxX-Box 360X-box360xboxXbox-360Xbox360 Mon, 09 May 2011 07:31:00 -0400 21|19934899 <![CDATA[XCM's F-1 Converter lets XBox 360 players get behind G25, G27 racing wheels (video)]]> http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/xcms-f-1-converter-lets-xbox-360-players-get-behind-g25-g27-ra/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/xcms-f-1-converter-lets-xbox-360-players-get-behind-g25-g27-ra/ http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/26/xcms-f-1-converter-lets-xbox-360-players-get-behind-g25-g27-ra/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments We've never been shy about our affection for Logitech's G25 and G27 steering wheels, and now we can share our love with our friends of the Xbox 360 persuasion. With the brand new F-1 converter from XCM, die hard Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Slim fans can get behind the same wheels we've been behind since 2006. If that wasn't reward enough, the F-1 also sports a built-in combo-attack memory function for fighting games, and rumble support is baked in for good measure. So go ahead, ye of the XBox 360 ilk, plug her in, caress the contours of her beautiful leather-wrapped curves, feel the way she kicks -- we'll try not to get jealous. Video game voyeurs can check out the F-1 in action after the jump.

[Thanks, Roadography]

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]]> controllercontroller modControllerModcontrollersF-1F-1 converterF-1ConverterG25G27logitechLogitech G25Logitech G27LogitechG25LogitechG27Racingracing wheelRacingWheelSteering Wheelsteering wheelsSteeringWheelSteeringWheelsvideovideo gamesVideoGameswheelxboxxbox slimXbox-360Xbox360XboxSlim Wed, 26 Jan 2011 04:43:00 -0500 21|19815326 <![CDATA[Thrustmaster T500RS steering wheel unveiled: $599 of Gran Turismo perfection]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/thrustmaster-t500rs-steering-wheel-unveiled-599-of-gran-turism/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/thrustmaster-t500rs-steering-wheel-unveiled-599-of-gran-turism/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/25/thrustmaster-t500rs-steering-wheel-unveiled-599-of-gran-turism/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments First the tease, now the payoff. Thrustmaster has officially announced the full specs and price for its T500RS steering wheel and pedal set, otherwise known as the official driving simulator for Gran Turismo 5. The T500RS purportedly lets "users truly feel the emotions experienced by drivers on real racing circuits," though whether this includes feelings of unquenchable anger from being put into the wall at Daytona is unclear. A contactless magnetic sensor system known as HallEffect AccuRate Technology gives gamers sixteen-bit precision input that represents a significant upgrade over the twelve-bit version in the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition. Additionally, 1080 degree wheel rotation gives drivers a half-turn more than Logitech's Driving Force GT, and the system comes with fully adjustable pedals configurable for floor mounted (F1-style) and suspended (GT-style) positions. Slated for a late December or mid January release, depending on your location, the T500RS has a hefty list price of $599.99 MSRP, but how else will you find out what a Bugatti Veyron really handles like on the 'ring?

Gallery: GranTurismo Thrustmaster T500RS

12-23-10 thrustmastert500rsgallery112-23-10 thrustmastert500rsgallery212-23-10 thrustmastert500rsgallery312-23-10 thrustmastert500rsgallery412-23-10 thrustmastert500rsgallery5

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]]> AccessoryGame controllerGameControllergamingGran Turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5GT5Playstation 3Playstation3ps3Racingracing wheelRacingWheelSteering WheelSteeringWheelt500rsThrustmasterthrustmaster t500rsThrustmasterT500rswheel Sat, 25 Dec 2010 04:02:00 -0500 21|19775695 <![CDATA[Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2 racing wheel steers its way into online availability]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/fanatec-porsche-911-gt2-racing-wheel-steers-its-way-into-online/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/fanatec-porsche-911-gt2-racing-wheel-steers-its-way-into-online/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/fanatec-porsche-911-gt2-racing-wheel-steers-its-way-into-online/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments For some of you, it wouldn't be Gran Turismo 5 unless there's a force-feedback steering wheel at the helm, but which one to choose? If history's any judge, that depends on how just how badly you want to feel like you're driving a Porsche. $250 buys you the Fanatec Porsche 911 GT2, another officially-licensed Xbox 360 wireless wheel, which features fourteen hidden buttons, a 900° steering angle, and the exact same soft Alacantra leather you'll find on the real deal. (R.I.P, Khan.) Like its oh-so-similar predecessors, the controller also plays nice with PS3 and PC via USB cable, and an extra $250 for the Clubsport Edition gets you a stick shift, carbon fiber paddle shifters, and some seriously high-end adjustable aluminum pedals. Read up on all the details at our source link. You'll want to be prepared for that heart-to-heart with your wallet.

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]]> fanatecforce feedbackforce-feedbackForceFeedbackgamingperipheralracingracing wheelRacingWheelsteering wheelSteeringWheelwheelxbox 360Xbox360 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 13:02:00 -0500 21|19767010 <![CDATA[Thrustmaster teases T500RS steering wheel, the new official peripheral for Gran Turismo]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/thrustmaster-teases-t500rs-steering-wheel-the-new-official-peri/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/thrustmaster-teases-t500rs-steering-wheel-the-new-official-peri/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/05/thrustmaster-teases-t500rs-steering-wheel-the-new-official-peri/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments Thrustmaster teases T500RS steering wheel, the new official peripheral for Gran Turismo GT5 is finally, finally out, but amazingly it seems to have beaten its official steering wheel to market. For a long time Logitech has maintained the honor of building the wheel that carried Gran Turismo branding, and indeed its Driving Force GT is still the first wheel in the GT5 options. But, Thrustmaster seems to have secured the license for the franchise now and is building a wheel called the T500RS which, if you go Thrustmaster.com, you can get a quick peek of -- or you can just look at the screengrab above. The wheel promises unrivaled accuracy and what looks to be the same sort of magnetic sensor technology used in the company's overwhelmingly beefy HOTAS Warthog controller. Rumors say it'll carry a similar price, too, a whopping $500 MSRP without the optional H-pattern shifter and, though our attempts to confirm anything were shooed away like so many fruitflies, we've been promised more info to come at CES.

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]]> game controllerGameControllergran turismoGranTurismogt5gt500gt500rssteering wheelSteeringWheelthrustmasterwheel Sun, 05 Dec 2010 05:03:00 -0500 21|19746302 <![CDATA[Alps Electric wants to wire up your car for interactivity]]> http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/alps-electric-wants-to-wire-up-your-car-for-interactivity/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/alps-electric-wants-to-wire-up-your-car-for-interactivity/ http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/12/alps-electric-wants-to-wire-up-your-car-for-interactivity/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments At first glance it might seem that Alps Electric would actually just be happy to have you crash horrifically or mow down pedestrians while trying to fiddle with one of its steering wheel-mounted touchpads. Upon closer examination, however, it seems the Japanese-based Alps just loves tech, and is content to leave the specific applications -- and their potential safety implications -- up to others. The touchpads seem like a nice addition to a car if someone can come up with low-impact UI to be controlled by them, but we're more interested in the stereo camera and human presence sensor Alps Electric wants to build into your car roof. The idea is that it allows for folks in the back seat to use gestures to control the dashboard navigation device, or AC vents to automatically point themselves at the appropriate height of the occupant. The camera and presence sensor can also be used to obtain imagery of potential car thieves. We don't know how much all this will cost, or when we'll start finding it in our cars, but in the meantime we're going to start gesticulating wildly in the backseat of vehicles and seeing if any onboard electronics notice.

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]]> alpsalps electricAlpsElectriccar electronicsCarElectronicsin car electronicsInCarElectronicsjapansensorssteering wheelsteering wheel touchpadSteeringWheelSteeringWheelTouchpadstereo cameraStereoCameratouchpad Tue, 12 Oct 2010 20:40:00 -0400 21|19671020 <![CDATA[Fanatec Porsche 911 Turbo Wheel for Xbox 360 review]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/fanatec-porsche-911-turbo-wheel-for-xbox-360-review/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/fanatec-porsche-911-turbo-wheel-for-xbox-360-review/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/19/fanatec-porsche-911-turbo-wheel-for-xbox-360-review/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments To celebrate the release of Forza Motorsport 2, Microsoft made a big deal about its Wireless Racing Wheel, a cable-free force-feedback controller for racers that was only really wireless if you didn't want force-feedback. It was a reasonable compromise and a reasonably good wheel, but it just didn't compare to the high-end stuff supported by that other great console racing series: Gran Turismo. In GT5 you can hit the track while gripping things like Logitech's G25 or G27, either of which make Microsoft's offering look like a toy. With the release of Forza 3 there's a new contender available, the Porsche Turbo S from Fanatec. It's a much more serious offering with more capable feedback, proper shifters with a clutch, and a rather more impressive design. But it also has a rather more impressive price tag: $249 to start and, like a real Porsche, going way up from there with options. Is it worth the entrance price or are you better off putting your money toward race tires? Read on to find out.

Gallery: Fanatec Porsche Turbo S wheel

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]]> fanatecfanatec porsche turbo sFanatecPorscheTurboSfeaturefeaturedfeaturesforzaforza motorsportforza motorsport 3ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport3gaming controllergaming wheelGamingControllerGamingWheelmicrosoft xbox 360MicrosoftXbox360pcporscheporsche turbo sPorscheTurboSps3reviewsteering wheelSteeringWheelwheelxbox 360Xbox360 Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:02:00 -0500 21|19244238 <![CDATA[Logitech's $300 G27 racing wheel gives sidelined DUI possessors a taste of the road]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/logitechs-300-g27-racing-wheel-gives-sidelined-dui-possessors/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/logitechs-300-g27-racing-wheel-gives-sidelined-dui-possessors/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/17/logitechs-300-g27-racing-wheel-gives-sidelined-dui-possessors/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
Eager to get back on the track, but not so eager to ease up on the sauce? Fret not, our continually inebriated friends, as Logitech has just the answer for your awfully depressing road woes. The long-awaited successor to the original G25 racing wheel is finally on the scenes, as the G27 brings along real metal, real leather and a real taste of driving that can likely only be mimicked whilst seated in some sort of $30k+ sportster. The wheel is designed to function with Sony's PS2 and PS3 as well as Windows-based PCs, and aside from the built-in force feedback mechanism, you'll also find a pair of stainless steel shifter paddles, RPM / shift indicator lights and a clutch that fully supports heel-and-toe downshifting. Is all that realism worth $299.99? Judge with your wallet come September.

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]]> controllerforce feedbackForceFeedbackG27games for windowsGamesForWindowsgaminglogitechplaystationplaystation 2playstation 3Playstation2Playstation3ps2ps3racingracing wheelRacingWheelsonysteering wheelSteeringWheelwheelwindows Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:00:00 -0400 21|19131006 <![CDATA[What CTA's iPhone steering wheel lacks in style, it also lacks in convenience]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
For many users, any game that ends up installed on an iPhone is something of an after-thought: It sits there, quietly, waiting for a spare moment in the dentist's waiting room or on the train. But CTA Digital, a company known for its various game controllers, has a vision of the future that includes people lugging around little plastic steering wheels with an iPhone-sized hole in the middle. We don't know how much this "Basic Steering Wheel for iPhone and iPod Touch" will actually bring the "feel of driving a real vehicle" to Ferrari GT, but the guy in the video sure looks like he's having fun. Allegedly works with most horizontally configured racing games, and includes adapters for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, and iPod Touch 2G. See for yourself after the break.

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]]> appleBasic Steering Wheel for iPhone and iPod TouchBasicSteeringWheelForIphoneAndIpodTouchctacta digitalcta digital steering wheelCtaDigitalCtaDigitalSteeringWheelgamesgamingiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmobileothersperipheralssteering wheelsteering wheel for iphoneSteeringWheelSteeringWheelForIphone Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:28:00 -0400 21|19121720 <![CDATA[What CTA's iPhone steering wheel lacks in style, it also lacks in convenience]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/06/what-ctas-iphone-steering-wheel-lacks-in-style-it-also-lacks-i/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
For many users, any game that ends up installed on an iPhone is something of an after-thought: It sits there, quietly, waiting for a spare moment in the dentist's waiting room or on the train. But CTA Digital, a company known for its various game controllers, has a vision of the future that includes people lugging around little plastic steering wheels with an iPhone-sized hole in the middle. We don't know how much this "Basic Steering Wheel for iPhone and iPod Touch" will actually bring the "feel of driving a real vehicle" to Ferrari GT, but the guy in the video sure looks like he's having fun. Allegedly works with most horizontally configured racing games, and includes adapters for the iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, and iPod Touch 2G. See for yourself after the break.

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]]> appleBasic Steering Wheel for iPhone and iPod TouchBasicSteeringWheelForIphoneAndIpodTouchctacta digitalcta digital steering wheelCtaDigitalCtaDigitalSteeringWheelgamesgamingiphoneipod touchIpodTouchsteering wheelsteering wheel for iphoneSteeringWheelSteeringWheelForIphone Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:28:00 -0400 21|19121672 <![CDATA[German researchers show off steering wheel-mounted OLED]]> http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/german-researchers-show-off-steering-wheel-mounted-oled/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Engadget http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/german-researchers-show-off-steering-wheel-mounted-oled/ http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/german-researchers-show-off-steering-wheel-mounted-oled/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget#comments
We've already seen OLED displays that promise to squeeze into a rearview mirror and other parts of a vehicle, and it looks like Germany's CARO research association has now found yet another place to stick one: right in the middle of the steering wheel. As you can see above, that would effectively replace the center emblem in the steering wheel (the gauges are just for show, apparently), which the researchers say would open up a whole host of new design possibilities for auto manufacturers -- for instance, having the center emblem light up when the door opens. They're also quick to point out that the thin nature of the OLED wouldn't affect the airbag, and power consumption would, of course, be at a minimum. As you might have guessed, however, there's no word on any automakers that have signed up just yet, although CARO does also have a new highly-readable, orange emitting OLED suitable for in-dash use for those looking to keep things a bit more conventional.

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]]> automotivecarcarooledsteering wheelSteeringWheelvehicle Tue, 12 May 2009 13:49:00 -0400 21|1543850