E3 2006: The New Wireless Fleet
Microsoft unveils a wireless steering wheel, headset and more. First shots and details.
by Douglass C. Perry
May 9, 2006 - Today, the day before E3 2006, Microsoft unleashed the first set of wireless controllers since the console launched in November 2005, and today's new fleet take the wireless idea to the next level.
Microsoft unveiled three new wireless products, all internally developed: 1) The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel; 2) the Xbox 360 Wireless Headset; 3) and the Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows.
After studying the statistics on attach rates, Microsoft watched as wireless products went from a 17%-18% attach rate (the ration tie-in of peripherals and consoles sold together) in 2004 to a 60% attach rate in 2005 and 2006. Wireless controllers, says Microsoft's Albert Penello, the global platform marketing lead, responsible for console and accessories, out-sell wired controllers four to one. Microsoft plans on delivering these three wireless peripherals by fall 2006 on Xbox 360 and PC.
The Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel (release date: fall, price TBD) is in development internally at Microsoft by several members from the Microsoft Sidewinder team. The first-party design has a thick, contoured rubber pad for lap usage, and a sturdy clamp for table usage. The wireless steering wheel comes with F1-style shift paddles and pedals equipped with a medal rim to anchor your heels while playing.
The existing battery life is the same as the wireless controller and, by using the AC adaptor, you'll get force feedback. There are two levels of feedback, the basic rumble motors that pick up wheels on gravel and low-level rumbles, and force feedback, from the actual car performance -- slides, crashes, etc. The same rechargeable unit that works for the controllers works with the Xbox 360 wireless steering wheel. The wheel comes with full Dpad usage, ABXY buttons, and a guide button. It comes in one color, "chill white."
The Xbox 360 Wireless Headset (release date: fall, price TBD) is a small ear-clip that mimics the current fad of Blue Tooth-enabled cell phones. It fits over your ear; there are two sizes for smaller and larger size ears. The wireless earpiece features better sound quality than previous headsets and features a better mic and better sound reception technology. It features an adjustable boom, 30-foot range, and a built-in lithium battery with eight hours and a wall charger to recharge.
The Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver for Windows (release date: fall, price TBD) enables players who use both consoles and PCs to attach wireless accessories to their PC. Using a simple USB port, players can plug this tool into their PC permitting other wireless controllers and accessories to be used with their PC.
Take a look at these in-game images and then check out the additional images in the gallery section.
http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/706/706021p1.html
