IControlPad

Last updated
iControlPad
IControlPad.jpg
The iControlPad in its standalone and clamp-on configurations (with iPhone 4).
ManufactureriControlPad Ltd. [1]
Type Video game controller
Input
  • 8 × Digital buttons
    (A, B, X, Y, L, R, Start, Select)
  • Digital D-pad
  • 2 × analog nubs
Power1 × 1500mAH cell
Website icontrolpad.com

The iControlPad is a wireless game controller compatible with a variety of smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. It is designed for use as either a standalone gamepad or attached to appropriately sized devices, such as the iPhone, using a clamp system. [2] Due to this, the iControlPad is able to add traditional physical gaming controls to devices which otherwise rely on inputs such as touchscreens and accelerometers. [3]

Contents

Overview

The iControlPad's input controls include an eight-directional D-pad, dual analog nubs, six digital face buttons, and two digital trigger buttons on the gamepad's reverse. The sides of the iControlPad are detachable, with two different attachment types: rubber grips, for using the controller as a standard wireless gamepad; or plastic clamps, for connecting with a suitable handheld, such as a smartphone or iPod Touch. [2] A mini USB port on the bottom of the iControlPad can be used to charge the internal 1500mAh battery, update the device's firmware, and charge attached devices using a USB On-The-Go connection and an appropriate adapter. [1]

The iControlPad, a Bluetooth device, can be run in a wide variety of modes, including as a HID keyboard, mouse, joystick, and gamepad, among others, allowing compatibility with equipment which is limited to only certain types of input. [1] One of the iControlPad's modes mimics the protocol used by the iCade, an arcade cabinet released for the Apple iPad, facilitating compatibility between apps designed for the iCade and the iControlPad hardware. [2]

Due to the iControlPad's ability to operate as a Bluetooth keyboard—by mapping the D-pad and buttons to standard keyboard keys—it is able to communicate with devices such as those running Apple's iOS, including the iPhone and iPad, which do not support Bluetooth gamepads. [4] Since iOS natively supports keyboards, apps can be developed with iControlPad compatibility using either its own protocol or that of the iCade. Thus, the iControlPad is able to control video games and video game console emulators across multiple platforms. [5]

Development

Development of the iControlPad began in 2007,[ specify ] with testing using a hacked SNES gamepad to connect to an iPhone over the dock connection. [6] Once the serial connection was working, the first prototype iControlPad was produced, using a design styled after the Sony PSP. This earliest concept was a one-piece case enveloping the iPhone, with a D-pad on the left side, and four face buttons on the right in a landscape orientation, [7] and was first revealed in 2008. [8] [9]

By November 2009, a completely redesigned iControlPad prototype was under development. This much larger version moved the controls below the screen and added two analog nubs and two trigger buttons to the controller. [10] This design, which featured clamps to attach it to the iPhone, was much closer to the version that was ultimately released, and would soon go into production. [11]

However, one large change was made very late in development. The team had secretly added Bluetooth support to the iControlPad, in order to increase compatibility beyond the iPhone and its proprietary connection. [12] This proved fortunate when Apple began exercising its rights over the dock connector, suing an unlicensed accessory maker. Thus, the iControlPad team were forced to adapt to use the Bluetooth connection for the iPhone, [13] and it was this version which finally became available for order in February 2011. [14]

Supported apps

Apple iOS

TitleDeveloperRelease dateNotes
Atari's Greatest Hits a b Atari 06 Apr 2011Supported since launch. [15]
Compression HD a Little White Bear Studios17 May 2010Supported since version 1.3. [16]
HungryMaster a xionchannel02 Jul 2011Supported since version 1.12. [17]
iMAME4All a c David Valdeita16 Aug 2010Supported since version 1.7. [18] [19]
IronStar Arena a Appracatappra6 May 2011Supported since version 02.00. [20]
Mos Speedrun a Physmo06 Apr 2011Supported since version 1.4. [21]
Sideways Racing a Bjango23 May 2011Supported since version 1.0.2. [22]
Shuttle Scuttle a Embraceware17 May 2012Supported since version 1.1.
Velocispider a Retro Dreamer31 May 2011Supported since version 1.2. [23]
"Flashback: The Quest for Identity" a Manomio 18 Aug 2011Supported since version 1.5. [24]

Multiplatform

TitleDeveloperRelease datePlatformNotes
GBC.emu a Robert Broglia23 Apr 2011 Android, iOS, webOS Supported since launch. [25]
MD.emu a Robert Broglia28 Jun 2011Android, iOS, webOSSupported since launch.[ citation needed ]
NES.emu a Robert Broglia09 Feb 2011Android, iOS, webOSSupported since 1.3.13. [26]
PCE.emu a Robert Broglia27 Aug 2010Android, iOS, webOSSupported since 1.3.13. [27]
Snes9x EX a Robert Broglia16 Mar 2011Android, iOS, webOSSupported since launch. [28]

Future releases

Apple iOS

TitleDeveloperRelease dateNotes
Commodore 64Manomio05 Sep 2009Support expected in next update. [29]
iAmigaManomioTBASupport expected at launch. [29]
Interstellar ForceDavid Molnar10 Mar 2011Support expected in next update. [30]
No Gravity a [realtech VR]24 Mar 2011Support now available for iOS/Android and HP webOS. [31]

Reception

Reception for the iControlPad has been mostly positive. Register Hardware noted that while "patience and geekery" were required to get the controller working, the iControlPad "almost perfectly solves the touchscreen game control conundrum". [32] Gadgetoid homed in on the device's usefulness for classic gaming, remarking that it was "awesome [...] for emulation on the go". [2] TouchArcade's reviewer said while playing games with the iControlPad that "the experience feels great", but that "[he couldn't] recommend that the typical gamer run out right now and grab one," due to its limited support on the iTunes App Store. [33]

Early reviews were mixed on the quality of the controls, with DroidGamers describing them as "very loose", [5] while, conversely, Register Hardware said "the analogue nubs and face buttons work extremely well". [32] The controller's responsiveness was later improved by replacing the original rubber keymat with a larger one. In their review, Gadgetoid lauded the inputs as having "a great tactile feel and a liberal amount of travel with a good response." [2]

iControlPad 2

A successor, the iControlPad 2, was successfully funded via Kickstarter in October 2012. As of November 2013, it has been cancelled, and the backers were KickScammed. [34]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal digital assistant</span> Multi-purpose mobile device

A personal digital assistant (PDA) is a multi-purpose mobile device which functions as a personal information manager. Following a boom in the 1990s and 2000s, PDA's were mostly displaced by the widespread adoption of more highly capable smartphones, in particular those based on iOS and Android in the late 2000's, and thus saw a rapid decline.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pointing device</span> Human interface device for computers

A pointing device is a human interface device that allows a user to input spatial data to a computer. Graphical user interfaces (GUI) and CAD systems allow the user to control and provide data to the computer using physical gestures by moving a hand-held mouse or similar device across the surface of the physical desktop and activating switches on the mouse. Movements of the pointing device are echoed on the screen by movements of the pointer and other visual changes. Common gestures are point and click and drag and drop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Game controller</span> Device used with games or entertainment systems

A game controller, gaming controller, or simply controller, is an input device or input/output device used with video games or entertainment systems to provide input to a video game. Input devices that have been classified as game controllers include keyboards, mice, gamepads, and joysticks, as well as special purpose devices, such as steering wheels for driving games and light guns for shooting games. Controllers designs have evolved to include directional pads, multiple buttons, analog sticks, joysticks, motion detection, touch screens and a plethora of other features.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Microsoft SideWinder</span> Digital video game controllers

Microsoft SideWinder is a former brand name for a family of video gaming peripherals developed by Microsoft for PCs. It was initially marketed from 1995 to 2003 consisting of game controllers, then again from 2007 until the early 2010s with gaming mice and keyboards.

A human interface device (HID) is a type of computer device usually used by humans that takes input from or provides output to humans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gamepad</span> Type of video game controller

A gamepad is a type of video game controller held in two hands, where the fingers are used to provide input. They are typically the main input device for video game consoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D-pad</span> Input device for a video game controller

A D-pad, known as a +Control Pad in Nintendo terminology, is a flat, typically thumb-operated, directional controller. D-pads are found on nearly all modern gamepads, handheld game consoles, and audiovisual device remote controls. Because they operate using four internal push-buttons, the vast majority of D-pads provide discrete, rather than continuous, directional options—typically limited to up, down, left, and right, and sometimes offering intermediate diagonals by means of two-button combinations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Windows Mobile</span> Family of mobile operating systems by Microsoft (2000–2013)

Windows Mobile is a discontinued mobile operating system developed by Microsoft for smartphones and personal digital assistants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arcade controller</span>

An arcade controller is a collective set of input devices designed primarily for use in an arcade cabinet. A typical control set consists of a joystick and a number of push-buttons. Less common setups include devices such as trackballs or steering wheels. These devices are generally produced under the assumption that they will be used in commercial settings, such as in video arcades, where they may be heavily or roughly used. Durability is one of the distinguishing characteristics of "authentic" arcade parts when compared with numerous, low-cost arcade imitations designed for private use in the home.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tablet computer</span> Mobile computer with integrated display, circuitry and battery

A tablet computer, commonly shortened to tablet, is a mobile device, typically with a mobile operating system and touchscreen display processing circuitry, and a rechargeable battery in a single, thin and flat package. Tablets, being computers, have similar capabilities, but lack some input/output (I/O) abilities that others have. Modern tablets largely resemble modern smartphones, the only differences being that tablets are relatively larger than smartphones, with screens 7 inches (18 cm) or larger, measured diagonally, and may not support access to a cellular network. Unlike laptops, tablets usually run mobile operating systems, alongside smartphones.

Various accessories for the PlayStation 3 video game console have been produced by Sony and third-party companies. These include controllers, audio and video input devices like microphones, video cameras, and cables for better sound and picture quality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HP Pre 3</span>

The HP Pre 3, styled as Pre3, is a touchscreen slider smartphone manufactured by Hewlett-Packard. The device uses webOS, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and has a 3.6-inch screen. It is conceptually the successor to the Palm Pre 2 and earlier Pre and Pre Plus models.

iCade Accessory for the Apple iPad

The iCade is an accessory for the Apple iPad line of devices which functions as a miniaturised, portable arcade cabinet, including a physical joystick and buttons. The iPad is inserted into the iCade and connects to the device using Bluetooth, allowing it to be used as an arcade-style controller for compatible games.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U GamePad</span> Primary game controller for the Wii U

The Wii U GamePad is the standard game controller for Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Incorporating features from tablet computers, the GamePad has traditional input methods, touchscreen controls, and motion controls. The touchscreen can be used to supplement a game by providing alternate, second screen functionality or an asymmetric view of a scenario in a game. The screen can also be used to play a game strictly on the GamePad screen without the use of a television display. Conversely, non-gaming functions can be assigned to it as well, such as using it as a television remote.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox Wireless Controller</span> Primary game controller for the Xbox platform

The Xbox Wireless Controller is the primary game controller for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S home video game consoles, also the official controller for use in Windows-based PCs, and compatible with other operating systems such as macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. The controller maintains the overall layout found in the Xbox 360 controller, but with various tweaks to its design, such as a revised shape, redesigned analog sticks, shoulder buttons, and triggers, along with new rumble motors within the triggers to allow for directional haptic feedback.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Atari joystick port</span> Computer port used for gaming controllers

The Atari joystick port is a computer port used to connect various gaming controllers to game console and home computer systems in the 1970s to the 1990s. It was originally introduced on the Atari 2600 in 1977 and then used on the Atari 400 and 800 in 1979. It went cross-platform with the VIC-20 in 1981, and was then used on many following machines from both companies, as well as a growing list of 3rd party machines like the MSX platform and various Sega consoles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox Adaptive Controller</span> Video game controller designed by Microsoft for people with disabilities

The Xbox Adaptive Controller (XAC) is a video game controller designed by Microsoft for Windows PCs and the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S video game consoles. The controller was designed for people with disabilities to help make user input for video games more accessible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xbox Cloud Gaming</span> Microsoft cloud gaming service

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a cloud gaming service as part of Xbox offered by Microsoft Gaming. Initially released in beta testing in November 2019, the service later launched for subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on September 15, 2020. Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming is provided to subscribers of Ultimate at no additional cost. Xbox Cloud Gaming operates by linking the device to a remote server in the cloud.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "iControlPad Quick Start Guide" (PDF). iControlPad Ltd. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "iControlPad Review". Gadgetoid. July 9, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  3. ↑ Kwan, Michael (2008-12-23). "Game for Real with iPhone iControlPad". Mobile Magazine . Pilato Private Consulting. Retrieved 2011-07-04. Naturally, you'll still be able to take advantage of anything on the touchscreen [...] using the accelerometer, but having "real" gaming controls is a great option as well.
  4. ↑ Dotson, Carter (February 14, 2011). "Gaming on iOS is About to Get Physical With a Variety of External Joystick and Gamepad Solutions". 148Apps. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  5. 1 2 Grace, Tom (April 13, 2011). "iControlPad for Android Review: It's as easy as A, B, X, Y..." DroidGamers. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  6. ↑ "iControlPad - Add real gaming controls to your iPhone!". iControlPad Ltd. Archived from the original on March 16, 2009. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  7. ↑ Stevens, Tim (December 12, 2008). "iControlPad gamepad heads to production, warms hearts". Engadget . AOL . Retrieved 2011-07-04.
  8. ↑ Wattanajantra, Asavin (2010-08-27). "iControlPad unofficial iPhone gamepad coming soon". CNET . Retrieved 2011-07-04. The device has been in development for some time. [...] A different form of the iControlPad appeared before in 2008 [...]
  9. ↑ Sorrel, Charlie (2011-02-09). "iControlPad for iPhone Finally Shipping, Adds Support for All Phones". Wired . Retrieved 2011-07-04. At long, long last the iControlPad – a hardware gamepad for the iPhone – can be bought. Well, almost. You can order today for a delivery next week [...]
  10. ↑ Patel, Nilay (November 8, 2009). "Latest iControlPad prototype bulks up, gets handled on video". Engadget . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  11. ↑ Davies, Chris (August 23, 2010). "iControlPad for iPhone production parts now shipping". SlashGear . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  12. ↑ Rothwell, Craig (September 29, 2010). "Something we kept secret ..." Twitter . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  13. ↑ Davies, Chris (September 28, 2010). "iControlPad dumps Dock Connector for Bluetooth over Apple legal fears; Android BT confirmed". SlashGear . Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  14. ↑ Perkins, Samia (February 8, 2011). "iControlPad with Bluetooth Shipping This Month". SlashGear . R3 Media LLC. Retrieved 2011-07-04. The new iControlPad with Bluetooth is scheduled to ship February 16th.
  15. ↑ Foresman, Chris (April 6, 2011). "100 classic Atari games for iOS out now, iCade cabinet coming in June". Ars Technica. Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  16. ↑ Dotson, Carter (June 30, 2011). "Compression HD Gets Support for iCade". 148Apps.biz. Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  17. ↑ "HungryMaster 1.12" (in Japanese). xionchannel. July 21, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  18. ↑ Murph, Darren (July 10, 2011). "iMAME4All gains experimental support for iCade, iOS gamers gain infinite happiness". Engadget . Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  19. ↑ Valdeita, David. "imame4all - MAME for ALL iOS devices". Google Code . Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  20. ↑ "IronStar Arena for iCade". Appracatappra. July 16, 2011. Archived from the original on March 27, 2012. Retrieved 2011-07-17.
  21. ↑ "What we are up to". Physmo. June 25, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-12.
  22. ↑ "Version history for Sideways Racing, an iPad game". Bjango. Archived from the original on 2011-09-20. Retrieved 2011-07-21.
  23. ↑ Bowman, Gavin (July 27, 2011). "Velocispider V1.2 Out Now". Retro Dreamer. Archived from the original on 2015-09-18. Retrieved 2011-07-28.
  24. ↑ Carnie, Stuart (August 18, 2011). "Flashback: Now with iControlPad support". manomio. Retrieved 2011-08-18.
  25. ↑ Broglia, Robert (April 23, 2011). "GBC.emu Updates". Ex Plus Alpha. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  26. ↑ Broglia, Robert (February 28, 2011). "NES.emu Updates". Ex Plus Alpha. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  27. ↑ Broglia, Robert (February 28, 2011). "PCE.emu Updates". Ex Plus Alpha. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  28. ↑ Broglia, Robert (March 16, 2011). "Snes9x EX Updates". Ex Plus Alpha. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  29. 1 2 Patterson, Blake (June 18, 2011). "Manomio Demonstrates iCade Support for 'iAmiga' Emulator". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2011-07-18.
  30. ↑ "I'm working on adding ..." Twitter. July 18, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
  31. ↑ Nogravity iPad2 + iCade. YouTube. July 16, 2011. Retrieved 2011-07-17.
  32. 1 2 Bailey, Andrew (May 18, 2011). "iControlPad Bluetooth controller for mobile devices". Register Hardware . Retrieved 2011-07-19.
  33. 1 2 Patterson, Blake (July 13, 2011). "A Close Look at the 'iControlPad' Bluetooth Control Accessory". TouchArcade. Retrieved 2011-07-19.
  34. ↑ "iControlpad 2 by Product 3 LLC". Kickscammed. Retrieved 2020-11-15.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.