Project DRONE - Kickstarter-funded open-source bluetooth gamepad for smartphones and tablets - Games

[IMG]http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/7045351041_b11fdd505c_b.jpg[/IMG] [URL="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/evolutioncontrollers/smart-controllers"]The DRONE Project[/URL] is an effort to create a wireless controller for portable devices such as smartphones and tablets as an alternative to the oft-cumbersome touchscreen controls that games for these devices generally use (though it will also work as a standard gamepad for any computer that's Bluetooth compatible, and potentially any other device which uses Bluetooth). It is designed to have the same familiar and flexible controls as most modern console gamepads in a form factor that is comfortable to use, easy to carry around in your pocket, and durable enough to survive rough transport and DIY experimentation. It also follows an "open source" scheme, the controller can be opened by removing 4 ordinary phillips screws and the internal components and PCB are designed to be easy to work with for those experienced with electronics, as well as shipping with complete schematics and sketches and other information. The developers have been open to user feedback regarding the design, with features such as the dual analogue sticks being added as per the input of the project supporters. [thumb]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6900079970_c4742c2dba_b.jpg[/thumb][thumb]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7100/7046163859_bf1590f089_b.jpg[/thumb] [SUB](images of the older prototype, design has since been changed to include 2nd analogue stick as seen in the first image)[/SUB] Evolution Controllers, the founders of the project, are seeking $60,000 in funding to manufacture the controller on a large scale. [quote=Kickstarter] Our plan is to manufacture controllers in high volume so that we can keep the price as low as possible, The DRONE™ needs to be durable for portability and high quality. To accomplish this we need injection moulded parts and quality electronic components The Injection molds alone will cost up to $10,000. Once the moulds are made we can start manufacturing the Printed Circuit Boards and populating them with the necessary electrical components. Finally we can start burning the Arduino bootloader on the chips and then uploading our “factory code” so we will have the basic functionality for playing almost all ROMs and ISOs on all emulators. Lastly we will need to spend countless hours playing games to ensure that the product is the quality that we originally set out for. It’s a tough step but someone has to do it. One thing will also focus on is making this controller ready for the store shelf, we will be designing and manufacturing custom packaging with detailed graphics that will complement the digital devices we are intended to work with. We know that this product will be a wonderful platform for gamers and tinkerers around the world, we just need your help to start the Evolution! [/quote] As of this writing about $18,000 has been pledged by 218 backers. Pledging $65 or more will guarantee you a controller (estimated to ship December of this year), and for $150 or more you will receive a current PCB prototype of the controller to program and solder as you please, as well as a completed controller when they ship. The website EmuParadise is also holding a random draw contest to win a controller for free. The deadline for funding is Thursday Apr 19, 3:50pm EDT. I personally think the idea is quite appealing. With many modern Android smartphones being able to output to a television via HDMI, having one of these controllers with an Android phone would be like having a traditional set-top console that fits in your pocket and only needs 1 or 2 small cables. Imagine taking a device out of your pocket, plugging it in to a TV (and [i]optionally[/i] a power outlet), and sitting down on a couch with a wireless controller to play your favourite classic N64/Playstation/etc. games, or any game from the app store that allows external input. I would almost go so far as to say that I forsee this method someday in the distant future replacing traditional consoles as we know them, as technology continually shifts toward more portable and more powerful. I am not affiliated with this project in any way and in fact I just found out about it earlier this evening. I would simply like to hear Facepunch's opinion on the subject, and perhaps help it come to fruition by spreading the word. [url]http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/evolutioncontrollers/smart-controllers[/url] [SUB](I realise after posting that this thread is probably better suited to the Hardware and Software section, my apologies)[/SUB]

I am sick of this Kickstarter shit. Tim Schafer has done it, now every indie "dev" / anyone who can program an Arduino wants the world to fund their super-ambitious project. Tim Schafer did it because he has proven that he is capable of managing such project and he is quite known.

[QUOTE=VistaPOWA;35480676]I am sick of this Kickstarter shit. Tim Schafer has done it, now every indie "dev" / anyone who can program an Arduino wants the world to fund their super-ambitious project. Tim Schafer did it because he has proven that he is capable of managing such project and he is quite known.[/QUOTE] Then don't pledge.

I like it, nice design. Now whether i'd get one for my iPhone is another question.. screen size and all. I guess without your hands being on the screen, it would free up space. I do see this being more for the iPad.

[quote]Pledge $1,500 or more (Silver Gamer) - 99.99% Pure Silver leaf controller in custom display case, you also get 1 Special Edition controller and 1 original controller and 5 “I’m a Backer” ear-buds. We will also include a letter authenticating the silver quality. [/quote] [quote]Pledge $2,000 or more (Gold Gamer) - 24 Karat Gold leaf controller in custom display case with letter of authenticity. You also get 1 Special Edition controller and 1 original controller and 5 “I’m a Backer” ear-buds. We will also include a letter authenticating the gold quality. [/quote] Dohohohoh

[QUOTE=VistaPOWA;35480676]I am sick of this Kickstarter shit. Tim Schafer has done it, now every indie "dev" / anyone who can program an Arduino wants the world to fund their super-ambitious project. Tim Schafer did it because he has proven that he is capable of managing such project and he is quite known.[/QUOTE] These kind of Kickstarters have existed long before the Double Fine one.

I'll give it this, the design looks really nice

[QUOTE=VistaPOWA;35480676]I am sick of this Kickstarter shit. Tim Schafer has done it, now every indie "dev" / anyone who can program an Arduino wants the world to fund their super-ambitious project. Tim Schafer did it because he has proven that he is capable of managing such project and he is quite known.[/QUOTE] I'M MAD THAT PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE THINGS AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WANT TO FUND IDEAS WHY CAN'T EVERYONE BE COMPLACENT

if I had something like this I might actually bother to install emulators on my phone...

[QUOTE=yuki;35483758]I'M MAD THAT PEOPLE WANT TO MAKE THINGS AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE WANT TO FUND IDEAS WHY CAN'T EVERYONE BE COMPLACENT[/QUOTE] I'd argue with you but I don't feel like it

[QUOTE=Paramud;35493470]I'd argue with you but I don't feel like it[/QUOTE] Yes let's argue with something that happens everyday and you have the choice not to fund if you don't like it or it doesn't present anything to you, that's the whole idea behind kickstarter.

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/6914561714_d8dcfefa68_b.jpg[/img] [img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/7060644541_c180fc3587_b.jpg[/img] cool beans poor saps got 10 days to get another $40,000. this is gonna be interesting.

Would be interesting if they actually stated what they plan to support over the various platforms from the get go.

[QUOTE=SoUl_ReApEr2;35493545]Yes let's argue with something that happens everyday and you have the choice not to fund if you don't like it or it doesn't present anything to you, that's the whole idea behind kickstarter.[/QUOTE] Turns out I was misinformed on what complacent means, so the joke doesn't work.

They're now at $26,361. 7 days left and still not quite halfway there. What a shame. I would have really liked one of these.

Useless!