So recently Valve has been trying to make big waves with a series of announcements related to its new line of “Steam Machines,” consoles that are running the company’s very own Linux-based STEAM Operating System. The latest announcement, released today Friday September 27, 2013 is simply this:
SteamController
"We realized early on that our goals required a new kind of input technology -- one that could bridge the gap from the desk to the living room without compromises. So we spent a year experimenting with new approaches to input," Valve said in a statement on its Web site. The device was designed using a new generation of haptic feedback, the technology that allows for motion input and vibration in standard controllers.
That means, according to Valve, that its controllers will provide a wider range of more precise vibration and force through which game developers can deliver new modes of information to players "about speed, boundaries, thresholds, textures, action confirmations, or any other events about which game designers want players to be aware."
"It is a higher-bandwidth haptic information channel than exists in any other consumer product that we know of. As a parlor trick they can even play audio waveforms and function as speakers," Valve added.
Valve let information slip in the Steam Machine beta test agreement form which unveiled the device was in the works, however the design remained a secret until today. NoobGalore brings you the exclusive preview!
This goes to show that Valve is indeed making a serious push to dive into the market dominated by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony. Will they survive?? Valve most certainly thinks so!
"Steam gamers, who are used to the input associated with PCs, will appreciate that the Steam Controller's resolution approaches that of a desktop mouse," the company goes on to claim. The two high-resolution trackpads are clickable, allowing the entire surface to act as a button. "Games like first-person shooters that are designed around precise aiming within a large visual field now benefit from the trackpads' high resolution and absolute position control," it adds.
The controller is completely hackable and customizable, this according to Valve. They say the prototypes and eventual final products will also include a large touch screen in the center equipped with a high-resolution display that can show everything from a scrolling menu to secondary screen info like game maps. Perhaps CS:GO radar? Or maybe team-cams?
In addition, the screen will be entirely clickable for even more control and customization. The screen when touched will also overlay its display on top of the game you’re playing! This is where it heats up!! Envision the possibilities! And if they allow the same scripting that’s allowed throughout the engine, we can envision new sourcemod addons to complement these features! Will they only be available to console players though, or will Valve begin updating the games with similar features for PC, or maybe even PC controller?
The closed beta test of Steam Machines will involve about 300 users and they will begin receiving their machines later this year. Valve is currently working with a number of hardware partners for the final consoles. Expected shelf stocking time is in 2014, but still unclear.
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