• Logic3 has announced new PlayStation and PlayStation 2 gear as part of ECTS 2000.  The most notable is a new Space Wheel which is fully dual shock compatible, fully adjustable and features optional pedals.  When release the wheel will retail for $39.99 (US).

Saturday, August 26, 2000

• Microsoft has released the Sidewinder Strategic Commander and Gamer Voice.  The Gamer Voice allows you to chat with friends, enemies and team mates while surfing the web and gaming.  More importantly it offers voice command recognition.  The Strategic Commander enhances your strategy game control experience with on-the-fly programming, easy map navigation and up to 24 commands on its 6 buttons.  Look for them at your local stores or buy online through the online store.
  
  

• For those who have the Sidewinder Gamer Voice and are having difficulty getting it to function through a firewall this may help:  
  Gamer Voice uses the same ports that BattleCom or any other DirectPlay application needs (e.g. Age of Empires).  All DirectPlay games share these set of ports.  You may need to specify what ports to open through the firewall for proper operation.
  
  The ports used are as follows:
  
  TCP PORT 47624 Outbound/Inbound
  TCP PORTs 2300 - 2400 Outbound/Inbound
  UDP PORTs 2300 - 2400 Outbound/Inbound
  
  Also, on the "Advanced" tab of the settings dialog is a place to specify your "real" IP address so that you can "invite" others through MSN Messenger. (So that the correct IP gets sent through Messenger to the invitees).

Sunday, August 20, 2000

• A visitor has posted a scanned image of the soon to be released Gravis Xterminator Force gamepad as found in the latest issue of Popular Science.  The column says the Gravis controller will be the first force feedback gamepad but the InterAct HammerHead FX has been on the market for quite some time and Logitech is slated to release their FF gamepad soon.  Thanks to Marco for the image!
  
  

• Saitek has issued a press release announcing the new Cyborg 3D Gold.  The stick will have many of the same features of the others in the Cyborg line and offer both a gameport and USB connection for a MSRP of $40.  read the full press release and see an image of the joystick 
  
  

• There are new drivers available for the Thrustmaster Nascar Pro Digital Wheel.  Version 3.04 addresses some issues some experienced.  The file is 1.75Mb in size.

Saturday, August 12, 2000

• Speaking of Logitech- the WingMan software has been updated.  Version 3.62 is now available for download.  The easiest way to get it is through the Profiler software as I describe in the Force 3D review.  No word on what the improvements are but if your into having the latest and greatest its there for the download.
  
  

• Guillemot has informed me that the fishing rod, fit pad and shotgun for the PlayStation they had slated for a Summer 2000 release are unfortunately on hold.  I will post any updates as I receive them.

Sunday, August 7, 2000

• I received a release date for the CH Products FlightSim Yoke USB of August 28th, 2000.  The initial circuit boards received by CH were tested and found defective and the lot rejected pushing the release date to the 28th.  Testing is well underway to assure the Yoke will operate with Windows 98, 2000, ME, DirectX 8.0 and even MAC.  The new yoke will look similar to the FlightSim Yoke USB LE but have the added features of more buttons and a prop and mixture lever for added realism.  You can pre-order the yoke for $149.95.  Expect a full, comprehensive review soon!

Friday, August 4, 2000

• The CH Products USB Fighterstick and USB Pro Throttle have entered Alpha testing.  The new chip-set has been completed.  The first showing of the new devices will be at the ECTS trade show in London September 3rd - 5th by appointment only.  Get ready for full USB HOTAS action!

• The Guillemot Ferrari Wheel Shifter Paddles some were having problems with have been redesigned as I reported at the end of June.  Pictures of the new paddles can be seen at Tweaks and Reviews under their Industry News page.

Thursday, August 3, 2000

• AVB has a special upgrade offer for those that bought its 1st generation force-feedback wheel, the GC-FBW1 Force Feedback Wheel.  For $60 (US) plus $11.95 you can upgrade your wheel to the MagTurbo Force Feedback Wheel (retails for $115 US).  To qualify you need to have your original receipt or warrantee card.  Alternatively you can ship back your original wheel if you can't locate either document.  See the AVB Upgrade Area for full details.
  
  

• MindMaker has released a special, free version of Game Commander for Unreal Tournament.  Game Commander was a Best of 1999 Award Winner for the best non-controller controller.   The special version only works with UT but allows you to customize the actions to your liking.  To use the special edition you need a full-duplex soundcard and a good quality microphone (preferably a headset).  Everyone who downloads the special version receives a $10 discount on the purchase of Game Commander MX.  Get more details
  
  

• InterAct has posted the full driver set for the HammerHead FX gamepad.  Be warned the full driver set is 59M and the supplement is 2.3M.  Many people have requested these files.  You can get them direct from the InterAct support website.

Sunday, July 16, 2000

• I received some disappointing information from MIACOMET.  The maker of the Real Feel Pool Shark has all of its projects on hold including the force-feedback fishing rod, golf club, baseball bat and snowboard controllers.  I was not told what the reason behind the project hold is.
  
  

• Don't get confused- Logic3 has moved their website from www.spectravideo.com to www.joy-sticks.com.  Their new address seems somewhat familiar...

Sunday, July 9, 2000

• There has been a heated debate on one of the newsgroups saying the AVB MagTurbo Wheel is a copy of the Guillemot Ferrari Racing Wheel.  Although I don't have a Ferrari wheel the differences are apparent (for better or worse).  The AVB wheel has different foot pedals, lacks the gear shifter and has a completely different button layout.  Both have similar stylings, clamping system and interface (USB or serial). The AVB wheel also sells for a few dollars cheaper.  The wheels may look similar but the differences are there.
  
  

• Windows 2000 drivers are now available for Thrustmaster Nascar series wheels.  You can grab the drivers from the Thrustmaster site.
  
  

• Thrustmaster has posted an update on its HOTAS development.  Some juicy facts include- USB connection, interchangeable sticks, adjustable spring tension, digital pots, and more.  You can see the entire update along with photos of the prototypes here.

Monday, July 3, 2000

• Mad Catz has partnered with Immersion to develop the Panther GTX Hand-held racing wheel for the PC.  The wheel will be styled after the currently available hand-held racing wheel for the PlayStation.  The wheel will be released in the fall of 2000.

• I have been asked by Thrustmaster to correct the 6/16/00 post concerning the Ferrari Racing Wheel shift paddles.  It seems that this is not true and the customer service department is having a heck of a time addressing the inquiries.  However, I have not received word as to what in the post is incorrect.  The information was taken direct from a Guillemot customer service reps. post and the information concerning replacement parts is accurate according to the warrantee.  As I receive more details I will post them.

Sunday, June 16, 2000

• Guillemot has redesigned the shift paddles on the Ferrari Wheel.  Those still under warrantee can get replacements for free by e-mailing their tech support group.  The new paddles are stronger and should not suffer from the breaking of the originals.  New production wheels are to include the improved design.
  
  

• I have finally received confirmation from InterAct on the USB HammerHead Fx.  At first the USB member of the HammerHead family was suppose to be a non-rumble controller.  Overwhelming success with the first rumble controller, the HammerHead Fx, and Microsoft's bringing DirectInput effects to USB makes this a reality.  We will see if the new USB HammerHead suffers from the system slowdowns plaguing the MS USB Force Feedback Wheel because of the translation.

Wednesday, June 7, 2000

• ACT Labs has released Windows 2000 drivers for the Force RS Wheel.  Only the USB connection is supported with these newly released drivers.
  
  

• Logitech has released Windows 2000 drivers for the WingMan line of controllers (except the FF Mouse).  You can download the drivers from here.

Saturday, June 3, 2000

• The Control Center has received an AVB MagTurbo Force Feedback wheel for review.  The work on the review is underway.  In other news from AVB- In the coming months AVB will  release the TopShot Unicorn Joystick featuring a USB connection, hat switch,  8 buttons, force feedback and a low price of only $55.

• ECCI, makers of top quality racing wheels has announced that they will no longer be providing products to the consumer market.  Current customers can still receive support for their wheels but ECCI will re-focus their efforts on commercial customers.

Thursday,  May 25, 2000

• New gear from Interact is on its way.  The additions to the product lineup include a mini-USB gamepad with vibration feedback and a PlayStation style gamepad.  Electronics Boutique has them listed for pre-order at $19.99 for the AxisPad and $29.99 for the GoPad.  The listed availability date is 6/10/00.

Thursday, May 18, 2000