Saturday, October 18, 2008
FreeD Wireless 3D Controller
Everywhere you look in the real world is three-dimensional. Everywhere you look in the gaming world is two-dimensional. The only way we're going to get from two to three is through a peripheral. It amazes me that I haven't seen a consumer-level 3D controller in my entire life. But a small company in Israel is about to change everything.
FreeD finger FreeD holder Look Ma, No Hands!
Pegasus Technologies, located in Tel Aviv, Israel, has been developing the technology used in the FreeD for over four years. This technology is based on an ultrasonic/infrared sensory system and proprietary software algorithms for signal processing, filtering and positioning. Although Pegasus has been largely funded by companies that deal with office environments, people in the gaming industry must have caught wind of the FreeD, because the packaging and literature seem geared primarily toward gaming uses.
Since you're most likely a layman, I'll explain how it works in technical terms. The ring-like transmitter has two buttons on it and can either be Velcroed around your finger or can be held like a joystick when placed in the holder. The transmitter sends ultrasonic signals to a microprocessor-equipped base unit, which rests on top of your monitor and plugs into a serial port. The base unit has three ultrasonic receivers that continually calculate the FreeD's position and relay the X, Y and Z values and button states to the computer. Pretty nifty, eh?
No Wireless Setup Here
Unfortunately, it is impossible to connect any peripheral without a cable of some sort. However, the FreeD has only one cable. All you have to do is set the base unit on top of your monitor, plug it into a serial port and run the setup program. There are DOS and Windows 3.1/95 versions, and each will make modifications to your AUTOEXEC.BAT and CONFIG.SYS. Don't worry; backup copies are saved to a .PGS extension.
Several test programs are included with the FreeD a paint program, a three-dimensional ring toss and other small test applications. It took some playing around for me to determine what made me feel comfortable, especially when moving on the Z axis; thrusting my arm forward and backward when using the computer is not a feeling that I'm used to. In fact, I thought I was doing "cyber-aerobics"! After a while, you get used to moving your entire arm and wrist. The hardest thing to determine is the angle and range at which you can face the computer and still be in range for the base unit to pick up your motions. Most of us sit down when using the computer, and since the base unit sits on top of your monitor, you end up raising your arm in the air as if you're conducting an orchestra. I suppose if you sit back from the computer, it would feel more natural, but I have invisible strings that attach my hands to the keyboard. You should play with the test programs to determine what makes you feel comfortable.
Pegasus also includes a program called The Game Loader. It allows a slew of existing titles that have movement in three dimensions, such as Descent 2, to be played with the FreeD. It took me quite a while to get used to moving my arm in three dimensions. Most users have a hard enough time thinking in three dimensions. After a while, though, I felt fairly competent at moving around.
What's it Gonna Be, 2D or 3D?
I always have to include a few nitpicks even if I absolutely love a piece of hardware. My only suggestions for a better product would be:
* Design a plastic holder that resembles a pistol-grip.
* Give a small slant to the plastic holder where the FreeD snaps into place so that your thumb isn't pressing the buttons in a vertical manner.
* Design a base unit that is a small box that sits on your desk so that you don't have to keep your arm raised in the air.
* Design a better UI for The Game Loader.
Pegasus has an excellent product in the FreeD. It's easy to set up, easy to use and fairly inexpensive. This device takes some getting used to for games, and with a redesigned holder, it would be more comfortable for extended playing time. The FreeD really shines when used for 2D applications and would be impressive for office presentations. Pegasus has a well-rounded and well-researched device and even includes DOS, Windows 3.1 and Windows 95 example programs so that you can write your own application to interface with the FreeD. An SDK is also available on the company's Web page. This is an interesting toy for the gamer and a useful tool for the business man.
