PhoneJoy makes it easier for mobile gamers to play games with greater complexity.
More and more complex games are popping up in the mobile gaming industry and, although players are starting to feel the limitations of touchscreen controls, they may be able to overcome their struggles using the Android and iOS compatible PhoneJoy Bluetooth game controller.
The expandable gamepad can be attached directly to the smartphone or used as a separate handheld controller.
The PhoneJoy controller features a start button, two analog sticks, four action buttons, a d-pad, four shoulder buttons and back buttons. When attached to a smartphone, it looks something like the Sony Playstation Vita and other similar portable gaming consoles.
The smartphone is placed between the two controller halves and the phone is secured in place with a sprung ratchet mechanism. The phone can be held in a vertical (portrait) or horizontal (landscape) position. How the mobile device is positioned depends on the user’s preferences and on the type of game that is being played.
This mobile gaming controller does not need to be hooked up to a smartphone to work, however. It can also be used as a standalone handheld controller. Thus, it can also work with a tablet, giving mobile gamers greater flexibility and more than one control option when playing mobile games.
Currently, there are approximately 400 Android and iOS games that support the mobile gaming gadget.
The PhoneJoy gamepad uses the standard Bluetooth features that come with the average smartphone. Users can utilize the PhoneJoy app or the standard Bluetooth settings in their handset to pair the controller with the phone. The user interface and touchscreen can be used normally once paired, but once the game starts, the controller will send the appropriate inputs to any app that is well coded.
Once the PhoneJoy app is downloaded it will help users with their initial Bluetooth connection and will also give them a list of mobiles games that work with the gamepad. Furthermore, users can download the app prior to purchasing the actual device to determine if the controller would be ideal for their specific mobile gaming experience. The PhoneJoy is now available for purchase but was initially funded through Kickstarter.
The creators of the Lumafit have already generated a considerable following in Ireland.
When it comes to wearable technology in the fitness category, the exceptionally popular FitBit is currently the global leader, but a startup from Ireland called Zinc Software is hoping to challenge for that title with its Lumafit mobile device.
This new gadget is designed to help to help to coach users so that they will be able to power through their workouts.
For many people, trying to stay fit through regular activity and exercise isn’t a favorite activity. This helps to explain why wearable technology in this category has become as popular as it has. The Lumafit is hoping to provide consumers with a new and enhanced experience that will allow them to be able to remain motivated, active, and able to safely complete their daily workouts. It does so by providing users with a steady stream of different types of feedback and information, including heart rate, but also the intensity of a workout and an ability to view progress that is being made over time.
The Lumafit wearable technology was funded by three highly successful Kickstarter campaigns.
So far, Zinc Software has been able to explode beyond its three funding targets on that crowdfunding site. At the time of the writing of this article, the latest campaign target of $60,000 had already been reached and greatly exceeded, with more than a week left to go.
One of the main selling features that is likely to attract consumers is the low price point that has been attached to the device for early supporters. Backers at this point in the product development will be able to purchase the device for only $79, which is a solid price reduction compared to the $99 for which it is expected to retail.
Lumafit is unique in that it is not a fitness band that is worn around the wrist. Instead, it slips over the back of the ear and gently clips onto the lobe. This allows it to obtain a range of different types of feedback about a user’s activities, including various types of exercise movements, like pushups.
The team of developers behind this wearable technology is led by MIT Media Lab graduates Stephen and Darran Hughes. They came up with this unique workout motion and heart rate detecting tech that allows a user to track everything from intense workouts to meditation exercises.
