Two years ago we reported on the launch of Zeemote’s Bluetooth joystick, a product that had a somewhat shaky start despite endorsement from Sony Ericsson.
This week Swedish gaming peripheral company Fructel has taken things much further by launching a Bluetooth wireless controller for Android handsets and tablets. The Gametel can clip to the edge of an Android smartphone, transforming it into a game device that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play.
Gametel itself has the appearance of a dedicated gaming controller, offering a D-pad, a circle of four buttons and two ‘shoulder’ triggers. It runs from a rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery with up to nine hours use between charges.
A wide variety of Android games will work with Gametel as long as the game developer has left open the option for external controls.
Bo Nyman, CEO of Fructel, said “Playing casual games on a touchscreen phone is fine but when it comes to playing the more addictive and immersive titles, seamless gameplay is impossible. The Gametel controller overcomes this problem by delivering a console experience on your Android device, freeing the screen from fingers, opening up a bigger viewing area and delivering more responsive physical controls.”
Gametel is expected to hit the shelves next month at a price of £49.95.
