Bluetooth PS3 Controllers
First of all, they point out that the PS3 will use Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, which is nothing new. It’s in the PS3 specs. This means that it’ll support seven controllers. The PS3 itself is the eighth Bluetooth device. They point out that Bluetooth 2.0 devices have a range of 30 feet or greater, which I didn’t know. That means I don’t have to worry about the range, because I’ll probably never get further than 10 feet. But at least I know I have the space if I need it.
The report also says that “The reports from Sony are that the Bluetooth PS3 controllers will have a battery life of up to 24 hours, which is similar to other devices using Bluetooth technology.” The real question is: what happens then? Do I plug it in for a charge, or do I have to replace the batteries? It better be the former! If the latter, then lots of people will be really ticked.
Bluetooth 2.0 EDR can transmit data at rates up to 3.0Mbps. Even if for whatever reason it can only achieve 1.0Mbps (or less), that should still be plenty of bandwidth for lag-free gaming.
BlueTomorrow - PlayStation Will Utilize Bluetooth Technology in its PS3 Controllers
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I sadly can't grow a real beard^^
November 24th, 2005 at 5:29 pm
The controllers will recharge using the USB 2.0 ports. This was mentioned at the E3 press conference. My guess is also that PS3 will support at least one extra controller that is not wireless. To get rid of the kinda odd number of 7 controllers. Technically PS3 could support 7 via bluetooth, 6 via USB and even some using the built in wireless. The PSP itself will be used as a controller via wifi. Maybe we will even see some third party mod that allows for different controllers, using wifi. Maybe even the XBOX 360 controller.
If Sony don’t mess up the bluetooth there should be open and clear for third party controller using bluetooth because all bluetooth devices are designed to talk to each other.
November 25th, 2005 at 12:27 am
That was news to me, it sounds cool though. I am definately waiting for the PS3…already have one pre-ordered.
November 25th, 2005 at 12:30 am
Yup, definitely interesting. I hope this ends up being a feature that gets much use, because there are just so many possibilities. And it’s good to hear about the USB recharging. I hadn’t heard that.
January 18th, 2006 at 10:29 pm
the reason there’s only 7 controllers able to utilise the blue-tooth is because of a device similar to wi-fi sony are implementing in it…