Logitech spreads its wireless wings on PS2
Licenses Bluetooth from Texas Instruments to make a wireless gamepad
With the Nintendo WaveBird now on sale in the US, and a handsome pre-order well on its way to being fulfilled if my importer is to be believed, PS2 owners, including myself, might well be wondering whether or not this particular (r)evolution is on its way to their console at any point in the future. Although Sony hasn't said anything, Texas Instruments has announced that they have licensed their Bluetooth wireless tech to peripheral powerhouse Logitech for use in a PlayStation 2 gamepad, which, PlanetPS2 is reporting, will be on display at the Bluetooth Congress in Amsterdam between the 12th and 14th of June. Logitech's Ted Hoff, vice president and general manager of the Interactive Entertainment Business Unit, cited the company's previous success with Bluetooth and game controllers on the PC as the reasoning behind the move. "It was logical to build on our partnership," he was quoted as saying. Nintendo's WaveBird controller uses wireless radio technology to communicate with the GameCube, and Nintendo estimates that 16 of the controllers could be used in close proximity on different radio frequencies without interference. Early reports from pundits lucky enough to walk away with one at this year's E3 in Los Angeles have been resoundingly positive, with the units swapping hands on eBay for exorbitant amounts. Related Feature - WaveBird details emerge