DRONE: an open source Bluetooth controller for smartphones and tablets
While using a touchscreen to game isn’t a problem for most people, there are still gamers out there who can’t stand the thought of playing games without an actual gamepad. Well, unfortunately there aren’t a lot of options out there for such purposes. This is where The Evolution Team’s DRONE comes in. Called an open source Bluetooth controller, it is a gamepad designed to work with your smartphones and tablets. The controller works and functions just like a standard six-button controller and uses Bluetooth to connect to your mobile devices. What’s interesting about the DRONE is that it’s open to customization – users can upload their own code to modify the characteristics of the controller. It’s designed to work with emulators – not regular touchscreen games, so it’s more for those who are interested in retro gaming on their mobile devices, though I’m pretty sure it’ll work with games that have been designed with support for a physical controller (i.e. games for the Xperia Play). However, The Evolution Team currently required funds in order to proceed with manufacturing the DRONE, so you’ll need to pledge your support (and money) to the Kickstarter project if you want to see it turn into a reality. Check out the video below or head over to the Kickstarter page to find out more/pre-order the controller.