Hands on: Ten One's Fling game controller for iPad
updated 06:35 pm EST, Thu January 27, 2011
Simple attachment replicates joystick feedback
Ten One's Fling game controller is one of the interesting iPad accessories that is being previewed this week at the Macworld Expo. Like the company's Pogo stylus, the Fling replicates a finger touch on the iPad's capacitive touchscreen. The accessory attempts to overcome the lack of feedback when using the virtual joysticks on many iOS games.
The Fling consists of a concave rubber pad attached to a spiral plastic frame that locks to the iPad's screen using two small suction cups. The accessory is also sold in packs of two, enabling users to play dual-joystick games such as shooters, while the suction cups can be positioned as needed for different games.
After using the Fling controllers to play a first-person shooter, we were delighted to feel tactile feedback when using the virtual joysticks. The experience is much closer to that of a typical game console with physical joysticks on the controller.
For anyone who spends a significant amount of time dealing with virtual joysticks on the iPad, the Fling is a great accessory. The company is now shipping the new controllers, which can be purchased singly for $20 or as a two-pack bundle for $30.
