So, Mad Catz has announced some new gaming accessories for PC, Macs and “Smart Devices” – the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 professional gaming keyboard, the R.A.T. M mobile gaming mouse, the F.R.E.Q. M headset, the M.O.U.S. 9 wireless mouse and the C.T.R.L. R wireless gamepad.
And despite the abuse of full stops in its names for products (dear god, do stop), most of them include their new “GameSmart technology” which extend the core gaming experience to smartphones, by offering apps a standard way of implementing console-like functions in their games whenever a controller is connected.
The S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 has also features a touch screen interface – called V.E.N.O.M, that lets them launch games and applications with a swipe of the finger, deploy custom macro commands for gaming, media settings and more. The keyboard is out now.
Then we have the R.A.T. M, which is their first mouse to combine Bluetooth Smart technology with laser sensors, making it more efficient with battery life and have universal compatibility from computers to TVs and tablets. It does also include a nano dongle for those who do not support Bluetooth Smart mouse support. The mouse features an adjustable palm rest, 12 action buttons with 10 programmable, and a drag-and-drop interface to program commands. It is app-enabled, for future configuration for smartphones apps.
The F.R.E.Q. M is the first mobile handset in its audio line of F.R.E.Q. headphones, and features a lightweight aluminum chassis that folds up so you can quickly stash it in your bag. It comes with two unique cables – one for PC/Macs, another for smartphones – each having different functionality.
The M.O.U.S. 9 uses the same Bluetooth Smart technology and laser sensor, but has been simplified for everyday use. It is capable of being used on any surface, and has a one year battery life. It is compatible with PCs, Macs, televisions and tablets, and does again come with a nano dongle if it does not have Bluetooth Smart support. It is also app-enabled, so it can be used with a smartphone app.
Finally, the C.T.R.L. R is their controller based on its MLG Pro Circuit Controller and brings console-like functions to a smartphone. It has dual analog sticks, triggers, media controls, shoulder and action buttons; and supports Bluetooth Smart technology. It is app-enabled, so it can be configured by a smartphone app.
All of these products, except for the keyboard, come out in early 2013.