Innovative Force Feedback Wheel and Freestyle Pro Join SideWinder Family
REDMOND, Wash., May 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) will
introduce two innovative game devices under the Microsoft(R) SideWinder(R)
game device umbrella and publicly unveil its first PC speaker system at this
year's Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) trade show, May 28-30 in Atlanta
(Booth 4420 in West Hall, Georgia Congress Center).
The long-anticipated SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel; its new,
irresistibly fun free-motion PC game controller, SideWinder Freestyle Pro; and
the Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 are scheduled to be available in stores
this fall.
"Even when we were just previewing the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro
joystick, gamers were already asking us for a force-feedback wheel," said Rick
Thompson, vice president of the hardware group at Microsoft. "Now we're using
some of the same technology from our award-winning joystick in the SideWinder
Force Feedback Wheel. We also have an innovative free-motion game device,
SideWinder Freestyle Pro, that immerses a player's mind and body in the game
itself. It has already generated intense excitement and anticipation among
gamers who have previewed it."
The addition of SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel and SideWinder Freestyle
Pro extends Microsoft's games device line to six current products, including
the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, SideWinder Precision Pro and SideWinder
Standard joysticks, and the SideWinder game pad. SideWinder Force Feedback Pro
has been the best-selling PC game device for the six months ending in
March 1998 based on revenue share, according to PC Data.
Pro Racing Drivers Steer SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel in the Right
Direction
The SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel is designed to generate strong,
sophisticated forces that create a realistic driving experience when used with
force-feedback-enabled PC driving games. Created by the leader in
force-feedback PC game devices, the SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel offers
proven technology, reliability and compatibility. Designed with feedback from
professional race car drivers, the SideWinder Force Feedback Wheel offers the
realistic styling, feel and ruggedness that racing fanatics demand. It ships
with slip-resistant pedals and full versions of two Microsoft driving games
-- CART Precision Racing(TM) and the Monster Truck Madness(R) 2 racing
simulation.
Like the SideWinder Force Feedback Pro, the SideWinder Force Feedback
Wheel uses a powerful onboard coprocessor and a high-torque motor to generate
robust effects in PC driving games supporting force feedback. Effects include
road textures, crashes, bumps, centrifugal forces, engine, tire and suspension
vibration, and other conditions. The wheel has eight programmable buttons,
including two Formula 1-style triggers on the back of the wheel that act as
shifters. A force-feedback on and off switch on the wheel's hub includes an
indicator light that glows when effects are engaged. A sturdy quick-release
cam-lock clamp makes it a snap to attach or remove SideWinder Force Feedback
Wheel.
SideWinder Freestyle Pro Tightens Link Between Gamers and On-Screen Motion
SideWinder Freestyle Pro is a radical new free-motion PC game controller
that uses sophisticated solid-state motion-sensing technology to deliver
immersive, intuitive, proportional (sometimes referred to as analog) PC game
control in supported games. Gamers control onscreen action along the X-axis by
tipping the device left or right, and along the Y-axis by tipping the unit
forward or backward. SideWinder Freestyle Pro is the first game controller to
provide universal control, simultaneously delivering the proportional (analog)
flexibility of a joystick and the digital precision of a game pad. The
SideWinder Freestyle Pro gives gamers freedom of movement in a wide variety of
joystick and game pad-compatible game genres, such as arcade-style flying and
driving.
In its motion-sensing mode, the SideWinder Freestyle Pro is a great match
for many arcade-style drive-and-shoot and fly-and-shoot titles in which gamers
maneuver vehicles within a 3-D landscape while aiming head, body or weapons.
Microsoft Unveils Its First PC Speaker System
Drawing on the technological advancements found in the Windows(R) 98
operating system and its built-in USB support, Microsoft Digital Sound System
80 will redefine PC speaker system clarity, resonance and powerful bass
performance when it ships this fall. Microsoft is applying its experience in
designing innovative hardware products to help create another new category:
high-quality speakers that deliver superb PC digital audio. Microsoft is
combining its PC expertise with Philips Electronics, a recognized leader in
digital audio and USB technology, to design a product that delivers
best-in-class PC speaker performance. The three-piece system, which includes a
subwoofer and two satellite speakers, delivers a smooth, rich sound; simple
installation; and synchronized, easy-to-use hardware and software controls
-- all in a small-footprint design. Microsoft Digital Sound System 80 includes
software that makes it fast and simple for music aficionados, gamers and
Internet radio listeners to tailor audio to PC application.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for
personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services
for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it
easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of
personal computing every day.
For online product information, Microsoft games Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/games/
NOTE: Microsoft, SideWinder, Precision Racing, Monster Truck Madness and
Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in
the United States and/or other countries. All logos and marks of CART, its
teams, drivers, tracks, and sponsors are the property of CART and its
respective teams, drivers, tracks and sponsors, and may not be reproduced, in
whole or in part, without the prior written consent of CART Licensed Products
L.P. Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their
respective owners.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.microsoft.com
CONTACT:
press only, Adam Kahn, 425-452-5400, or
akahn@shandwick.com, or Cynthia Pang, 425-452-5400, or
cpang@shandwick.com, both of Shandwick, for Microsoft Corp.
NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional
information on Microsoft, check out the Microsoft Web page at
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft's corporate
information pages.
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