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-   -   Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer? (https://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=92080)

mgarcia 2013-12-18 22:34

Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Hi there fellow maemo geeks,
I'm still very new to maemo (not to Linux or programming) and I'd thought I'd share my other interest here- game dev!
I just finished my huge analysis of the Mad Catz M.O.J.O. (MOJO).
It only launched last week, so it's still very new, hard to get info or a device for that matter :(

The short of it is, Yes it's an Ouya killer plus some!

Anyway, I think it's compatible with Maemo via the controllers PC Bluetooth HID mode.
I don't have one yet, but it will be the first thing I test when they finally land in Australia and I can get one!
It's strange with the recent launch of the PS4/XboxOne/PSVita TV, as a gamer and a wanna hobby indie-developer... I'm more excited about this then the pro consoles for sure.
What do you guys think?

http://t.co/lEer5N5nrM

Cheers
Mike.

szopin 2013-12-19 01:08

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Quote:

Anyway, I think it's compatible with Maemo via the controllers PC Bluetooth HID mode.
I don't get it, you want to use N900 as controller? headset? display?

RiD 2013-12-19 01:24

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
I understand why you wouldn't be excited about these so called "next-gen" consoles.
It is because they are not next gen at all. My computer outpaces the new xbox (though not the ps4) and it costed less than these consoles, back in 2011 (2nd handed parts). It is almost 2014 so these types of deals have only gotten better, and the next-gen is already late.

mgarcia 2013-12-19 01:45

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by szopin (Post 1398509)
I don't get it, you want to use N900 as controller? headset? display?

The mojo's controller has 3 BT modes mojo gamepad mode, mouse mode and one is PC mode which is the standard gamepad windows HID interface (no drivers required).

I've had my USB controllers on the N900 via a OTG cable working great, just not 100% sure via BT.. mah.. I can recompile the kernel if need be, but still.

The controller also comes with a clip which converts the controller into a ‘Moga Pro’ type of controller, thus use my phone as a screen and "I can put away my phone’s Game Gripper and play in comfort and style!" :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiD (Post 1398514)
I understand why you wouldn't be excited about these so called "next-gen" consoles.
It is because they are not next gen at all. My computer outpaces the new xbox (though not the ps4) and it costed less than these consoles, back in 2011 (2nd handed parts). It is almost 2014 so these types of deals have only gotten better, and the next-gen is already late.

Impressive, Yeah.. I haven't seen either in action yet.. the PS4 isn't sold until Jan 14 here :(
You can't really compare a PC to a console, the devs will squeeze every Mhz out of it, were as PC's can't.

Kangal 2013-12-19 09:21

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
No man its sucks, no good at all.

Here's why:
-If you're going to rely on your phone to do the gaming, the box is useless
-Why buy games twice?
-The controller is glossy, too clicky and in general cheap
-The controller doesn't support many games, to change this its gonna take a while
-No, you can't map touch areas to buttons and joysticks
-The controller is significantly large, so its not pocketable and not "too portable"
-If you're taking a controller of this size, taking a DSi or Vita is much better since you'll have access to REAL optimized games AND android because of your phone (2 better than 1?)
-If you don't want the alternatives, a Shield is much better because it feels high-end, won't drain your phone's battery as much and in general is more suited for gaming.

So what's my personal take?
-They almost got it right, but off by a mile
-Mold the gamepad for maximum contour comfort
-Use expensive plastic methods (like PS4 controller), and add matte-grippy textures to hand resting spots
-Four shoulder buttons, two joysticks, no D-Pad (honestly) and add 3 action buttons around each joystick
-Universal HID connectivity to PC, Mac, iPhone, Android
-Mappable buttons/sticks to touchscreen (a la SIXAXIS App)
-Internal rechargeable battery (to recharge your phone), better if removable too
-Use USB for No-Lag connection, high-speed charging but offer BT pairing (NFC for autoconnect)
-Have HDMI-out (on the rear) from the gamepad
-Have a headset port (on the front) from the gamepad
-Have the ability for phone to connect to TV's via (higher-speed, stable) Miracast
-Perhaps a tiny HDMI dongle hidden in the back for Miracast (for dumbTVs)
-A fair price $99
-something a bit like this:
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6572/controllerp.png
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6572/controllerp.png

mgarcia 2013-12-20 04:13

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Hey Kangal,
Interesting

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kangal (Post 1398595)
No man its sucks, no good at all.

Here's why:
-If you're going to rely on your phone to do the gaming, the box is useless
#The box is a top-set box

-Why buy games twice?
#I have a N900 as my main phone, and a Android tablet which shares the same account with this thing so only buying once.
I emulate on the N900 only.

-The controller is glossy, too clicky and in general cheap
#I havent used one yet, I'll let you know when I do, it's matt on the bottom, plus media controls, plus 3 BT HID modes, and moga pro feature, does it look cheap??

-The controller doesn't support many games, to change this its gonna take a while
#The controllers are programmed via the Android API using the ‘NVIDIA Tegra’ specifications, like the gamestick,etc been around for over a year now I guess.

-No, you can't map touch areas to buttons and joysticks
#You could via software, they have an app.. not sure what it does.

-The controller is significantly large, so its not pocketable and not "too portable"
#lol I wrote large pockets :p I removed that anyway

-If you're taking a controller of this size, taking a DSi or Vita is much better since you'll have access to REAL optimized games AND android because of your phone (2 better than 1?)
#true, I don't often play on the N900 (just because I can!), ie only for travel
Want it mostly for tablet tho :)

-If you don't want the alternatives, a Shield is much better because it feels high-end, won't drain your phone's battery as much and in general is more suited for gaming.
#why would the Shield drain the phone? lol
I dont like the shield, would rather my PSP or DSi etc.
But, i'm not into portables, I like old local multiplayer :)


So what's my personal take?
-They almost got it right, but off by a mile
-Mold the gamepad for maximum contour comfort
-Use expensive plastic methods (like PS4 controller), and add matte-grippy textures to hand resting spots
-Four shoulder buttons, two joysticks, no D-Pad (honestly) and add 3 action buttons around each joystick
-Universal HID connectivity to PC, Mac, iPhone, Android
-Mappable buttons/sticks to touchscreen (a la SIXAXIS App)
-Internal rechargeable battery (to recharge your phone), better if removable too
-Use USB for No-Lag connection, high-speed charging but offer BT pairing (NFC for autoconnect)
-Have HDMI-out (on the rear) from the gamepad
-Have a headset port (on the front) from the gamepad
-Have the ability for phone to connect to TV's via (higher-speed, stable) Miracast
-Perhaps a tiny HDMI dongle hidden in the back for Miracast (for dumbTVs)
-A fair price $99
-something a bit like this:
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6572/controllerp.png
http://img854.imageshack.us/img854/6572/controllerp.png

re your personal take.. that does look interesting, almost nintendo worthy :D

Why have HDMI on controller if it uses the mobile phone?

I got my order in, now I got a 2-4 week wait :(
I new this thing was hot back in 12th October, I should had pre-ordered it.. oh well

I reseached it well :D I see it like a Ouya but for adults gamers :p lol.

Kangal 2013-12-20 09:26

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by mgarcia (Post 1398973)
Hey Kangal,
Interesting


re your personal take.. that does look interesting, almost nintendo worthy :D

Why have HDMI on controller if it uses the mobile phone?

I got my order in, now I got a 2-4 week wait :(
I new this thing was hot back in 12th October, I should had pre-ordered it.. oh well

I reseached it well :D I see it like a Ouya but for adults gamers :p lol.

The HDMI idea was to connect the phone's hardware (game) to the gamepad and to a TV for better viewing (or viewing by multiple people). Or even screen capture!

Its just an idea I threw in there (thanks to MHL), just in case Miracast doesn't have the necessary latency for a game you want to see/seen on a big screen.

I don't think Android consoles will take off until these crucial points:
- Large mass of ("n00b") developers adopt Google's Game Save Profiles
- Adopt a gamepad standard in Android
- Adopt Google+ integration (PSN/XLive competitor)
- The quality of Games increase substantially (no more "App Pause" because of memory management, no more FCs, no more sub-par experience)
- Piracy is dealt with much better, purchases increase substantially
- A good hardware matches good software at good price with good marketing
- Mass adoption of said hardware, and its cause to add competition to the Android Console scene.

mgarcia 2013-12-21 13:45

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Right, MHL via USB then HDMI out to tv.. interesting idea.

Good points regarding mass adpotion!

- Large mass of ("n00b") developers adopt Google's Game Save Profiles
yeah this is still very new, google play services is new

- Adopt a gamepad standard in Android
Android has gamepad support from 3.2 I think but not in NDK that's around 4.0 I think.

- Adopt Google+ integration (PSN/XLive competitor)
from google play services: Create competitive and cooperative experiences using Google+ Circles and auto-matched players online.

- The quality of Games increase substantially (no more "App Pause" because of memory management, no more FCs, no more sub-par experience)
gameloft make some pretty impressive games, with network multipler and for less then $10, the shield, mojo it's just the start of high end android gaming!

- Piracy is dealt with much better, purchases increase substantially
from google play services: Optional anti-piracy features for Android can disable game services for titles not purchased from the Play Store.

- A good hardware matches good software at good price with good marketing
True, HW will get cheaper over time, and the SW will still work.. not like consoles!

- Mass adoption of said hardware, and its cause to add competition to the Android Console scene.
I think it's already happened with 2D touch games.. the next I think will grow is high-end 3D gaming

Also there http://openkit.io/ and http://www.scoreloop.com/

It's interesting,
I see the Ouya as the Atari(1977) - wasn't the first, but got it popular
The gamestive as ColecoVision (1982) - completely different
The NVIDIA Shield as the Vectrex (1982) trying to do too much

The mojo as the Nintendo (NES) (1983) - great HW & SW (high end android games)
time will tell what happens with micro-consoles, I guess it'll take off... google play store isn't going anywhere!

hambaconegg 2013-12-21 15:11

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
There's a reason why I'm still a console peasant. PLUG and PLAY. A ps3 from 2006/07 can still play a game from 2013. And tweaking my pc just to get a game to run is not my idea of fun.

This coming from an iphone/dumbed down phone hater. (by the way, my friend's iphone 4 has a hard time playing some games released this year. Cheers.)

Kangal 2013-12-22 05:04

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
What ham bacon and egg said.

The convenience of a PS3 to just plug n play, and go online for free is just unbeatable. Especially when the graphics are still pretty good.

I'm convinced this is the direction that SteamOS/Box is headed. Hopefully, Android will follow suit like iOS and the consoles.

mgarcia 2013-12-22 06:47

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by hambaconegg (Post 1399430)
There's a reason why I'm still a console peasant. PLUG and PLAY. A ps3 from 2006/07 can still play a game from 2013. And tweaking my pc just to get a game to run is not my idea of fun.

This coming from an iphone/dumbed down phone hater. (by the way, my friend's iphone 4 has a hard time playing some games released this year. Cheers.)

LOL peasant
Yes, console historically have a longer life.. I'm not sure about this new gen being PC based tho?
Mobile technology does change faster, I'm guessing because everybody goes on a 2 year contract, which sounds about right.

But can you play your PS3 games on a PS4? No.
If your friend upgrades to iphone 5, then all their games are still playable?

PS4 isn't free online :(
Android does already have free online multiplayer support, ie NOVA 3

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kangal (Post 1399579)
What ham bacon and egg said.

The convenience of a PS3 to just plug n play, and go online for free is just unbeatable. Especially when the graphics are still pretty good.

I'm convinced this is the direction that SteamOS/Box is headed. Hopefully, Android will follow suit like iOS and the consoles.

True about convenience, but the micro-consoles support most common prepherals like keyboard/mouse etc. and emulation!

SteamBox will be interesting, as I think Nvidia Shield and now mojo with PC streaming support have beat them to it lol

They'll need more! alot more if they are going to charge console prices.

PC gaming on a TV is easier to setup then Android, so I don't see the point.

Kangal 2013-12-22 11:33

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
On a TV the gaming experience ranges like this:
Xbox 1 > PS4 > PS3 > Xbox 360 > SteamOS / PC Gaming > iOS > Android / PS Vita TV.

I think XB1 is powerful enough to be relative to the PS4 but offers better titles at the moment, a better online experience, and some extra features.

The PS3 has better graphics in some games, more features and free online connectivity.

The PC has better graphics, free online and offers titles at cheaper prices. However, it requires long installation times, setting up proper settings, much less games, no valuable exclusives, no collective online experience, and server support usually gets pulled before the console versions.

The Steam piggybacks the PC Gaming but tries to offer it an ecosystem, a better ui, easy and cheaper gaming. And hopefully with SteamBox and SteamOS, they'll bring decent hardware and decent software to their ecosystem.... breaking away from PC Gaming and becoming it's own platform.

iOS offers fun games with decent graphics. Has some exclusives, very nice ui and ecosystem etc etc. It's not optimized for TV, but with a 5S, AppleTV, and AirPlay the experience scales nicely. All that's needed is for Apps to convert to iOS 7 Standard and offer gamepad support. And have a decent quality gamepad.

Android has a lot of issues. I don't know where to begin. With the case with iOS, Apple puts many restrictions into its ecosystem but eventually this QC System serves to make a consistent and higher quality experience. Android gives a lot of freedom to users. In fact too much. Why would a simple Calculator App require the ability to read Call Logs, I dunno ask Google. To turn this into a legitimate competitor against a potential iConsole would require a massive overhaul. And to turn it into a SteamOS/BOX competitor less likely. And virtually impossible to become a PS3 alternative, let alone a XB1.

That's my knowledgeable insight and honest opinions anyways.

mgarcia 2013-12-22 21:54

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kangal (Post 1399636)
On a TV the gaming experience ranges like this:
Xbox 1 > PS4 > PS3 > Xbox 360 > SteamOS / PC Gaming > iOS > Android / PS Vita TV.
...
That's my knowledgeable insight and honest opinions anyways.

Hi Kangal,
Never thought about it like that but yeah I agree :)

I can't stand Apple products, the way they restrict their HW intensionally.
If they did release a micro-console, it wouldn't be a very flexible ie limited USB/BT support.

Android I tolerate (and sometimes like), with the linux kernel it can support a lot of peripherals!

I don't look at the graphics potential of systems anymore but flexibility.
What can I do on it besides play games??
The consoles play media but not like VLC or mplayer!
I think the masses are wanting a fuller "set-top box" experience.

I see micro-consoles has a hybrid between console's and PC's.
A small box with PC capacities :)
Obviously, I'd prefer a linux distro but Android does the job!

SteamBox.. again between console and PC.
But from the photos of their prototypes looks like an original XBox in size!
So they are going after the console market and not the micro-console.
It's going to be interesting their price point.. they would have to be cheaper then the PS4, I would say even cheaper then a PS3 but I doubt it.

Anyone can buy a PC/laptop and play it on a tv with a PS3/360 controller, so are they??
Not in masses because PC gamers love keyboard & mouse, so SteamBox isn't for them.

Valve should have started with just the controller and saw how well it sold.
Maybe their controller is revisionary and will make people move to SteamBox?

If they include libre office, maybe they can be an OEM like Dell lol

Mike.

Kangal 2013-12-23 00:39

Re: Mad Catz M.O.J.O. Ouya killer?
 
The reason most people CAN use controllers on PC but DONT is because:
1- The amount of PC Gamers isn't THAT big
2- The top played PC Games are FPS and RPGs
3- Most PC Gamers usually own a console too, so they play their Car Racing games and Fifa games on that
4- Ease of use. Plug N Play, no need to fiddle with a DS3 driver
5- Some games don't convert (mouse) that well to controller (joysticks). Software limitation imposed by lack of support from SONY, Microsoft and Nintendo.
6- Some games can support controllers nicely, but playing those with controllers puts you at an immediate disadvantage to KBD+Mouse players.

...and lastly, most PCs are setup on desks with KBD+Mouse hunching over on a chair... using a controller just "feels weird" unlike laying on a couch in the living room where a KBD+Mouse would "feel weird" hunching over on a comfy chair.

Steam is trying to make a niche. Get those PC Gamers to create superior consoles and have them attached to the TV for superior graphics and superior features/functionality (PC). And use SteamBox(es) to get there. And use STEAM OS to deliver the content. And since this will be on a couch, players will rely on the SteamPad which sort of is a controller with a better "mousing" ability. I don't know if they'll ban KBD+Mouse connectivity for gaming. Or they might make it available and unfair. Or they might allow it but make a "handicap" for those using the controller like extra points/lives/abilities.

We'll just have to wait and see


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