KICKSTARTER

Help us make the worlds first open-source controller.

• Fully user programmable microcontroller, running open-source software

• 55 key keyboard - Shoulder buttons - Twin analogue nubs - High-quality Dpad

• New swivel clamp for easier phone handling

• Works as a standard HID (keyboard, joystick, iCade etc) for anything with either bluetooth or USB connections (Mac, PC, Phones, Tablets, PS3 etc.)

• Lasts for 14 hours of active use on a single charge

• Working prototypes finished, ready for mass production now

• Will it work with the OUYA - Yes, it should work with the OUYA.

• Built to last - the price reflects the quality - it's an absolutely solid, ready for the road design.

• Distributors - buy a multipack and have excellent Christmas sales.

• If the project is a success we will document the ENTIRE production process on film - with regular video updates and visits to factories - see how we bring a product to life - ordering parts, negotiations, product assembly - everything - so if you have always wondered how it's done, or fancy making something yourself in the future, you will see how we do it.

High res press renders/photos here: http://icontrolpad.com/icp2.zip

Between 2009 and 2011 we developed, prototyped and brought to market the iControlPad; a unique controller which connected to phones to play games.

Now we want to go one better; a programmable, open-source, Bluetooth, super-compact controller with a keyboard that you can use on almost any tech device.

The iControlPad2 is not tied to phones or tablets. It is designed to be used with anything from your Raspberry Pi, Dev-board or USB Stick computer, to Robots, hobby projects, PC, Mac, bare PCBs/Motherboards, set-top boxes and anything else with Bluetooth.

If you do use it with your phone, it can attach via a swivel-holder for comfort, and is easily stowed when you take calls - as the battery lasts for 12-14 hours it's a great portable controller.

And it's open source. So if it does not do what you want, you add your own commands/protocols, or download ones made by other users.

Emulation: With the iControlPad2 you can enjoy proper computer emulation on your phone or tablet. Imagine Amiga/C64/PC/ZX Spectrum/Atari/Amstrad all with complete Keyboard, Mouse and Joystick emulation on one small controller; not to mention amazing support for almost any console emulator.

Unrivalled control set: A full QWERTY keyboard, digital D-Pad, 2 analogue nubs, 4 face buttons, Start, Select and 2 shoulder buttons. Everything you  need in a compact device - it's the same size as an iPhone4.

No need for App support: The iControlPad2 will work with almost any app, whether it supports it or not. Thanks to new overlay software, you can map the iControlPad2 controls and keys to screen presses in iOS or Android. Just map your favorite app and start playing; you will be amazed at the advantage real controls give you. See the video for a demonstration.

Flip around phone holder: Using the iControlPad2 on a phone and need to take a call or quickly go back to phone mode? No problem. The new holder allows you to flip the iControlPad2 behind the phone within a second. See the video for an example. Using a (phone safe) magnetic clip mechanism, similar to ones found on phone cases, covers and wallets, means it's simple and sturdy - and very unlikely to ever fail.

Any Hardware: You no longer need to worry about having the controls you need on your next device, just upgrade your hardware and keep using the iControlPad2 for playing games, using emulators and using apps.

Flashable/Upgradeable Open Source firmware: Even if a new device comes along which the iControlPad2 does not support you don't have to worry. Support can be added and you can just update the firmware from a Mac or PC - and since it's open you can add your own commands and support too. Oh, and want to hack the PCB? There will be a guide for that too.

Productivity: Use your tablet as a PC, use remote desktop software easily and properly, type on a real keyboard that's easy to carry and simple to use in places where a full sized keyboard isn't practical; such as a train, bus or plane.

Strong, Robust portable design: The iControlPad2 is built to last, it may be a little more expensive than an average controller. But this represents not only the ability to program it, but also the quality of materials; a mix of metal and plastic, which make it ready for the road - or even a war zone!

Ready to go to market Now: The iControlPad2 isn't dreamland, it's a real working prototype which builds on the successful iControlPad technology. If we're funded, we're ready to start mass producing in time for Christmas. And, where possible, we always use local companies in Europe and the USA for all production (The iCP1 was made entirely in Europe).

Your input on the... input: As you can see the keyboard layout isn't decided yet - this is a final stencil which is applied to the keys in mass production. We're welcoming input on the layout and any special keys which might be of benefit to such a controller. 

Documenting the whole process in detail:

You can get involved via our website and forum, and of course we will update this page as the project progresses.

Help us make the worlds first open source controller - for all the 'open source' systems out there there is no true open source controller to use with them - help us change that.

Our website is iControlpad.com, our forum is at iControlpad.com/forum.

Craig's twitter is twitter.com/craigix.

You can also join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/iControlPad2

Thanks,

Craig & the iControlpad Team.

Here is a selection of praise and reviews of the iControlpad1, our previous controller (more on our website):

"Pairing the iControlPad with your jailbroken iPhone or Android handset is blissfully straightforward" - PocketGamer.co.uk

"The iControlPad brings a wealth of controls to your table, filling in the painful lack of gaming controls on any compatible mobile device." - Gadgetoid

"The iControlPad is a nifty little device that almost perfectly solves the touchscreen game control conundrum" - The Register

"the iControlPad unquestionably delivers a far superior game experience than any manner of on-screen D-pad." - Touch Arcade