Sony debuts the Wireless Keypad for the PS3

Got the email about this earlier this evening. It seems that it will be available in stores come Friday at the latest. I haven’t decided if I am going to purchase this myself, don’t know if it would just be more of a hassle than helpful. If you in game text message, use the PS3 to surf the web a lot with that all new and improved flash support provided by Playstation Update 2.53, or if you have Playstation Home then this might really excite you. I am not sure how excited I am about this, but hey its pretty big news I suppose. The keypad will retail for US $49.99. There is no hard release date, as Walmart has the product being available as early as 5 December 2008 and some places have it being available in 2-6 weeks, Walmart usually has the right info though. The product is already sold out or on back order at most major retailers so if you want it you better order it now. This product was rumored to be released earlier this year but now this is the real deal. With the release of this wireless keypad, I gotta think that a widespread release of Playstation Home is not far behind, but just wait and see.

Sony’s new wireless keypad

The Wireless keypad for the PLAYSTATION®3 system provides the freedom of easy to use texting and mouse input capabilities, all while maintaining full gameplay functionality in one easy-to-hold device. This Bluetooth® device attaches to any DUALSHOCK®3 or SIXAXIS^TM wireless controller and enables effortless internet browsing, e-mailing and instant messaging on the PlayStation®Network and PlayStation®Home. The unique touch pad feature allows for convenient scrolling and mouse input on the PS3^TM system on-screen display. Dedicated short cut keys provide instant access to ‘Message Box’ and other online communication applications on the PlayStation®Network.

By integrating all these features in a sleek and elegant design, Sony Computer Entertainment, plans to further enhance online interactivity on the PLAYSTATION®3 system.

Now only if the rest of us actually had Home?

Key Features:

• QWERTY keypad designed for fast, thumbs-only typing.
• Dedicated short cut keys provide instant access to text-based communication applications on the PlayStation®Network.
• Automatic pairing with the PS3^TM system via a USB cable.
• Charges by connecting it directly to the PS3^TM system using a USB cable.
• Touch pad mode turns the main key area into a touch pad. When touch pad button is pressed, user can not use the keys for character input but can slide her finger on this area to select something on the screen. On the internet browser, user can see a cursor when this mode is set on.