The Smart Communication Positioning Circle learned that Japanese electronics supplier Zuiki Co., Ltd. (abbreviated as: ZUIKI) recently released the wireless game controller "EVOTOP" compatible with Nintendo Switch™. This product is the industry's first wireless game controller using ultra-wideband (UWB) communication technology. It is characterized by its low latency and near-wired connection quality, marking a major advancement in wireless game controller technology.
According to information, ZUIKI is a solution provider with high technical strength. It was established in October 2012. It not only provides SoC products, but also involves hardware and software development, as well as the design and manufacture of electronic equipment. Its main customers include well-known companies such as Nintendo, SEGA TOYS, TAITO, Sharp, and Panasonic.
Equipped with UWB module, wireless connection mode can be switched
According to the information, the EVOTOP handle is equipped with the UWB module launched by ZUIKI. By using UWB technology, it aims to achieve near-zero-latency communication, providing lower latency than Bluetooth and speed comparable to wired connections to create a stress-free gaming experience.
ZUIKI said that in Japan, the low frequency band of 3.4 to 4.8 GHz, the high frequency band of 7.25 to 10.25 GHz, and the 24.25 to 29 GHz band for vehicle use only can be used as ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless communications. Japan has approved unrestricted outdoor use in the 7.587 GHz to 8.4 GHz band, and ZUIKI's UWB module uses the high frequency band of 7.25 to 10.25 GHz.
From the actual product, the handle is equipped with a connection mode switch, allowing users to easily switch connections between Nintendo Switch and PC, including "UWB wireless connection mode".
It is reported that this mode uses radio waves in the 7.25 to 9GHz frequency band, and in conjunction with the EVOTOP dedicated USB wireless adapter UWB dongle, it can realize UWB wireless connection on the PC side.
It’s worth noting that currently the UWB wireless connection mode is only available for PC and cannot be used with Switch.
In terms of battery life, the EVOTOP controller is equipped with a 2000mAh, 3.7V built-in battery, which takes about 8 hours to fully charge. In wireless mode, the battery life is expected to be between 10 and 15 hours, and the specific operation time will vary depending on the connection method.
Switch Bluetooth connection mode: about 10 hours;
PC Bluetooth connection mode: about 9 hours;
UWB wireless connection mode: about 6.5 hours.
From the results, the battery life of the EVOTOP controller is enough to support players to enjoy a whole day of gaming in non-continuous games. Although the battery life will be slightly shorter when using UWB wireless connection, users can switch to wired mode at any time to extend the use time, so there is no need to worry too much about battery exhaustion.
High-resolution touch screen and Bluetooth audio function
The EVOTOP controller is officially authorized by Nintendo and is equipped with a small touch screen display on the front of the console, which features various settings that can be configured without the use of a PC. The touch screen information display includes the remaining battery power, game time, current time, connection method, selected profile, volume, EVOTOP button, etc.
The controller's LED lighting settings, display theme color changes, and profile settings can also be done through the touch screen display. Users can customize button mapping, create macro commands, adjust the joystick's response sensitivity, and set vibration feedback according to their preferences.
In addition, EVOTOP also supports joystick calibration directly on the controller without relying on other devices. Users can create and save up to 3 different profiles to suit different games and personal preferences.
In addition, it also has built-in Bluetooth connectivity, so you can listen to the sound of the PC connected via Bluetooth through headphones connected to the 4-pole 3.5mm headphone port of the controller.
UWB, the future of smart home interaction is bright
UWB technology is reshaping the experience of smart home, personal device interaction and automotive electronic communication with its centimeter-level high-precision positioning, fast data transmission and enhanced device connection capabilities. The release of the industry's first UWB game controller shows more possibilities for the popularization of UWB application scenarios.
With the integration of UWB technology with wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi and BLE, it has been seen on the market that it has shown great potential in applications such as smartphones, wearable devices, smart door locks and contactless payment, providing consumers with a more convenient, safer and smarter product experience.
Last September, Huawei released the Smart Screen V5 Pro, which brought "Lingxi Pointing". The main difference from traditional TV interaction is that on the remote control, from button control to a form similar to an air mouse, the cursor on the TV is controlled to operate. At present, it can also be seen in the industry that many manufacturers have released UWB air finger remote control, UWB air mouse, UWB smart lock and other solutions, greatly expanding the use scenarios of smart homes.
Marc Pegulu, vice president and general manager of Qorvo's Connected Systems Division, recently pointed out that in the smart home environment, the application prospects of UWB technology include but are not limited to access control, location awareness, presence detection, etc. These features make UWB an interesting option to supplement existing wireless technologies such as Bluetooth, bringing a higher level of intelligence and richer interactive experience to smart homes.
Qorvo sees the possibility of combining two technologies (such as Matter and UWB) in the future. As these two technologies are gradually integrated into smartphones and other mobile devices, UWB not only enhances the functions within smart homes, but may also expand to application scenarios outside the home.
Some time ago, there was another revelation in the industry that Xiaomi's new phone will be equipped with UWB technology again (Xiaomi's new phone is first exposed: UWB technology is back!). If the revelation is true, then it can be guessed that Xiaomi's UWB technology will not only be used in the digital car keys of Xiaomi's future new cars, but Xiaomi should have already started to develop new UWB smart home products.
With the advancement of technology and changes in market demand, especially with the development of emerging fields such as the Internet of Things, smart cars, AR/VR, the high-precision positioning function of UWB technology has received more and more attention. We can expect a new wave of UWB in smart homes.
This paper is from Ulink Media, Shenzhen, China, the organizer of IOTE EXPO (IoT Expo in China)
