Need Xbox 360 Chatpad driver

@JohnD

 

  You're right about the discussion being about an Xbox 360 accessory, but the discussion is also about making said accessory work within Windows making it still relevant within this forum. If we had had this exact same discussion in the forum you suggested they would have told us to come here.

@Mattetch

 

  It seems Microsoft seems to refuse to acknowledge that the first chatpads released had packaging that said Works with Windows Live Messenger. Instead of saying something along the lines of, chat with friends on Windows Live Messenger via the Xbox 360 Live Messenger interface. They later changed the packaging to correct this oversight. Also if you can get window to recognize the device, you can use third party software to emulate key functions for just about any game out there. This software works by intercepting the keystroke on the game pad or chat pad in this case and telling the game that it came from the key board.

lastly there is a video on youtube of a programmer using the XNA studio to send information from his chatpad to the 360, and then from the 360 to his PC. Crude, but effective. There is however a notable delay which would be an issue with gamers. For those who don't know the XNA studio is a programming environment for the 360 on windows that allows you to program and run games designed for the xbox on your pc. It has an annual subscription fee. But its the same platform used to make the "Community Games" that you see in the marketplace.

I've concluded that it's not that Microsoft Can't make the chatpad work within Windows, but rather Microsoft doesn't want to make it work, and is refusing to tell us why.

Well actually, it says that it will work with xbox 360 and windows live games (aka - Halo 2 on Vista).

Snaulty is right on every point... I personally would invest in two of each of the wireless controllers, pc wireless adapters, and chatpads if there were just chatpad drivers for PC.  This would be awesome for media center PCs. but oh well. i give up for now.

But for those that are interested... i hear the PS3 controller and their wireless keypad DOES work via bluetooth.  im prolly gonna give this a try instead

I want to reiterate a few points on why people are pursuing Windows Drivers for the 360 Chatpad.

1. The Chatpad is smaller, functional, and wireless. It has a back lit display for use in the dark. These features on a full size keyboard usually land you in the $100+ Category.
2. The Original Packaging lead many to believe that the device was compatible with Windows, by mentioning Window's Live Messenger.

3.This added functionality, would increase the usefulness of the product, increasing it's sales, as a similar product does not yet exist, particularly in it's price category.

Also the reason so many people are frustrated is Microsoft won't give anyone an answer on the subject. The 360 accessories people say, talking to the Windows development team. The Windows Guys say to talk to the Xbox 360 accessories and peripherals developers. This is about Customer Care and Service. If this message is in the wrong place to be properly acknowledge, then YOU PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR MICROSOFT, should forward it to the proper department.

i use a SealShield silver surfer wireless.. for my chat pad for my 360 no drivers needed..

Hey everybody, there are tons of people out there who want these drivers made as you can see. I just set up a forum to rally us together to hopefully convince Microsoft or, if not, then maybe put together a donation fund and have a third-party driver made. I know it's been a long time since most of these posts were written, but if you're still interested PLEASE just sign up on the forum and make a 2-second post saying you're still interested, you don't have have to confirm your email:

http://nostalgium.com/forum/

There are legions of people -- especially HTPC (home-theater PC) users -- who need this, and seeing as the Xbox360 controller is arguably the best joystick, I know there are a ton of future possibilities for the chatpad. I would like to develop for it myself, but without ANY way to interface with it, it's a wonderful piece of hardware with no purpose to PC users. Again, please just sign up on the forum link above and let us know that you're one of many who would like to use this.

THANK YOU!