With everything from television sets to games consoles becoming more and more like personal computers every day, the solution of how to add PC-esque functionality to existing hardware styles can be somewhat of a difficult one. Case in point, for this, is how to implement useful keyboards for typing into devices and machines that have previously never had them. In theory the answer is simple; rather than add an actual keyboard to the exterior of the device, keyboard software can be adapted to the given machine's style to allow for typing methods using existing peripherals. Thought functional, these in-built keyboard programs can be a little frustrating and fiddly however. Flicking back and forth between each letter of a Qwerty keyboard using just an analog stick and thumb button can be infuriatingly long-winded, and it's even worse with a TV remote. Fortunately for the PS4, Sony offered players an alternative to the button-bashing and included the option for a motion sensor keyboard that allows them the option to track across an onscreen keyboard by moving the controller instead. This function is a far better alternative, but is still far from perfect. The motion tracker has a tendency to jump or glitch at times which can lead to just as much frustration as it's predecessor. Improving the motion capture of the device, or even offering a third alternative keyboard made up entirely of button-based shortcuts - like a T9 keyboard on old mobile phones - would drastically improve the functionality of this keyboard software.
Gareth is 28 years old and lives in Cardiff. Interests include film, TV and an unhealthy amount of Spider-Man comics and Killers songs. Expect constant references to the latter two at all times.
Follow on twitter @GJCartwright.
