Mobile Technology

KOLOS: the world's first iPad racing wheel

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The KOLOS attaches to an iPad and turns it into a steering wheel for racing games, complete with a detachable base that attaches to most surfaces
The KOLOS attaches to an iPad and turns it into a steering wheel for racing games, complete with a detachable base that attaches to most surfaces
The base fastens securely onto any surface less than 5 cm thick, like a desk or table, using a vise-like clamp and some non-slip rubber pads
As a handy feature, pressing a button on the back also detaches the wheel from the base entirely for a better grip when carrying an iPad around
The KOLOS locks an iPad in place with a set of silicone clips
The KOLOS' 12.3-inch (31.3-cm) diameter is small enough to tap the screen without taking your hands off the wheel
Soon, iPad owners will be able to pick up a steering wheel that fits an iPad in the center and attaches to most surfaces
On the base, the wheel can turn 90 degrees in either direction and will automatically reset itself back to center on its own
The KOLOS adjusts to hold any 9.7-inch iPad model (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation)
Once an iPad is placed inside, the KOLOS becomes a racing wheel and game console in one
By itself, the wheel weighs only 450 grams (less than 1 lb.), so it could be useful for games that require a full range of motion
The KOLOS is available in black and gray color schemes and comes with a 1-year warranty
You can also stream games to an HDTV or computer to turn the whole setup into a separate controller
You can also stream games to an HDTV or computer to turn the whole setup into a separate controller
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The iPad has carved out quite a reputation as a solid platform for video games, particularly racing games, thanks to its built-in accelerometers. But while using the whole tablet as a steering wheel is handy, holding a thin rectangle made of plastic and glass just doesn't have the same feel as an actual arcade wheel. Soon though, iPad owners will be able to pick up a steering wheel that fits an iPad in the center and attaches to most surfaces. Once an iPad is placed inside, the KOLOS becomes a racing wheel and game console in one.

The KOLOS adjusts to hold any 9.7-inch iPad model (2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation) and locks it in place with a set of silicone clips. An anti-perspirant rubber coating and a contoured design give the wheel a comfortable grip, and its 12.3-inch (31.3-cm) diameter is small enough to tap the screen without taking your hands off the wheel.

The base fastens securely onto any surface less than 5 cm (2 inches) thick, like a desk or table, using a vise-like clamp and some non-slip rubber pads. On the base, the wheel can turn 90 degrees in either direction and will automatically reset itself back to center on its own. You can also stream games to an HDTV or computer to turn the whole setup into a separate controller.

Once an iPad is placed inside, the KOLOS becomes a racing wheel and game console in one

Even if you're not into into racing games, the KOLOS still works as a decent hands-free stand. And as a handy feature, pressing a button on the back also detaches the wheel from the base entirely, for a better grip when carrying an iPad around. By itself, the wheel weighs only 450 grams (less than 1 lb.), so it could be useful for games that require a full range of motion. The KOLOS is available in black and gray color schemes and comes with a 1-year warranty.

As a handy feature, pressing a button on the back also detaches the wheel from the base entirely for a better grip when carrying an iPad around

There are a few caveats to a steering wheel that covers some parts of the device, since it does block a few buttons and ports. Once attached, the volume and silent/screen rotation buttons are still accessible, but the power button is not. That might be fine if you don't plan on taking the iPad out for awhile, but the charging port is also covered, so you can really only use the KOLOS for as long as your battery lasts ... and that's all beside the fact that iPad mini owners are just out of luck.

KOLOS' designers are currently in the process of raising funds to distribute the steering wheel, and are preparing to launch an Indiegogo page on November 5, according to the website. So far, there hasn't been any word on pricing or if there will be an accompanying set of pedals and gear shift. If you're a racing enthusiast with an iPad, though, this is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Take a look at the video below to see some of the uses for the KOLOS.

Source: KOLOS

Update: KOLOS has informed us that the Indiegogo page is now up.

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3 comments
Henry Franken
I would like to have it in my car like that, so when i park I can use it in my car, even when driving follow the GPS to my destination
Facebook User
it sounds like a great product, but it is such a poor choice for a name. In Greek, the word KOLOS is not something that we normally refer to, at least not infront of children, or ladies, and it is also slang for something inferior, or something that does not work, (similar to LEMON for a car).
Τριαντάφυλλος Καραγιάννης
Small hint to the said company: in Greek, kolos (κώλος) means arse. The market for (this at least) Kolos might be small over here, but the language remains lively ;)
(so yes, this article was a fun read :) )