Some of you miss that rumble from the old Sony Dual Shock controller, while others don't mind in the least. For all gamers in the former group, SplitFish may have a solution.
The company has gone on record, stating they have a "dynamic force feedback system" that can be used with the PS3's Sixaxis controller, and without screwing up the motion sensing capabilities. They're using a low-power force feedback dubbed "SensorFX," and there are zero moving parts in this add-on. Apparently, SplitFish has designed this new system so the feedback will function all across the controller, with the flexibility of focusing the rumble on one side or the other.
As for possible distribution, the company isn't all that picky. They say SensorFX can be sold either as an add-on for the existing Sixaxis, or included into new controller designs. If they go the add-on route, it will attach via the USB plug-in on the Sixaxis, thereby using the controller's battery for power.
SensorFX will even boast two significantly different feedback modes. One mode is just for game use while the other utilizes the motion tilt functionality to dictate feedback actions. SplitFish further wants to work with developers and publishers so as to take full advantage of the new technology.
We're all for cool options, but in all honesty, one of the biggest reasons rumble wasn't included in the Sixaxis was because of that battery. You can have 30 hours without it or 10 hours with it…so let's hope SensorFX uses a lot less power. Because we wouldn't mind the rumble option, but it's not essential, and we like the batter length in the Sixaxis.