1UP talks to Harmonix and RedOctane about why the PS3 dongles are necessary...

[Magnet]

http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3163593

They don't get too far into a precise answer. But they do point out how it's odd that the Wii is able to use the same bluetooth-based technology that the PS3 is capable of, yet no dongles are needed for that console. I think the fact that both companies had to use USB dongles really clears HMX and RO from any blame. Sounds like Sony was either less than supportive or just couldn't come up with a way to allow the peripherals to work in time for the releases of GH3 and RB.

[TheRocker]

Mhmmm I was hoping they tell us a Specific answer its not like people are going to riot or anything , whats feasible mean ?

[jq71586]

I could swear I remember reading from some other interview Huang (Red Octane) stating that GH3 had to use the dongles for PS3 due to some time constraints.

[Xzyliac]

These people (1Up, Harmonix, RO, the whole nine yards) are being really damn vague with their hardware answers.

Great way to answer the question without saying anything guys!

I mean really can the Strat work with GH? What are the dongles for? This isn't rocket science. If you can't answer SAY SO!

[TheRocker]

I dont think its sony's fault i mean they havent sent at least 2 devs to each major developing studio and they send out even some new Dev units , either it was Time or they couldn't find a way but hey as long as i get a Working guitar i can live with it.

[rockst01]

I mean really can the Strat work with GH? What are the dongles for? This isn't rocket science. If you can't answer SAY SO!

Why would Harmonix know if the Stratocaster will work with Guitar Hero III? They don't get GHIII early, they have to wait until it comes out to test the stratocaster with it.

[Xzyliac]

Why would Harmonix know if the Stratocaster will work with Guitar Hero III? They don't get GHIII early, they have to wait until it comes out to test the stratocaster with it.

But they (and this is probably MTV moreso than Harmonix) will never outright say "We don't know."

[Bakkster]

Mhmmm I was hoping they tell us a Specific answer its not like people are going to riot or anything , whats feasible mean ?

It means that it would take too long (aka, game would be delayed) if they implemented Sony's BlueTooth which they have no idea how to do, compared to a 3rd party solution that they already know.

[AVC808]

sony is hilarious: "we are considering Bluetooth for future consideration"
considering a consideration. way to go.

[Xzyliac]

sony is hilarious: "we are considering Bluetooth for future consideration"
considering a consideration. way to go.

Okay I know Sony bashing is the pastime of this gen but you have to admit their PR is a joke.

[Reaper0563]

so if it works via usb then would that mean that the ps3 controllers work on 360?

[Redebo]

Okay I know Sony bashing is the pastime of this gen but you have to admit their PR is a joke.

That's what happens when you translate something from Japanese...

[Bakkster]

so if it works via usb then would that mean that the ps3 controllers work on 360?

Nope, controllers can't be cross-platform (MS and Sony would have a fit)

[steelcurtain187]

sony is hilarious: "we are considering Bluetooth for future consideration"
considering a consideration. way to go.

hahaha that's great :D

[Electric_Zen]

That's what happens when you translate something from Japanese...

Going out on a limb here, but I don't think Kimberly Otzman is Japanese.

[Terranova]

RO have already stated on GH forum that they hope to have dongle free Les Paul's sometime after the holidays so i would say that they didn't have the tools to go Blue-tooth in time for the release same goes for Rock band although HMx haven't said if dongle free versions will be released.. anyway i would still rather have wired then you wouldn't have this problem.

[miketoast]

Why would Harmonix know if the Stratocaster will work with Guitar Hero III? They don't get GHIII early, they have to wait until it comes out to test the stratocaster with it.

There would have to be conversations between RO and Harmonix if there will be compatibility between guitars and games. You think they wait till the game comes out and plug in their controller and see if it works????? LOL!!!!!!!

[Quastor]

There would have to be conversations between RO and Harmonix if there will be compatibility between guitars and games. You think they wait till the game comes out and plug in their controller and see if it works????? LOL!!!!!!!

Yes, that's exactly what's going to happen. RO is in the business of selling peripherals. If they worked with HMX to allow GH3 controllers to work with Rock Band, then HMX could engineer their guitar to be compatible with GH3. I can promise you RO has no intentions on making compatibility between the guitars easy. It's business.

[Bakkster]

There would have to be conversations between RO and Harmonix if there will be compatibility between guitars and games. You think they wait till the game comes out and plug in their controller and see if it works????? LOL!!!!!!!

Here's my understanding of the HMX/RO conversation:
HMX: "Hey, we've got an open standard for how the guitars work. What do you think?"
RO: "....."

So it looks like until HMX gets their hands on GH3 (or some reviewer gets the balls to plug the other guitar in and write about it) we've got nothing.

[TheWolf619]

I've come to the point where I really don't care. They're both going to be wireless and that's all that matters to me. When they do release a bluetooth Guitar I'll sell the original ones and keep those. Until then I'm just happy it's all wireless.