New Accessories: TX Mic & Air Flo Controller

Hi there!

Recently, I have been asked to try out a few new accessories to increase the Xbox experience and after looking around, I found two which were quite interesting. Firstly, we'll begin with a new mic, which was the prototype to the MW3 Preorder microphone: Gioteck TX-1 Throat Mic.

As you can see, there is a small round mic to the left that fits slightly to the left, close to your Adam's Apple, or slightly back depending on neck size. The clasps on the side stretch out by about 5 cenemeters, making it much more comfortable. To mute the mic or turn up the volume (unseen in the photo), there is a small latch on the right hand side with a turning dile nearby. Lastly, there is the one plug for listenting to voice. While it does fit in on both sides, the TX seems to prefer the use of the right ear, making it more appropriate for right handed people.

While the mic is of great quality, it is overly sensitive. Swallowing saliva or air is picked up by the mic. Voice recognition is quite well, but makes it a little uneasy to be heard, as voice is picked up not by words spoken through the lips, but the vibrations in the throat, making it dull and almost sounding as if speaking through a pillow.

The TX is quite a good piece of equipment for those who prefer being slightly choked, and being bothered with a corded mic, then this would be a decent buy for you.

Cost: $15.

Average X360 microphone price: $30

Secondly, after finding this in a little store, I was overjoyed to have found an old friend from my youthful gaming days. The Air Flo 360 Controller.

For those who don't know or are too young to remember, Air Flo made its first appearance with the original Xbox then making its way towards the Playstation 2. The controller is practically the same but with a few new new features. Firstly, this controller is designed with a mini fan built into the back, to cool your hands as you play. Not only is this an effective tool, but its also a great controller to play while in the dark. Can't see what buttons your pressing? With the simple tap to the button on the left, your controller lights up, from both the buttons and the vents at the side of the controller. Hands a little bit sweaty? Tap the button at the top right for a low fan speed, again for high and once more for off.

This is a great tool in gaming, keeping your fingers limber and quick and stopping from slipping and sliding off your worn controller.

One issue of the controller is the D pad. While barely used these days, the plastic used for its construction is slightly uncomfortable and stiff, making choosing weapons in Gears 3 or selecting squad movements in Ghost Recon slightly more troublesome.

The controller is probably best for both those who have issues with hands sweating during gameplay or even newcomers who don't know where your buttons are.

Cost: $40

Average X360 controller price: $60

I hope you enjoyed my review on these two items, and I highly recommend them to you. Both are quite cheap and quite useful, if you can put up with going back 5 years to corded gaming items.

No matter how you play the game, just remember, have fun and game on!

Al Fatman