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Is Apple Developing a Wiimote-Inspired Controller For Apple TV?

A newly published patent filing has revealed that Apple is considering a 3D remote control system that combines features found in the Wiimote and their own multi-touch technology. According to the filing, the system could detect the position of the remote control and be used to manipulate objects as well as "zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control in the third axis"—features that Appleinsider believes could be destined for Apple TV.

References to gaming in the filing also serve to rehash old rumors about gaming and Apple TV as well as how a controller like this might fit into such plans. Naturally, I have my doubts about such theories given Apple's stance on gaming over the years, but as with all rumors and patent filings, we will just have to wait and see what comes of it. [Appleinsider via MacRumors]

2:25 PM on Thu May 8 2008
By Sean Fallon
1,917 views
11 comments

Comments

foe1one at 03:42 PM on 05/08/08
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Question:

How come when apple takes tech it's 'inspired' by the original, but if anyone makes something 'inspired' by an apple product, it's called a rip-off?
alter at 04:07 PM on 05/08/08
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@foe1one:
agreed

maybe because they're apple fanboys!
BoinK at 04:31 PM on 05/08/08
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@foe1one: Because Apple is just taking a small part of the idea and then evolving, expanding, transforming it into a completely new and revolutionary product of unmatched quality and genius. What are you dense?
justinpe at 04:43 PM on 05/08/08
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@foe1one:

This patent was filed back in November of 2006, just before the wii came out. I guess great minds/companies just think alike.
justinpe at 04:48 PM on 05/08/08
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@foe1one:

Call it what you whatever you want. Are you suggesting that it is the other way around?
Kaiser-Machead at 05:58 PM on 05/08/08
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Connectedness Index: 287
Brought to you by Acura TSX

@BoinK: I think I just got diabetes.
diabolusunknown at 06:19 PM on 05/08/08
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I see Cupertino is priming up their photocopiers.
x23 at 06:35 PM on 05/08/08
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@diabolusunknown: how do you "prime up" a copier?

i've used several over the years. i just don't recall the actual "priming" process exactly.
diabolusunknown at 06:38 PM on 05/08/08
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@foe1one: In the reality distortion field, there are no questions.
diabolusunknown at 06:42 PM on 05/08/08
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@x23:

primed, prim·ing, primes
v.tr.
1. To make ready; prepare: guard dogs primed for attack.
motech at 11:12 PM on 05/08/08
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its all about the keyboard,
"typing" on a wii is way easier then on apple tv,
maybe they will even enable web browsing . .