“On May 8, 2008, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a new and exciting Apple patent which generally relates to a multi-dimensional 2D/3D remote control system,” Jack “Neo” Purcher reports for MacNN.
“The remote control could employ both absolute and relative positioning detection techniques which provide for superior on-screen position accuracy. The remote controller would also provide a unique zoom feature to enable a user to go into and out of an image or even a portion thereof. Such techniques are employed in video game controllers and Apple’s patent confirms this application option,” Purcher reports.
“Such techniques would also support Apple’s vision of a Second Life-like virtual world application relating to their Apple Store. The new remote would allow consumers to roam through a virtual Apple Store as if they were in a sophisticated 3D video game such as BioShock or Call of Duty. The good part of this is that the remote may be closer to reality than you think – as Apple has implemented technologies that were developed and patented by ThinkOptics, the creators of Waveit,” Purcher reports. “Their remote won the 2008 CES Innovations Design and Engineering Award. According to their literature, the remote offers anti-shake stabilization and air zooming to move in on photos and webpages and supports onscreen keyboards – most of which are supported by Apple’s patent.”
Much more in the full article, including patent application images, here.
Nintendo has been inspired by Apple and now Apple is inspired by Nintendo.
Hmmm. I’m not convinced that “moving” through a “physical” iTS is terribly helpful in selecting media. We’ll see.
Please please please. I want a replacement for my Logitech Harmony 1000!!!
The accelerometer seems to be the secret. Very cool.
Apple is working on a game box which will incorporate OS X software and will be a fourth major product line; the remote will support the game box, to be named EvenSteven.
Mr Matalino, why? I just got a Harmony 1000, and haven’t turned it on yet. Am I in for disappointment?
Seems like Woz’s remote control expertise could benefit Apple. Guess that time has passed.
@hairytales,
If they come out with this, Apple should name it “CheckMate”.
Nintendo, get your lawyers ready!
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What about something like this? Not wireless or anything, but for using at your desk, it might be an option.
http://www.3dconnexion.com/3dmouse/spacenavigator.php
Yay! This will be just like eWorld!
Oh, wait….
“The new remote would allow consumers to roam through a virtual Apple Store as if they were in a sophisticated 3D video game such as BioShock or Call of Duty.”
So, you’d be able to frag unsuspecting customers?
“I’d like to see the new MacBook Air.”
“You’d better get AppleCare dirtbag or prepare to die.”
Cool.
All I need are big boobs and a remote like that and I’d never have to get off the sofa.
could be used like those screen graphics in Minority Report – now that would be great!
There are times when I want to send my Harmony 1000 back. It does have problems, and most users don’t want to take the time to resolve them. I want a remote that ‘just works’.
@ hairytales:
Yup. It’s called Apple TV… with games on the iTunes store.
Think big… Think Different!
I think one or two versions of the new Cinema Displays will be the new iTV or AppleTv. You know… All-in-one box with the über-remote, which is iPhone 2
The iTV/AppleTV should then have the full blown Leopard OS, in this new All-In-One box, and thus include Safari, iChat and Gaming among other good things! The new mouse of cause… would then be the “iPhone 2″… and a game controller!!!
I would really like my TV to be Apple branded! It would be stylish! No doubt! Yes… I know, this is not their marked – but anyways!
If this Scenario where to happen… companies like DELL and Microsoft would shit their pants!
@ Macfabulous
Would I have to buy an iPhone as well this magical TV you speak off, or would it come with the TV?
What if I want the TV, but not an iPhone? It wouldn’t be fair of Apple saying I would need tp buy an iPhone, to use this unrelated product.
@JAYGEE
As you see with the MacBooks and the iMacs, they are accompanied with a remote these days.
I´m not saying that that the iPhone is bundled with the AppleTV but instead of the simple (But improved) remote that will come with the system, you now can replace it with the combatible iPhone 2 which would have the same functions build in.
They still have to make money you know
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Still… these are just speculations and dreams of a brighter future
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@JAYGEE
Plus… There have been many rumors about the iPhone getting a remote-function build in. I´m just saying… You never know!
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@ Macfabulous
Ah ok. I would stick with the Remote, if I bought this Apple TV wonder machine.
Sounds interesting though.
Not one mention among the threads about the fact that the idea is already patented by ThinkOptics. Go to the http://www.thinkoptics.com site and see for yourself. The company has been at for some time now according articles found by googling the company.