“On January 15, 2015, the US Patent & Trademark Office published a patent application from Apple that reveals a possible next-generation multi-functional iDevice Home Button,” Jack Purcher reports for Patently Apple. “”
“In the first mode, the Home Button retains its standard functionality. In the second mode, the Home Button transforms into a pure gaming joystick,” Purcher reports. “The transition from one mode to the other is rather simple through a pressure sensor.”
“In this way, the multi-function Home Button may be capable of operating as a button and a joystick at different times,” Purcher reports. “Further in this way, the input device head may not project outward from the surface when not being used as a joystick, thus avoiding compromising aesthetic appearance of the electronic device, preventing potential damage to mechanisms utilized to project the input device head, and/or keeping the input device head out of the way when not being utilized as a joystick.”
Read more, and see Apple’s patent application illustrations, in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: The only way to play some games is with a joystick. To have one integrated in every iOS device would be a welcome addition for both users and developers.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Arline M.” for the heads up.]