AI: Apple exploring Magic Wand controller for next-gen Apple TV

[Sky Blue]

Apple is exploring the possibility of including a wireless "remote wand" with future versions of its Apple TV media system that would provide users with precise control over a cursor on the Apple TV screen in very much the same way a conventual mouse controls a cursor on a PC. It would also unlock three-dimensional controls similar to those offered by Nintendo's Wii controller.

The wand, which was revealed in a patent filing published for the first time this week, would control the movement of a cursor displayed on a TV screen by the position and orientation at which it is held by the user. As the user moves the wand, the on-screen cursor would follow.

http://images.appleinsider.com/patent-090312-1.jpg


http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/12/apple_exploring_magic_wand_controller_for_next_gen_apple_tv.html

[basesloaded190]

i don't see the point in this. Wouldn't a conventional remote do the same thing with accuracy and less hassle. Unless i am missing something here i don't get it.

[Sky Blue]

i don't see the point in this. Wouldn't a conventional remote do the same thing with accuracy and less hassle. Unless i am missing something here i don't get it.

1. make Wii style remote for Apple TV.
2. Release SDk to developers.
3. ??????
4. Profit

[mohanman]

Yeah I don't like the idea of having another controller for appletv. I have my universal programmable remote for the tv, recevier, appletv, tivo etc, this would just add to something sitting on the table which I wouldn't like.

Mo

[Sky Blue]

Yeah I don't like the idea of having another controller for appletv. I have my universal programmable remote for the tv, recevier, appletv, tivo etc, this would just add to something sitting on the table which I wouldn't like.

Mo

I'm guessing most people who have an Apple TV use the Apple remote.

[AnthonyCM]

I'm guessing most people who have an Apple TV use the Apple remote.

I switch back and forth between my phone and my remote to use the ATV. However, if they make a Wii like controller for this and then create an app store, this could be huge. Anyone would be able to create games, and although they wouldn't all be high production games, there might be some simple, fun ones for $5-$10.

[arnette]

I think this is one of those 'proof of concept' kinds of things. Patented just for the sake of patenting something.

Zooming in and out of photos using a motion remote would be annoying... using the Wii for any onscreen keyboard is dreadful. The only thing desperately needed on the ATV are volume controls.

[BoulderBum]

I think this is an old patent.

The potential for the Wii-style remote is that the Apple TV can become a better platform for casual Wii-style games. How cool would it be to have an App Store like the iPhone's that let you download games onto your Apple TV hard drive?

PS - This patent is a little old, isn't it? I remember talking about it months/a year ago.

[basesloaded190]

Idk i still would rather just use my harmony remote instead of a wii like remote. i have a wii and that controller is annoying to use for simple things like typing

[dongmin]

Idk i still would rather just use my harmony remote instead of a wii like remote. i have a wii and that controller is annoying to use for simple things like typing

You guys are all missing the point.

Apple's typical MO is to take technologies/design from a successful franchise, like the iPod, and adapt to their other franchises, like they did with the redesign of the iMac.

This remote is the first step in bringing some of the more unique, successful aspects of the iPhone/iPod Touch to the Apple TV. The beauty of this "wand" remote is that they can turn it into a game controller. A simple accelerometer-based remote would play A LOT of games already published for the iPhone.

AppleTV will eventually be a subset of the iPhone/iPod. I expect Apple to bring some sort of resolution independence to the iPhone OS so that these apps and games can run on different products like the iPhone, tablet computer, AppleTV, etc.

[CharmCty]

but what interests me more than the whole "wiimote" aspect of the patent is this:

"In one example, the company shows how pressing the remote's menu button would trigger a Dock to rise from the bottom of the Apple TV screen, which users could then navigate by moving the wand from left to right."

Check the patent image - there's a safari icon. If this is the trend for ATV, then it looks like a perfect HTPC option in the future, with capability to stream any content from the web without hacking (Boxee, etc.).

That we be enough to make me buy an Apple TV.

[Sky Blue]

If this is the trend for ATV, then it looks like a perfect HTPC option in the future, with capability to stream any content from the web without hacking (Boxee, etc.).


But would it have flash?

[BoulderBum]

But would it have flash?

If content providers were allowed access to an Apple TV App Store, it wouldn't matter.

[dmm219]

You guys are all missing the point.


Hardcore ATV users on this board missing the point of obvious casual market features? nah...;)

These boards won't be happy until the ATV includes a BR drive, a DVR, a NTSC and QAM tuner, along with a 1TB HD, 14 HDMI ports, 1080p output, and enough processing power to run COD4.

What a great $1000+ machine, that no one except people on this board would buy...