Another Wii-Like Controller Patent For Distinguishing Infrared Light Sources

[MacRumors]

Apple has applied for yet another patent for a Wii-like controller device, this time for a remote control that can distinguish infrared light sources. Via hrmph:

The present invention can include remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray or unintended light sources, such as environmental light sources and/or reflections.

Earlier this month another patent application was uncovered for a Wii-like controller developed by Apple. As with all patent applications, this may not represent technology planned for any particular project, though recent job descriptions have listed "remote controls" as one of the technologies Apple is developing.

Raw Data: Patent Application 20080121782




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[Diggity-Dan]

The current remote is great for Front Row, but it could definitely be improved. I want to be able to surf the net comfortably and easily from my couch. I know there are a few software solutions out there like remote buddy, but it's a bitch with that little 6 buttoned remote.

[ejrizo]

should i wait to buy an apple tv?

[Mykbibby]

Originally Posted by Diggity-Dan

The current remote is great for Front Row, but it could definitely be improved. I want to be able to surf the net comfortably and easily from my couch. I know there are a few software solutions out there like remote buddy, but it's a bitch with that little 6 buttoned remote.

I agree, I don't know why everybody hates the Apple Remote so much. I think it does the job perfect, except rewinding really sucks on it. I would love a wiimote type remote for it. The Wiimote is awesome!

My only suggestion for it would be to make it smaller, kind of like one of those handheld lasers. Now that would be awesome!!!

[ejrizo]

but it does make sense to be able to have it set up like a mouse.... the Nintendo Wii does it pretty damn well.... so i can see where apple as a computer company can take this to the next level

[Mykbibby]

Originally Posted by ejrizo

should i wait to buy an apple tv?

If an Apple event is around the corner, I always wait to see what it has in store. I say wait until WWDC, if its not announced then, go get it.

Apple TV was updated (software) at MacWorld, but not hardware since last year. Its possible, but unlikely.

[match311]

I think Apple has said that going into the TV market would be a natural progression for them. This could be a sweet remote patent for the TV. Then Apple would dominate the home.

[speakerwizard]

Originally Posted by Diggity-Dan

The current remote is great for Front Row, but it could definitely be improved. I want to be able to surf the net comfortably and easily from my couch. I know there are a few software solutions out there like remote buddy, but it's a bitch with that little 6 buttoned remote.

2 words, remote buddy

[clayj]

I'd love it if Apple would sell a programmable touchscreen remote control, similar to the Panja/AMX Viewpoint remote controls or the Logitech Harmony E1000.

[Diggity-Dan]

Originally Posted by speakerwizard

2 words, remote buddy

Like I said in my original post, I know there are software solutions like Remote Buddy, but I'm don't like using that little 6 button remote to control my computer outside of Front Row or to surf the net. It's a pain trying to navigate the cursor with four buttons, and even more of a pain to type something with the virtual keyboard (as it's also a pain to type in YouTube searches in AppleTV). The best solution I've seen so far is an iPhone hack that lets you use the touch screen as a wireless track pad for your Mac. I don't think he's added keyboard support yet, but it's a logical progression.

[junkmailbonzai]

A controller like that would be very nice for my apple TV.

[Clive At Five]

I would find it truly hard to believe if Nintendo didn't already have a patent for this...

-Clive

[godslabrat]

Originally Posted by ejrizo

should i wait to buy an apple tv?

Hardware updates on the AppleTV are probably some time in the future, so if you're wanting increased functionality or a killer app... couldn't hurt to wait and see. My personal opinion is the AppleTV form factor has a LOT of untapped potential, and Apple is too smart of a company (both in terms of design and marketing) to not have something in the works.

OTOH, if you want an AppleTV because of what it can do today, out-of-the-box, get it now. Like I said, any updates are quite a ways off, so no sense in delaying a purchase you'll enjoy over something that may never happen.

[madman365]

...but maybe....just maybe...against all conventional wisdom and knowledge...Apple was developing it's first ever gaming console. I mean, I'd buy it. With new interest from Gaming Software companies emerging because of iphone and what not, why not break into the realm of gaming systems. Give xbox something to worry about. Create a hub that is Apple TV, Base Station, Internet, and is a true gaming console. Come on. iGame, anyone?

For an unsophisticated end user, I would buy it.

[Small White Car]

Originally Posted by MacRumors

Apple has applied for yet another patent...

I wonder if it's time for a "Patent News" tab on MacRumors up there next to the iPhone tab!

Seems like there'd be enough content to keep it busy...

[ArtOfWarfare]

but...

I like using open flames as my IR source for the Wiimote!

And I'd like to be able to use open flames for this too!

...

I like fire.

[JAYGEE]

If Apple allowed games on Apple TV, just like they are with the iPhone/iPod Touch, what would the graphics be like? Would the games be able to compete with the Xbox 360 & PS3, graphics wise, or would the games be more Wii like?

Maybe the next gen Apple TV could have better graphics?

[kkat69]

Originally Posted by ArtOfWarfare

but...

I like using open flames as my IR source for the Wiimote!

And I'd like to be able to use open flames for this too!

...

I like fire.

LOL Yah, this is one drawback to the Wiimote. As long as it picks up light it works. Which is why you can use christmas ornaments as your wiimote bar, as long as they're spaced properly.

[jnc]

Originally Posted by JAYGEE

If Apple allowed games on Apple TV, just like they are with the iPhone/iPod Touch, what would the graphics be like? Would the games be able to compete with the Xbox 360 & PS3, graphics wise, or would the games be more Wii like?

Come on, now. Don't talk crazy talk.

[JAYGEE]

Originally Posted by jnc

Come on, now. Don't talk crazy talk.

And your actual answer is...?

[ArtOfWarfare]

Originally Posted by JAYGEE

And your actual answer is...?

I heard the Apple TV was par with a Mac Mini as far as processor and stuff. So... I imagine it'd be about Wii quality. Which isn't bad at all. (It's not great but... consider the price of the systems in question... to make the Apple TV capable of rivaling the 360 I think they'd have to double the price... if Apple were to make a gaming system I'd rather it was separate from the Apple TV... with the streaming media available on it too of course.)

[joelmejiaganan]

Originally Posted by madman365

...but maybe....just maybe...against all conventional wisdom and knowledge...Apple was developing it's first ever gaming console. I mean, I'd buy it. With new interest from Gaming Software companies emerging because of iphone and what not, why not break into the realm of gaming systems. Give xbox something to worry about. Create a hub that is Apple TV, Base Station, Internet, and is a true gaming console. Come on. iGame, anyone?

For an unsophisticated end user, I would buy it.

I'll buy it too. I think that if Apple get into the games arena it will be with casual games like the ones for the iPod or something like it.

[jnc]

Originally Posted by JAYGEE

And your actual answer is...?

Considering price and size, you can't possibly expect anything greater than Wii graphics. I doubt Apple can pull a gaming machine out of their hat more impressive in spec in such a diminutive enclosure - Wii is small, and it still has an external psu

[Raidersmojo]

apple I do not think would get into the gaming industry. you would need a lot of third party support for games along with some killer first party games and apple really doesn't have a huge gaming department.

the market is already flooded with video game systems and the "next gen" systems are to be released in the 2010 time frame. when would apple launch the product? who would make games for it? we'd need more than EA to push systems out the door.

[stephenli]

i suppose Nintendo had this patent?
Isn't this system being too similar to wii?