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May 9, 2008

speculation

Apple patent reveals the possibility of a 3D remote control

Posted May. 9, ’08, 11:14 AM PT by Aayush Arya
Category | Apple » Speculation

3D remote control patentAccording to a patent published by the US Patent & Trademark Office yesterday, Apple might be looking into the possibility of creating a multi-dimensional remote control system.

The patent describes a device that, when paired with a receiver (like the Apple TV perhaps, or any Mac enabled with an infrared sensor), can help navigate in a three-dimensional environment using movement and relative position detection. The patent application describes this in great detail using a whole lot of technical jargon, but that’s the gist of it.

If this is indeed something Apple is planning for the future, the most obvious use I can think of is pairing it with the Apple TV and making it a gaming device, not unlike the Nintendo Wii. Also, since we’re already assuming that Apple has any intention of bringing their patented ideas to fruition, maybe they could build the virtual store around this thing? Let us know what you think.

[Via MacNN]


2 Comments

Josh said:

Just to clear up what seems to be a misunderstanding--A "patent" with a number beginning with a year (e.g., 20080106517) is actually just a patent application publication, not an issued patent. An issued patent has a seven digit number, and recently issued patents begin with a 7 (e.g., 7,xxx,xxx).

May 9, 2008 3:19 PM
Anonymous said:

Yes, for crying out loud, yes.

May 9, 2008 7:34 PM

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