Published on 05/ 8/2008
Apple filed a new patent in 2006 which involves research on a 3D remote control system that will be available on the Apple TV, with the ultimate aim of delivering several features akin to multi-touch technology while mimicking the functionality of the Nintendo Wiimote. According to the patent, "the absolute x- and y-positions of [the] remote control can be used, for example, in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment." It can also "zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control in the third axis", making it seem to fit the photo and video browser components of Apple TV just fine. Should this be released, will the Wii be threatened?