Apple has updated its patent for Wii-like “Wand” remote control, providing a magnetic compass and accelerometer for better control and precision. Apple TV is one potential beneficiary, reports suggested Thursday.
The Cupertino, Calif. company initially filed the “Wand” application in mod-2009, including an accelerometer like the Wii. The update, filed on the last day of 2009, describes the wand’s operations:
“The user may use the wand to control a plurality of operations and applications that may be available from the media system, including for example zoom operations, a keyboard application, an image application, an illustration application, and a media application,” according to Apple.
The new remote would include a magnetic compass floating in liquid. The magnet would provide the pointer with “incredible precision movement and fluidity,” claims the site Patently Apple. Along with the usual remote control functions, the greater precision could allow Apple TV to include an illustration feature or photo editing, like iPhoto, according to the site.
The wand might also be used by iWork’s Keynote presentation function, enabling someone to insert on-screen comments or markups.
This isn’t the first patent outlining potential changes in how Apple owners would interface with the company’s products.
In the midst of speculation on a tablet, an Apple patent described a “tactile keyboard” that would appear for typing, then vanish when a pointer is required. In another application, Apple wrote of a 3D head-tracking device that might replace your keyboard and mouse.
[Via MacRumors and Patently Apple]
