I’ve written on numerous occasions before about how we’re currently living through a golden age of iOS games, and apparently Apple agrees with me.
According to a new patent application published today, Apple may be investigating the possibility of building in a miniature joystick inside the Home button of future iOS devices.
Read on to find out how it could work.
Like everyone else, Apple is fully aware that touch screens are not a perfect interface method for playing games on the iPhone, since virtual buttons require a user’s finger to cover part of the screen while they are gaming. That may be acceptable on larger devices like the iPad, but it can be a considerable annoyance on the iPhone, where every inch of screen real estate is valuable.
Photo: USPTO/Apple
Touch screens are also unable to replicate the kind of tactile feedback that joysticks are able to, which can be a definite detriment to gaming on the iPhone.
In Apple’s solution, a multi-function Home button would be employed, which could lift up to reveal a recessed multi-directional joystick underneath. As such, the joystick would only be present when needed, while the rest of the time it could be hidden from sight to avoid potential damage.
It’s an intriguing idea, although it’s still not without its problems. For one thing, the joystick would still be tiny, which means that many serious gamers would likely still opt for add-on wireless gamepads or clip-on phone cases. For another, the joystick would limit how thin Apple could make its future devices.
Ultimately, Apple never turns the majority of its patents and patent applications into actual products, but instead uses them as defensive tools against rival companies. But this remains a fascinating concept — and a glimpse at a parallel universe iPhone which, chances are, we’ll never see.
Via: Patently Apple
Luke Dormehl is a U.K.-based journalist and author, with a background working in documentary film for Channel 4 and the BBC. He is the author of The Apple Revolution and The Formula: How Algorithms Solve All Our Problems … and Create More, both published by Penguin/Random House. His tech writing has also appeared in Wired, Fast Company, Techmeme and other publications.
3 responses to “How Apple could hide a gaming joystick in future iPhones”
Most of the patent apps that I see apple run through aren’t particularly interesting, but this one is pretty brilliant. I’d love it if they could covertly add a D-Pad – it would definitely keep me playing games longer on my phone.
I’m surprised Apple hasn’t released an New Magic Mouse with Fingerprint ID, a new Trackpad with integrated Fingerprint ID, and laptops with integrated Fingerprint ID. It might help get a little better security for those that wish to use Fingerprint ID instead of a traditional password.
As far as the idea presented, it seems interesting and possibly useful, not just for games, but for other things like scrolling.
As interesting a concept it is, if it’s going to impact the thinness of the device, Apple isn’t going to make it.