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Apple patent filing details possible "remote wand" for Apple TV, again

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 12th 2009 at 1:54PM


We've already seen some patent evidence that Apple has at least been considering a Wiimote-like controller for the Apple TV, and a newly published patent filing has now thrown yet more fuel onto the fire, although, as with all Apple patents, that's hardly a guarantee of anything. Still, this latest filing is nothing if not detailed, and it clearly shows the so-called "remote wand" being used to control just about every aspect of the Apple TV, with the wand being twisted and turned to flip through a music library, rotate pictures, and simply control a cursor on the screen -- there's even a glimpse of it being used with a paint application. So, it's certainly possible, perhaps even likely given Apple's increasing distaste for buttons, but just keep all those Apple patents for head-mounted displays in the back of your mind lest you get too excited.

Apple patent application hints at iTunes broadcasting service

by Darren Murph posted Aug 1st 2008 at 2:23PM


Before you get all excited, we must remember that more often than not, Apple patent applications never amount to anything. That being said, this one is certainly within the realm of feasibility. A recent app dug up over at MacNN details an iTunes TV broadcast service that would theoretically beam out content to your iPod or iPhone via an adapter. The somewhat vague verbiage also mentions a "tagging" system of sorts, possibly one that could fetch content based on what you enjoy. In all honesty, we can't say we'd be champing at the bit to have some gaudy dongle hanging from our dock connector just to catch up on TV -- after all, there are far superior TV-friendly products out there than those from Cupertino -- but we can't deny that it would probably be a hit. Stay tuned, this one could get interesting.

Apple patent looks towards DVRs with portability

by Joshua Topolsky posted Mar 13th 2008 at 3:32PM


Hot on the heels of that Apple TV patent which included broadcast viewing functions, we're getting a peek at a new application which suggests a possible DVR future for the folks from Cupertino. The concept breaks from standard TiVo-like solutions by making extensive use of a handheld component, which would be used to program and control the recordings, and could periodically download batches of shows for iPod-esque portability. On the set-top side, the box would function largely the way most DVRs do now, though Apple seems to be interested in infusing the process with its typical gloss, and part of the application is concerned with the possibility of gesture-based control for the unit (no surprise there). Of course, this isn't the freshest patent filing in the world, and it's possible Steve has already moved on to a more intuitive, telepathically controlled system by now.


[Via AppleInsider]

IBM files patent app for non-skippable DVD advertisements

by Darren Murph posted Nov 29th 2007 at 4:46AM

While we've seen a slew of patent applications revolving around DVR-based ad skipping, IBM is apparently looking to get in on the action with DVDs that feature non-skippable advertisements. As David Freeberg noted, we too are pretty surprised that such an idea isn't already patented, but nevertheless, the theory in and of itself is a double-edged sword. At first glance, hearing that we'd be forced to watch plugs -- which could be stored on the DVD itself or retrieved via the internet -- on our flicks doesn't exactly incite fits of jubilation, but as Freeberg points out, this could be used to offset or at least subsidize the actual cost of DVDs. Additionally, we could envision marketers licking their chops at the chance to insert modern, relevant ads into films via the web, but the actual impact on the consumer still seems murky. 'Course, there's no telling whether or not this patent will be granted, but it opens up some interesting avenues, nonetheless.

[Via ZatzNotFunny]




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