Looks like Apple might be prepping for a wiimote-like interface for the Apple TV. A pointer interface is a great idea for a home media device, and you can expect that any such device would have downloadable games which compete with home consoles in the same oblique way that the iPod Touch/iPhone competes with handheld game devices. Some of us on these forums have been talking about Apple making a move like this for over a year now.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/03/13/apple_remote_patent/

Pictures and more details are in the link above. Here's an excerpt:

Patent application #20090066648, entitled "GUI Applications for Use with 3D Remote Controller," takes the familiar Apple Remote and upgrades it to a motion-sensing, infrared-communicating 3D mouse and "flashlight."

As described in the filing, the wand will include a "motion detection component" such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, and will be able to communicate with a "media system" both through movement sensed by that detector and through absolute positioning determined by one or more infrared (IR) sensors, as does the überpopular Nintendo Wii.

Of Apple's current products, the most obvious beneficiary would be the company's "hobby" product, the Apple TV. To make it work with an existing big-screen TV, the wand would require an add-on IR receiver, as does the Wii.

Or Apple could release its own big-screen TV - aka "media system" - with IR sensors built-in.

The 68-page filing goes into excruciating detail as to how the wand could interface with the aforementioned media system. Unlike the Apple Remote, which merely allows you to beam commands toward your Apple TV much as does any standard remote (although with a vastly simplified array of buttons), the wand would provide the ability to manipulate objects on-screen.

By being able to broadcast to the media system its distance and orientation in addition to simply sending it commands, the wand could function as a 3D cursor controller.

Interesting. Looks like its more for mouse/remote-like use than gaming.

I called this back in '07. Except I said we'd be hearing something about this last fall. Apple you've let me down with your slowness. Otherwise - Apple TV with downloadable (or store purchasable) HD Wiiesque games... I'm looking forward to you!

Surely this patent is invalid, as the technologies described are either identical to or an obvious step from the current Wiimote and similar?

YESSSS! Now i hope Sony and Microsoft does the same thing.

Sony already have a wii-like motion controller patent for ages now.

Oh yea.  But i hope they go thru with it.  I just started playing RE5 and I NEED THAT motion/IR control! NOW!

It could be, but it would have to be challenged in court.

One key thing thats missing- Wii Remote uses Bluetooth for data. There is no mention of Bluetooth data for this device. How the data is transmitted is important to the patent. A light loop (IR out and back) have proven good for slow/minimal data relays, but not for something as advanced as the Wii controls.

This device patent may pass in the short term, but sounds like it is infringing with the one company that tried to sue Nintendo for the Wii Remote patent (cant recall the name - down in Maryland). Having researched this patent and device a little bit, it sounds like Apple is a sitting duck to be shot down by this other company's patent, which is exactly WHY Sony and MS haven't made anything to rival the Wii remote. In fact, its only the Bluetooth transmission that saves/will save Nintendo from patent infringement on this company in Maryland.

well it was just a matter of time ;)