Apple working on its own Wiimote?

Microsoft may not be the only one looking to develop its own Wiimote-like game controller. Apple is researching a 3D remote of its own, according to AppleInsider.

The Apple TV and its current remote control.

(Credit: Apple)

The research, reportedly outlined in a November 2006 patent filing disclosed this week, describes a device that would work similarly to the Nintendo Wii controller "in video games to position a user's character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user's environment." The remote would apparently be designed to work with Apple TV as its console.

The device would also use some of the multitouch features seen on other Apple products, including the iPhone and MacBooks. According to the filing, it would "zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control."

Patent filings are never any guarantee of actual products, of course. But there will be particular interest in this one because a move by Apple into the game industry has been rumored--and hoped for, by loyalists--for years. So if nothing else, it will keep that flame alive at least a little while longer.

[Scott Gardener]

Do you think Apple files patents specifically for the sake of setting off rumors?

Still, Apple getting into gaming would not be too out-there a prophesy. Microsoft already has, and Apple has gotten into of all things the mobile phone business.

Of course, this brings up the inevitable...

I'm an X-Box 360.

And, I'm an Apple TV.

I've got this really great marketplace.

Yeah, so do I. Mine works with the iPod, too.

You know, it would be really cool if mine worked with the Zune, but... (long gap, while a red circle appears)

Uh, X-Box? You OK? (Checks for pulse.) Somebody call an ambulance!