Apple's Smart Remote is just like a Wiimote

by David Hinkle { Nov 10th 2008 at 6:18PM }

Apple liked what they saw when the Wiimote was unveiled. Back in May, we caught wind of a patent that Apple had for a Wiimote-like remote control of their own, for use with Apple TV. Well, the patent is back again, as you can see above, complete with IR sensor and accelerometer action, and dubbed the Apple Smart Remote. So, we're guessing this thing is going to be unveiled soon and we'll see if Apple's version of the Wiimote can compete with Nintendo and their latest console.

Tags: apple, apple-smart-remote, lawsuit, patent, smart-remote, wiimote

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

CJLopez @ Nov 10th 2008 6:54PM

Man, everyone wants a piece of Nintendo. And still, every1 bash em. What a bunch of douche bags!!!!

Is apple going to enter the console wars???

Secre @ Nov 10th 2008 7:45PM

Well, they're not lacking an attempt with the iPhone, that's for sure. I wouldn't be surprised if they tried to compete with Microsoft in the console department, since they're like Flynn and Yuri, Gary and Ash, Yugi and Kaiba... Other rivals whom I'm to tired to think of right now. But what better way to compete with your longstanding rival than to do so in a completely different part of the market? Watch them try to fight Nintendo for the casual crowd.

I need to get some sleep, I'm pretty sure that didn't even make sense xP.

gayboyDS @ Nov 10th 2008 7:09PM

"Hi I'm a Mac"

"And I'm a Nintendo Wii! And can you spell LAWSUIT??"

pjsingh @ Nov 10th 2008 10:46PM

Mac: "Yes, actually I do. It's spelled, WE HATE YOU!

Crustin @ Nov 11th 2008 10:13AM

That's funny GBDS! I can see that commercial! I love both my Mac and my Wii, but I don't know how Apple will get away with this.

I don't understand pjsingh's comment though. Maybe if it made more sense grammatically.

gayboyDS @ Nov 11th 2008 10:20AM

I think pjsingh intended to say:

"Yes we can, we spell it: I-H-A-T-E-Y-O-U!"

Although I'm unclear as to if he is saying that Apple hates Nintendo, or if he (pjsingh) hates me!

"Don't be hatin'!"

FantomRedux @ Nov 10th 2008 7:13PM

New from Apple, the iiMote- I mean erm... iMote >_>

Aaron @ Nov 10th 2008 8:03PM

Geez! What's the point of having a patent if someone (Apple) can just lift your design and copy it wholesale? I guess I don't understand patent law.

Jeff @ Nov 10th 2008 8:52PM

guh...

listen - Apple has thousands of patents that never go anywhere. Don't hold your breath.

At the same time, if this supposed Apple Smart Remote does see the light of day, i'm guessing it'll be more about controlling their computers/AppleTVs/etc than competing in the gaming market. They'll want to see if the iPhone/iPod Touch compete in the handheld gaming market long before they'll ever care about the console market.

Keep your panties on.

KaBob799 @ Nov 11th 2008 8:57AM

I don't see why they would release it if they didn't plan on using it for games.

Crustin @ Nov 11th 2008 10:16AM

Jeff is right! I've seen a ton of Apple patients over the years.

And I guess if there is to be an increase in motion control devices in the future, it won't be limited to just Nintendo, or even video games. Still, it seems like they are stepping on Nintendo's toes.

hammid@comhem.se @ Nov 11th 2008 11:25AM

Please, guys… PLEASE!

Haven't you seen the design of Wii? And Nintendo DS?
They are both, speaking in design and color, rip-offs from Apple's older iMac (G5 and Core Duo), iPod and such.

That's why Apple goes to aluminum now, and guess what?
Nintendo released the same aluminum housing as the MacBook Pro (PowerBook G4).

I LOVE Nintendo and I'd rather see Nintendo and Apple working alongside one and other since they are pioneers in their genre, but I don't like Nintendo users who can't seem to draw parallells in terms of quality regarding both Apple and Nintendo

They ARE very much the same in the way that they both assemble their hardware and release their own software.
And that's just one example.

I'm 100% sure that Nintendo respects Apple (yes, I've seen Satoru Iwata using an Apple PowerBook during his keynotes) and that Apple are on their way to build the same respect towards Nintendo.

One more thing…
Nintendo and Apple both release family friendly (uni-age) products.

Crustin @ Nov 11th 2008 12:43PM

All excellent points!!

SoshiKitai @ Nov 12th 2008 1:26PM

For me, I'd rather they not work together.

...too many Apple-users out there claiming that they're original, unique, and possibly artistic just because they owned an iMac. Too many of them getting it just because they hate Microsoft for being an organization that happens to be monopoly-bent (even though that's what most organizations aim for), despite the fact that Apple itself can be considered a monopoly (they just attack from a different direction, making people feel as if they're "being different"...despite that everyone is doing it). Too many iPod humpers who believe it's the ultimate mp3-player (despite the fact that I've seen much more affordable, better quality, several optioned mp3 players out there). And now every phone is going to be an iPhone! I just want a phone! Why can't they work on more designs on that, instead of wasting all their money in making different-shaped iPhones! There's already one! That's all we need!! GAHHHH!!! I just want a new phone... that's not an iPhone, and that doesn't break in two seconds after hitting the ground.