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920°

Apple Patents DualShock-Style Game Controller

Filed in March and published today, the patent GR has discovered lists various inputs and interactions between iPhones, iPods and Apple TVs, including FIG. 6, which "is a schematic of a video game controller for the standalone media player of FIG. 4 or a video game system".

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Community4712d ago
Morrigan-Aensland4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

Well they didn't want to follow Nintendo and copy a Xbox controller

To be on topic though, I wonder if apple is considering making a console

bicfitness4712d ago

It says "contro (typo?) video game system" in the patent pictures. Make of that what you will.

Abash4712d ago

Very smart of Apple, all game controller's have their share of faults but the DualShock design is still the best

Redgehammer4712d ago

I disagree, the Dual Shock causes my thumbs to cramp; whereas, my 360 controller allows me to game day and night. The 360 comtroller just feels more ergonomical, and far more sturdy. Of course, that is just my thoughts and gaming preferences.
That apple controller looks painful to use.

user54670074712d ago

@Abash

So true

The DS controler is good with all types of games while the Xbox 360 controler is only better with FPS, like it was designed just for that genre in mind.

I'd say the DS is still the best controler out there today.

krisq4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

Ha! I have exactly the same issue but other way around. Can't play on 360 pad for longer than an hour or I'm getting cramps. There is a reason for this though. I'm playing since first Playstation launched in Japan so this is at least for 17 years. DualShock is like my third hand. Cant't imagine a better shape.

SoundGamer4712d ago

Apple iPlay or iGame. Something like that. Will cost almost $2,000 and people will buy 100000000 of them because it has an apple logo on it.

Called it years ago.

*sigh*

xursz4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

Agreed, Xbox controllers work great for FPSs but feel unnatural in most other instances.

HappyGaming4712d ago

I don't get why people say the 360 controller is more ergonomic and doesn't cramp their thumbs?

Since when did humans have one thumb that was longer than the other?

But I guess it must fall down mostly on what you are used to as both of them are ergonomical and I can play on the DS3 for hours without ever getting cramps with my gigantic hands.

SuperLupe4712d ago

No use argueing, of course the Dualshock is the best controller ever, ypu're on N4G.
If it was still the same plain PS controller with no sticks from 1996 it would still be the best anyway.

JD_Shadow4712d ago

You DO realize that some people actually do think that the DS is better than the XBox one, right? And that it's not necessarily a fanboyish gesture to think that, right?

Honestly, I'm not sure why people are just NOW making this much fuss about the DS's design when it's been around for more than a decade. What's different about it now that wasn't there before?

Biggest4712d ago

More people are being born with a longer left thumb since 2005 I believe. Also, there has been an outbreak of thumb cramps for the last 10 years. The lamestream media never talks about it though. They spend too much time on that "reality" junk.

Bzone244712d ago

The people saying you get thumb cramps and that you need a longer thumb on one hand to play with a 360 controller, you do know how to hold the controller right? Same can go for the DualShock, you need to hold the controller right. If you can't do that, I just don't know about you.

Proxy4712d ago

Well, if someone get sued for violating this patent it wont be hard to prove prior art.

ConstipatedGorilla4712d ago

Am I the only one who's thumbs always slide off the DS' analog sticks? The 360 have indentations for your thumbs in them to prevent that. Seems kind of like a no-brainer to me.

Jack Meahoffer4712d ago

Anyone remember the Apple Pippin?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wik...

I just don't think they'd try again with a "traditional" console controller. Maybe could see some kind of attachment to an iPhone or iPad with physical buttons before a regular controller.

There's talk of the "post-touch" world. I'm hoping for a direct brain interface soon. Perfect virtual reality. Apple or Google would probably be the ones to do it first.

ThanatosDMC4712d ago

Remember when some people were saying that the giant xbox controller was the best? Then they changed it to a smaller version like the Dualshock then they say it's the best? Funny people.

DeadlyFire4712d ago

You guys didn't read all of the patent at all.

Apple TV controls your game console and can tap into any wireless device. Can play your games on any Mac device using your own gamepads. Mario, Halo, Killzone all likely to be playable on your iMac/Mac, Ipad, and etc. At least that is what I am thinking.

If you read down the patent with all the figures. There is one of a Xbox 360, as well as one showing iMac with Mario on the screen.

BattleAxe4711d ago

Sony needs to get their lawyers together and get them ready to file a law suit for patent infringement. Time to take a bite out of the apple.

Sono4214711d ago (Edited 4711d ago )

Ok tell me this N4G, why can I give someone a bubble for them saying something intelligent but I can't take away a bubble for someone being a complete moron? That doesn't make sense. If this was an option I can tell you so many of people's bubble numbers would drop.
I know this seems completely off topic but after reading some of these comments I just started to wonder.

insomnium24711d ago (Edited 4711d ago )

To tell the truth ANY controller can be the best for you. It's all about getting your hands used to the thing. I play games on so many consoles and I have NEVER fealt that my gaming is not 100% on some platform due to the controller. It seems absurd to me.

Atari Jaguar has one of the weirdest controllers ever but it wasn't that long ago I fired it up for my AvP appetite. I finished the effing game with marine and never even thought about the controller once.

I don't get this hate MS supporters are so fast to plague people with. It's like either you love the x360 controller or get out. The controller is one of the oldest BS claims since the beginning of this gen. Without the original hate (due to inferiority complex) we would not be talking about this today. One more feather for the xbox team huh?

It has everything to do with fanboyism. The controller is an effing physical object. It's not like your hands won't get used to it. My hands have used to controllers on: Jaguar, Gamecube, Nes, SNES, Sega megadrive, xbox, x360, PS-platforms, all handhelds ever created that I've owned. To say this or that controller doesn't fit your hands is PURE BS 99% of the time. The 1% is for people who have physical disabilities (a missing finger etc.).

Redgehammer4711d ago

It is the location of the Dual Shock thumbsticks that cause me the most problems. I will never use a D-pad on any controller as the primary input. The position of the 360s thumbsticks are much more alligned with my personal physiology. I also don't believe that it has anything to do with the length of the thumbs. When I drop my hands to my lap, my left thumb falls into the perfect position for the 360's left thumbstick, as does my right thumb on the right stick. As the comment sections of N4G consistantly illustrate, we are all humans, but that does not make us the same.

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4712d ago
DonMingos4712d ago

this is an iDualshock. I wonder what it has to patent about

jrbeerman114712d ago

Apple will sue Sony when they release PlayStation 4 for copyright infringement. They are copyright whores.

Exoil4712d ago

@jrbeerman11:
You're right on the spot brother!
There are patent trolls, and then there is Apple.

Apple sure is the new Microsoft..

Abdou234712d ago

Don't think they will make a console, it's just a controller to play on Ipad/Apple TV.

Mr Vengeance4712d ago

I think your right mate, consoles don't suit Apples business model - minor upgrade, annual release.

ATi_Elite4712d ago

Apple make a console Blah ha ha ha How absurd of you to even think that.

I'm sure Apple will Stream Games through Apple TV and work in conjunction with Apple Air Play.

(then you can buy an App and use your iPhone as the controller)

yabhero4712d ago

Considering the WiiU pro controller has the shape of a 360 controller and that's it but the joystick button layout is more PS, its like a mix of both... just look at the sticks on the WiiU Pro... lined up like PS. i think it's stupid to say copy because they copy Nintendo a lot and Nintendo used the shape which MS doesn't own

morkendo234711d ago (Edited 4711d ago )

hmmm, look kind of fishy. eh,wow look like a Dual shock controller.

rustyspoon804711d ago

Sorry to post an unrelated reply but this story has got it completely wrong.
Apple have patented the tech to allow the iPhone/pad to be able to emulate other controllers:-
http://www.computerandvideo...

Feralkitsune4711d ago

Love how apple tries to sue Samsung for making touch phones, yet they're making patents for shit that is directly coping Sony.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 4711d ago
Sev4712d ago

Sony and MS better hurry the fuck up. Or else Apple is going to give them some serious competition.

WeskerChildReborned4712d ago

@Sev, i don't think Apple will be competition. I'll just find it annoying cause Apple is basically tryin to take over everything.

Just stick with your phones and tablets Apple!

Calm Down Sunshine4711d ago

Sony, MS & Nintendo are all safe. Apple is no competition in this market.

Can you imagine the restrictions on an Apple console? Devs complain enough as it is with the current consoles.

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Patriots_Pride4712d ago

MS and Sony - Meh WiiU is weak souse next gen can wait a year or 2.

Apple - Hi guys! got bored on being on top of the cell phone and tablet market so thought I join you fellas to see what all the fuss was about.

MS and Sony - :(

4712d ago
Rockstar4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

@ HorseArmor

That's funny because you're likely not far off with the last part of your comment

Bgibbs4712d ago

@Patriots_Pride

In what world is Apple on top of the cell phone market? Last I checked Android had 61% of the market WORLDWIDE, as well as 50%+ in the US.

jrbeerman114712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

@Bgibbs

Your kinda right, if you look at OS vs OS. But comparing separate companies against each other... ie Nokia, Samsung, LG, HTC, Motorola etc..... Apple is #1.

But to agree with your point yes its pretty much Android>Iphone>Blackberr y>Windows

arkard14712d ago

Actually this year Samsung has been outselling Apple. This is why Apple has to resort to suing everyone. They do not know how to inovate anymore and just try to sue people to get their money.

4712d ago
yabhero4712d ago

First mistake was thinking Wiiu was weak...

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alexcosborn4712d ago

Wow, that looks just like a DualShock!

SilentNegotiator4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

If they took the papers away from Sony and the officials, crossed out "Sony" and "Playstation" and replaced them with "Apple" and "Pippin 2", I wouldn't have know the difference.

That IS a Dualshock, but with a "1" and "2" button.

ALLWRONG4712d ago

Apple does that a lot and Apple fans claim it's innovation.

Iphone copy Samsung
Ipad copy MS Tablet (2002)

Ipod and Apple store are the only thing that is really theirs. Well that and overpriced electronics.

kneon4712d ago

Actually the iphone copied LG and I had windows tablets back in the early 1990's

Veni Vidi Vici4712d ago

Actually, the Ipod wasn't even their idea. There were all kinds of MP3 players coming out before Apple released their Ipod. I think Creative even had one that was hard drive based for large capacity(large for back then at least). Apple just took the idea and made it more responsive and user friendly. Apple isn't nearly as innovative as people claim.

edgeofsins4712d ago

Everyone copies each other in ways. At least Apple doesn't make cheap ripoffs. They always release products that get the job more then done.

jrbeerman114712d ago

@edgeofsins

your right about apples quality.

But the biggest difference between Apple and other companies that copy each other is that Apple sues everyone's heads off if it goes the other way.

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ExCest4712d ago

Now Apple is going to sue Sony for copying them.

ZoyosJD4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

Hey, click the link and look at page 50.

predicted response:

OMG its a 360!!!!11!!one!!!1!!eleven

After reading the patent, it obviously has nothing to do with a apple console, only a means of wireless comunication with as many devices as possible.

There is everything in that patent: from the DS controller, to the 360, to DVRs, to audio systems.They are simply trying to make it so you can use your iphone to control all the devices in your house.

dbjj120884712d ago

I guess Apple prefers the Dualshock to the 360 controller or the Wii U Pro controller.

YodaCracker4712d ago (Edited 4712d ago )

It's just like I'd expect from Apple - style over comfort. After I bought an iMac, I used the Apple mouse that came with it and it was very poorly designed. Way too small, not shaped to fit the human hand at all. I just bought a cheap replacement mouse and it is ten times better, and way cheaper than the Apple mouse.

glennco4712d ago

apple mice have always sucked but look good. apple notebooks have always cooked but look good. apple doesn't care about good tech, just stylish tech. the world puts image above all else, this is why apple kicks ass.

tiffac0084711d ago

Yeah that mouse with the "nipple", that was one of the weirdest mouse I have ever seen or used.

cervantes2404712d ago

This controller could create an even bigger base for iOS games.

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90°

Epic Games Asks Judge to Force Apple to Unblock Fortnite on iOS

The saga of the legal battle that sees Epic Games fight Apple in the attempt to bring Fortnite back to iOS has just gained another chapter.

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Community32d ago
PapaBop32d ago

Damn, I'm going to need to restock my popcorn if this keeps up.

90°

Epic: Mobile Gaming Business "Largely Broken," Says "Dysfunction" Due to 30% Tax From Apple, Google

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney notes that the mobile gaming industry is "largely broken," and blames the 30% tax levied by Apple and Google.

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Christopher305d ago

Man has been saying this for ages and knows full well the only thing he wants is more money at Apple and Google's expense and absolutely none of this will result in lower prices for the consumer.

Tacoboto305d ago

He expects the digital equivalent of opening up his own store inside of a Walmart or Target. It's absurd.

And he feels absolutely entitled to it, in a too-big-to-fail sense - because Unreal Engine is used by so many developers, banning Epic would hurt those developers relying on their tech, which would be super unfair to the developers.

Notellin304d ago

Thank goodness you are there to defend the small guys Google and Apple. You're so brave, Christopher!

Christopher304d ago

Yeah, I'm totally defending Apple and Google and not explaining how another company is just as greedy. That's the big takeaway from my comment, Apple and Google good, only Epic bad. Yup. I totally didn't make it about the fact that this man just wants more money and isn't doing it for the consumers. Nope. Not that at all. I'm just praising up Big Tech. They're my one and only love in life. Please recognize me Big Tech Senpai!

VersusDMC305d ago

The epic games store charges a 12% tax and has been losing money for 5 years...that sounds dysfunctional.

gerbintosh304d ago

They are only losing money because Steam has a stranglehold on the market.

Christopher304d ago

It's a play to attempt to win over the market so they can then realign pricing with what Steam has in the long run. The problem is they are doing only that and not actually building a better software supported platform on PC. Essentially, they're throwing money at the problem, not actually trying to compete by providing better service.

110°

Epic Says They Spent $1B in Fight Against Apple & Google, "Small Price to Pay" for Freedom of Market

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney revealed that they have spent $1 billion fighting Apple and Google but adds it's a "smam price" to pay for freedom.

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Community308d ago
BeHunted308d ago (Edited 308d ago )

Fortnite on the Google Play Store would've generated over $1 billion in percentage fees for Google. Smart move.

1nsomniac308d ago (Edited 308d ago )

I buy most my pc games through epic now. Don’t get me wrong I love steam and steam has had a lot of my money for the work they put into the platform. But i like what Epic are fighting for and they’ve been open about it from the very beginning. I wish they would sort out their verify/repair files option for when you format your drives. The whole rename/redownload hack is an absolutely awful archaic solution.

Tacoboto308d ago

They've been open about how they so openly violate the terms of the platforms they distribute on.

They spent over a billion on legal battles, and also had significant layoffs. Maybe they should cater to their employees first before forcing governments to add more regulations for industries governments just do not understand. The EU DMA - Apple's policies and lawyers have made a mockery of it every step of the way.

And back when they openly and proudly violated Apple's policies, they tried using Fortnite to coerce its players (including children) to rally against Apple's 30% fee.

Which is the same 30% fee console makers apply, but Epic has no problem with that! Epic isn't fighting for you, they're fighting for themselves and don't mind siphoning the money they get from Unreal, even if it results in layoffs.

1nsomniac308d ago

First of all you’re wrong, but second of all you clearly don’t know an awful lot about what you’re talking about.

Tacoboto307d ago

Epic proudly violated Apple's terms by introducing their own payment option in Fortnite. Fact. That's literally what started this. Epic then went on to put banners in Fortnite as a not-so-subtle call-to-arms against Apple.
Epic also violated console terms by enabling cross-platform play in Fortnite. Fact.
Epic cut 800 jobs a year ago. Fact.

Epic sucks, their engine is too big for them to fail and they know it, so they're using that to subsidize their legal battles against Apple and their attempts to rally international governments into creating regulations based on what *they* want.

phoenixwing307d ago

Epics launcher is a piece of crap compared to steams. In fact every launcher so far is crap compared to it. The only reason epic has any traction is they literally give away games in order to drive a user base.

anast307d ago

They have some good semi-giveaways.

KwietStorm_BLM308d ago

They'll make that back in a fortnight.