Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Patent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for using in-app purchases]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/patent-troll-lodsys-sues-gameloft-disney-and-more-for-using-in/#comments Patent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for ingame app purchasesA company named Lodsys has filed suit against a number of mobile game developers, including Gameloft, Gamevil, and Disney, claiming that they're infringing on patents describing the technology behind in-app purchases. Lodsys is well known for its patent battles, previously filing suits against a number of smaller iOS developers, which forced Apple to get involved to say that it had already licensed Lodsys' patents and any other claims were superfluous. That case is scheduled to go to trial later this year.

The new lawsuits all name one specific title from each company: Gameloft is targeted for the in-app purchases in Real Soccer 2012, and Disney's suit mentions Where's My Water? [pictured]. The Electronic Frontier Foundation has also posted about the lawsuits, calling Lodsys a "patent troll" and asking for legal help to fight the company.

JoystiqPatent troll Lodsys sues Gameloft, Disney and more for using in-app purchases originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddevelopersdisneygameloftgameviliosipadiphonelawsuitlegallodsysmobilepatentpatent-trollpatentspocket-gemsMon, 08 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft seeks patent for 'immersive display experience']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/microsoft-seeks-patent-for-immersive-display-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/microsoft-seeks-patent-for-immersive-display-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/microsoft-seeks-patent-for-immersive-display-experience/#comments Microsoft seeks patent for 'immersive display experience'A Microsoft patent application for an "immersive display experience" has been published by the USPTO. The application describes a system that would augment a "primary display" - say, a television - with a "peripheral image" projected onto the surrounding environment, essentially extending the image of the primary display all around the user. The user could then be tracked within the environment by a depth camera (a Kinect, perhaps?). In shorter terms, as noted by Ars Technica, it looks something like a poor man's holodeck.

The patent application notes that the system could be used to make video games more realistic. As an example, a player might notice an enemy sneaking up "behind" him in his peripheral vision, as the enemy would be physically projected behind the player onto a wall.

If all of this sounds a tad familiar, it might be because we saw Microsoft demonstrate something very similar in May 2011, only two months after this patent was initially filed. As part of a Microsoft campus tour video, the company showcased its "Home of the Future," which used just such a technology, turning nearly every surface of a mocked up home into a display. Check out videos of the tech after the break.

Continue reading Microsoft seeks patent for 'immersive display experience'

JoystiqMicrosoft seeks patent for 'immersive display experience' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holodeckkinectmicrosoftpatentsxboxWed, 12 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive on rumors of closure: 'of course not' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/onlive-on-rumors-of-closure-of-course-not/#comments Report Onlive laying off all employees, rebooting the company

InXile Entertainment's Brian Fargo tweeted this morning that he heard from someone inside Onlive that it was closing down, and has now posted that everyone on staff has lost their jobs, and that "a new company will be formed" soon after. A Mashable report from an anonymous source alleges the same.

Joystiq reached out to OnLive directly to ask about the rumors, and Director of Corporate Communications Brian Jaquet replied to us with a blunt denial: "We don't respond to rumors, but of course not."

"The exciting news is that the first VIZIO Co-Stars (Google TV stream players) with the OnLive app built-in have just arrived in customer homes," he continued, "and our second of three 'Indie Giveaway Weekends' is going on now. OnLive users can get a free copy of the award-winning games Space Pirates and Zombies and SpaceChem." So it sounds like OnLive is still open for business.

Joystiq followed up to ask if there were any layoffs at the company this morning at all, and Jaquet could only confirm that "the OnLive service is not shutting down." We'll update this post with any more details if we can get them.

Update: Kotaku is now hearing from "a source inside OnLive" that there in fact was a meeting this morning where CEO Steve Perlman told the staff that the company was filing for bankruptcy, and that no one would be employed by the current OnLive going forward. We're still researching this story, and will provide more information when we get it.

Update 2: IDG's Martyn Williams reports via Twitter that he's outside OnLive's headquarters in Palo Alto, CA, and that he's seeing "employees leaving OnLive headquarters with moving boxes." It's looking more and more like there were layoffs at the company today. Joystiq is continuing to follow up.

Update 3: OnLive laid off "at least 50 percent" of its staff this afternoon, and the company is being taken over by an unknown third-party. More through this link.

JoystiqOnLive on rumors of closure: 'of course not' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceocloudgaminglayoffsonlivepatentspcrebootrumorservicestreamingFri, 17 Aug 2012 16:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/26/apple-patents-nfc-tech-for-controlling-gadgets-with-ithings/#comments Apple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThingsApple has been issued a patent (this one) that outlines virtually every conceivable way in which an iProduct equipped with NFC (Near Field Communication) could wirelessly interface and control a similarly NFC-equipped gadget, doodad or whatsit.

Many examples are given in the documentation -- everything from using your iPhone to control your house's thermostat to its automated sprinkler system -- but we're mostly interested in its applications as a gaming interface, of which two main methods are shown.

First, figure 44 shows how an iPhone can be linked with a familiar looking NFC-equipped controller by tapping the two devices together. Once paired, the iPhone can then be used to play the game rather than the controller itself, via on-screen controls. The phone recognizes the game being played (in this case, Prince of Persia) and displays three controller layout options: Classic, Custom or Game Developer Recommended. Selecting one of the three options causes a button layout to appear on the screen.

In the other gaming-centric example given, the iPhone is shown skipping the controller and interfacing directly with a gaming console via infrared, wireless internet or NFC. If NFC is present, tapping the iDevice to the console initiates the link; alternatively an RFID tag or QR code may be substituted to establish the connection.

For the system to be functional, everyone involved in every step of each device and piece of software will need to be on board. Console manufacturers will have to put NFC chips in their wares, game developers will have to code iOS device support into their products, and Apple themselves will have to release a version of iOS that actually does all this stuff.

Gallery: Apple NFC patents

JoystiqApple patents NFC tech for controlling gadgets with iThings originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiosipadiphonemacmobileNFCpatentpatentsRFIDUSPTOThu, 26 Jul 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/xbox-360-import-ban-to-the-us-recommended-by-itc-judge/#comments Both the 4GB and 250GB Xbox 360 S models were recommended for a trade ban in the US this week by International Trade Commission judge David Shaw. Said recommendation came several weeks after Shaw ruled in favor of Motorola in a case alleging Microsoft violated several patents held by the mobile phone manufacturer, ranging from Wi-Fi technology to video patents.

The recommendation alone doesn't ban the import of the two console models - a panel of six judges on the ITC board will review Shaw's recommendation and decide whether it should be made into law. Florian Mueller of patent site Foss Patents told GamesIndustry International that it's unlikely Shaw's recommendation will make it past its current point. "Unlike judges at courts, ITC judges don't make the decisions: they merely recommend them. Their recommendations are very frequently not adopted by the Commission, the six-member decision-making body at the top of the ITC," he said.

Moreover, Mueller pointed out that he's "never seen an ITC judge make any other recommendation than an exclusion order [the import ban in question] if his initial determination is that there is a violation." And given Shaw's initial determination earlier this year that Microsoft was in violation of Motorola's patents, today's news is actually "normal course of business," said Mueller.

JoystiqXbox 360 import ban to the US recommended by ITC judge originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-shawinternational-trade-commissionlegalmicrosoftmotorolapatentpatentsxboxWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's a Microsoft patent for a bizarre gaming helmet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/heres-a-microsoft-patent-for-a-bizarre-gaming-helmet/#comments The gaming world certainly isn't without its crazy patents and, today, we see Microsoft add another to the pile. The patent in question is a "laser-scanning virtual image display" able to display an image very close to a user's eyes. Specifically, two such displays would be incorporated into a helmet, allowing a user to see a stereoscopic, three dimensional image. While not exclusively meant for video games, the patent does mention that the helmet could "be used in applications ranging from video gaming to aviation."

Furthermore, as spotted by Patent Bolt, the displays "may be at least partly transparent," which would allow the user to see the world around him as well as the projected image. That's good, because we prefer our pilots to keep their eyes on the sky, thank you very much.

JoystiqHere's a Microsoft patent for a bizarre gaming helmet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>head-mounted-displayhelmetmicrosoftpatentpatentsxboxTue, 20 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/wii-u-wiipad-controller-patent-reveals-magnetometer-flash-memor/#comments The Wii U's tablet-esque controller may tout its touchscreen as its main selling point, but there's a lot more than meets the eye going into every one of Nintendo's resistive-screened revolutionaries. Patent diagrams for the WiiPad's schematics list off plenty of components you'd expect (touch panel, touch panel controller, camera, etc), however eagle-eyed patent trolls have pointed out a few less common additions to the hardware, namely a magnetic sensor and flash memory.

The "magnetic sensor," more commonly referred to as a magnetometer, measures your proximity to Magneto disturbances in a device's magnetic field. Magnetometers have been used in smartphones to find true north for GPS and compass applications, however the technology can also lend itself to touch-less, camera-less gesture input.

Flash memory, while mentioned, is not listed in any specific quantity, which makes inferring its purpose somewhat difficult. The memory is listed separately from the onboard CPU's internal memory, however, so its applications will likely be user-oriented rather than processor-oriented. For now, all we can do is wait, imagine, and dream. How many Miis will we be able to fit on this thing? All of them? The future is so bright.

Continue reading Wii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory

JoystiqWii U WiiPad controller patent reveals magnetometer, flash memory originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flash-memorymagnetometernintendopatentpatentstablettouch-screentouchscreenwiiwii-uwiipadSat, 13 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo files patent for 'massively single-playing online games']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/nintendo-files-patent-for-massively-single-playing-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/nintendo-files-patent-for-massively-single-playing-online-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/13/nintendo-files-patent-for-massively-single-playing-online-games/#comments Playing games online can be a mixed bag of fantastic and horrible experiences, depending on what you're playing. If you're lucky, the game you're interested in has an active, helpful community of friendly people, eager to help new players become members of the neighborhood. If you're unlucky, however, your online gaming experience may take a decidedly different, far less enjoyable form.

Nintendo, seemingly aware of the perils of interpersonal interaction online, have filed a patent for a "Massively Single-Playing Online Game," which aims to provide all of the benefits of a persistant online world, without any of the drawbacks associated with other people. The general idea is that a player's actions will affect various gameplay mechanics for all other players, much like in traditional MMOs, however the players will never actually interact with each other. A player may build themselves a house in a persistant world, for instance, and while other players can find the house, they cannot find its creator.

The Big N also gave economic examples, wherein a player's actions may increase or decrease the scarcity/value of an item for all players across the board. NPC interaction was also pointed to as a way for players to communicate with each other indirectly, with computer-controlled characters acting as messengers.

It's important to remember that technology companies like Nintendo file patent applications on a fairly regular basis, and that this application's existence doesn't necessarily mean that we'll be seeing this kind of gameplay implemented into anything anytime soon. It's also important to remember that a Pokemon game using this technology would be off the chain.

JoystiqNintendo files patent for 'massively single-playing online games' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmassive-single-playing-online-gameMMOnintendopatentpatent-applicationpatentswiiSat, 13 Aug 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive awarded important cloud gaming patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/onlive-awarded-important-cloud-gaming-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/onlive-awarded-important-cloud-gaming-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/14/onlive-awarded-important-cloud-gaming-patent/#comments Would-be cloud gaming entrepreneurs take note: OnLive has secured its own cloud gaming patent. VentureBeat reports that the patent was awarded to OnLive head Steve Perlman, who submitted it way back in 2002. The patent covers "Apparatus and method for wireless video gaming," specifically the transmission of compressed game signals from one location to another. The concept for the set-top-box is also covered in the patent's claims.

The patent represents a potential hurdle for other cloud-based gaming startups, should such services use similar methods of delivery. For what it's worth, Perlman stated that he has never sued anyone for patent infringement. Thankfully, Joystiq's foward-thinking cloud gaming service will remain unaffected, as the entire operation runs on tin cans and string.

JoystiqOnLive awarded important cloud gaming patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmobileonlivepatentspcsteve-perlmanTue, 14 Dec 2010 13:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft files patent for user-health-generated Avatars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/microsoft-files-patent-for-user-health-generated-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/microsoft-files-patent-for-user-health-generated-avatars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/microsoft-files-patent-for-user-health-generated-avatars/#comments It's okay if you need to read that headline again. It's pretty confusing. Here's the gist of it: Microsoft filed a patent in June of 2008 for the automatic generation of an Avatar based on a user's physical health. The patent application, discovered by 1UP, specifically details an "avatar generator" that "reflects a physical characteristic of the user." Physical data about the user would be used to "reflect a degree of health of the real person." In turn, this could be linked to "rewards of capabilities of a gaming avatar, an amount of time budgeted to play, or a visible indication." In other words, the patent is all about "injecting a degree of reality" into Avatar appearances, thus encouraging users to exercise and maintain a more active lifestyle.

Beyond this, the filing also explains that the generator could be used to reflect all kinds of data about a person, including religious beliefs, politics, hobbies, and even intelligence. Such information could help users connect with like-minded individuals. The patent application even notes that the generator could take "hidden physical characteristics such as allergies, chronic conditions, etc" into account, thus helping users find other players with similar conditions that might "understand someone with a like condition."

Continue reading Microsoft files patent for user-health-generated Avatars

JoystiqMicrosoft files patent for user-health-generated Avatars originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsmicrosoftpatentsXbox-360Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Patents from gaming's past]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/patents-from-gamings-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/patents-from-gamings-past/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/06/patents-from-gamings-past/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


See that odd diagram above? That's Nintendo's original design for the Zapper. Aside from that, you'll find other gems such as the early prototype for R.O.B., along with some other non-Nintendo patents. It's an excellent gallery of diagrams that Technologizer has put together here, so don't waste any time and dive right in. You won't be disappointed.


[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPatents from gaming's past originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diagramsnintendopatentpatentsrobzapperTue, 06 Jan 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Explore the wonderful world of old game patents]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/explore-the-wonderful-world-of-old-game-patents/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/explore-the-wonderful-world-of-old-game-patents/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/05/explore-the-wonderful-world-of-old-game-patents/#commentsFiled under:


Technologizer has put together a really beautiful gallery of old electronic gaming patents, the oldest example of which you can see just above. You won't want to miss the early designs of R.O.B., wireless Atari controllers and paleolithic game cabinets.

No, not all of the images in the gallery are directly related to video games. But seriously, if you can't get on board with seeing a prototype drawing of the Speak & Spell, we're not sure there's much we can do for you.

JoystiqExplore the wonderful world of old game patents originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jan 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>patentsMon, 05 Jan 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another PSP Phone patent appears, with touchscreen and feedback]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-psp-phone-patent-appears-with-touchscreen-and-feedback/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-psp-phone-patent-appears-with-touchscreen-and-feedback/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/another-psp-phone-patent-appears-with-touchscreen-and-feedback/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Another patent has emerged for the elusive "PSP Phone," this time featuring an iPhone-esque touchscreen design, rather than the ugly swivel-screen look. The patent, filed by Sony Ericsson, uses a combination of the touch-screen, accelerometer and haptics to alter the display and buttons for different modes, as well as offer sensory feedback for button presses.

Sure, that all sounds fancy in theory, but we'll hold off on further analysis until Sony's ready to show this puppy off (or at least admit that the darn thing is in development).

[Via PSP Fanboy]

JoystiqAnother PSP Phone patent appears, with touchscreen and feedback originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MobilepatentsPSPpsp-phonesonysony-ericssonFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple patent hints at iPhone/iPod Touch gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/apple-patent-hints-at-iphone-ipod-touch-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/apple-patent-hints-at-iphone-ipod-touch-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/07/apple-patent-hints-at-iphone-ipod-touch-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A patent application filed by Apple in September 2006 has recently been published, revealing multi-touch technology aimed specifically at handling multitasking in gaming environments.

If it sounds wordy and confusing, it's because it's a patent. The technology described allows users to access a secondary application on a device without needing a second screen or overlay. If the user is tapping the screen, they're using the one interface, but if they're pressing down, they're accessing the other.

This would normally be a fairly unremarkable patent, except that the wording describes its usage as being specifically for "a game or gaming application." Our educated guess is that this patent is talking about games on the iPhone and iPod Touch, especially considering the patent references the secondary application as a "media-player," and makes at least one reference to the gaming application possibly being a "music-based game." Of course, it could also be something entirely different, or an out-of-date idea, given that the patent application is over a year old. Still, at least we know that Apple's thinking about it.

[via Engadget]

JoystiqApple patent hints at iPhone/iPod Touch gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleiphoneipodMobilemultitouchpatentsFri, 07 Dec 2007 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ugly new Playstation logo discovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/ugly-new-playstation-logo-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/ugly-new-playstation-logo-discovered/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/04/ugly-new-playstation-logo-discovered/#commentsFiled under: , ,

German gaming news site GameFront has uncovered a Japanese trademark filed by Sony, which features the familiar four Playstation shape buttons mapped around the surface of a sphere. It's doubtful that this could be the logo for the inevitable Playstation 4 (after all, where's the Spiderman font?). More likely is that the logo is an icon to be displayed in-game or on game boxes -- perhaps advertising a worldwide connectivity feature. Equally likely is that the symbol could ultimately become nothing, and be one more paranoid trademark made during a creative meeting.

We're hoping for the latter, as the logo looks like a early-90s design reject, on par with that awful Sega Channel logo. Any other ideas?

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

JoystiqUgly new Playstation logo discovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Oct 2007 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>logopatentsplaystationPS3PSPsonyThu, 04 Oct 2007 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo has patent on motion sensing portable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/nintendo-has-patent-on-motion-sensing-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/nintendo-has-patent-on-motion-sensing-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/07/nintendo-has-patent-on-motion-sensing-portable/#commentsFiled under: ,


When is news not at all surprising but really exciting just the same? When it's word that Nintendo is, according to a patent filed in March, possibly working on a portable system with Wii-like motion sensing tech. The patent describes the system as having "a housing to be held by a player. The housing incorporates an XY-axis acceleration sensor to detect an acceleration in an X-axis and Y-axis direction and a Z-axis contact switch to detect an acceleration in a Z-axis direction." Remind you of anyone you know?

In diagrams, the system has been represented by a Game Boy-esque figure, but we imagine that's just a placeholder. See, there's this other thing that Nintendo makes, and if they combined this thing with that first thing ... well, let's just pray our new overlords will be benevolent.

[Via technabob]

JoystiqNintendo has patent on motion sensing portable originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendopatentsportablewiiwiiTue, 07 Aug 2007 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[MS sued over controller design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/09/ms-sued-over-controller-design/#commentsFiled under:

Some no-name company from Texas is dragging Microsoft and Nintendo to court over 12 supposed patent infringements related to game controllers, that amazingly went un-noticed until now. Sony, fresh off a losing court battle over force feedback technology, seems to have avoided the dual shakedown this time around. Who holds the patent on transparent extortion schemes?

[Thanks Randy]

JoystiqMS sued over controller design originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerslaw suitlegalnintendopatentstexasWed, 09 Aug 2006 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Times tackles Sony's "used games" patent]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/la-times-tackles-sonys-used-games-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/la-times-tackles-sonys-used-games-patent/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/13/la-times-tackles-sonys-used-games-patent/#commentsFiled under:

The LA Times, a couple months late to the story, has reopened the festering wound we like to call "the Sony used games patent." Rumors that the PS3 would incorporate technology that would prohibit the later sale of used games -- technology that was patented (#6,816,972) by Sony in 2000 -- have been making the rounds (and being denied) for some time. So what's left to talk about?

LA Times reporter Dawn C. Chmielewski gathers some exciting quotes from familiar names like Michael Pachter, P.J. McNealy, and even an anonymous cryptographer!
  • "I actually think they're toying with this idea ... Maybe they'll copy protect movies or music downloads." --Michael Pachter
  • "While we believe it is unlikely that [Sony] will ban PS3 pre-owned games from being sold by the same chains that sell new PS3 games, we believe this issue remains under consideration." --P.J. McNealy
  • "In the video game business, it would be suicide for someone to do this. It's actually possible Sony filed this because they wanted to keep people from doing that." --anonymous cryptographer
Gotta love that little conspiracy theory at the end: maybe Sony gobbled up this tech to prevent other companies from taking advantage of consumers? Yeah, cause Sony -- a giant conglomerate with their fingers in everything from content to technology to life insurance -- they're cool like that.

[Via /.]

JoystiqLA Times tackles Sony's "used games" patent originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LA TimesLaTimesPatentsPS3RumorSonyUsed gamesUsedGamesThu, 13 Jul 2006 15:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MS patents 360 TV?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/ms-patents-360-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/ms-patents-360-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/07/ms-patents-360-tv/#commentsFiled under:

Microsoft's 5000th patent intends to make Xbox Live celebrities of us all. Most of us are familiar with the Gotham TV feature in Project Gotham 3, but MS wants to take the concept to a whole 'nother level. Patent No. 6,999,083 concerns a "System and method to provide a spectator experience for networked gaming." From the summary:

The present invention provides a system and method that generates a spectator experience corresponding to an occurrence of an associated game or event. The spectator experience can be generated in real time as a function of the associated game or event. Alternatively or additionally, the spectator experience could include portions of a prior occurrence of an associated game or event, such as to provide highlights, instant replays, or other enhancements for the resulting spectator experience. Each occurrence of a game or event varies over time in response to contributions and/or interactions of one or more participants (e.g., players) of each respective game or event.

...Another aspect of the present invention provides an infrastructure or portal (e.g., a Website) to access spectator related services. The portal may provide information about the occurrence of one or more games or events. By way of illustration, the portal may include a user interface, which presents information about available occurrences. The available occurrences can correspond to real time games or events or to delayed versions of games or events. The portal also can include visual and/or audio information about the available occurrences including, for example, identifying the name for each game or event, the number of active participants, the number of spectators, etc. The portal further includes user interface elements that can be activated to connect to a spectator experience corresponding to a desired occurrence of a game or event.

I hope this means that one day you'll be able to log in at the office and watch your autistic brother impress the universe with his skill at Rockstar Presents Bocci Ball. How far can you see this type of feature going?

[via Xboxic]

JoystiqMS patents 360 TV? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Mar 2006 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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