Apple files patent for motion-control Mac mice and wind power storage

Posted on Friday, December 28 2012 @ 17:07 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
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TechCrunch reports Apple filed a patent for a new Mac mouse that would turn the device into a light version of the Wii Remote. The patent describes tilting, tilt-sliding, lifting and other gestures that would be supported by the mouse. It's unknown if Apple plans to use this patent for an upcoming product.
In a second filing published today, Apple is back on track with its more consumer-oriented patents, this time detailing an evolution of the mouse that would bring more gesture controls to the input device. The additions would allow a mouse to detect tilting, tilt-sliding, lifting and other gestures to add additional command capabilities to the mouse’s basic clicking, movement and scrolling. It’s sort of a Wii Remote-lite, which is likely an easier control paradigm for traditional desktop computer users to adopt than anything more drastic.
In a second filing published yesterday, Apple detailed a concept for gathering electricity from a wind turbine and converting it to heat energy stored in a "low-heat capacity fluid". This would make wind power available on a more "on-demand" basis.


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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