Microsoft Trying To Patent a 'Magic Wand'

theodp writes "Newly-disclosed USPTO documents show that Microsoft is seeking patent protection for a 'Magic Wand,' a device with various gizmos and sensors that can manipulate and interact with its environment, including video and holographic images, while using biometrics to connect with the user. 'Even the most pragmatic individual,' explains Microsoft, 'would have trouble arguing against the merits or utility of, say, a magic wand that actually worked to control or communicate with objects or components in an associated nearby environment.' No doubt. The inventors include CXO/CTO J Allard, and Sr. Researcher Andy Wilson."

Comments

Vas Flam!

[GigaHurtsMyRobot]

I have prior art, I was born with a magic wand!

Re:Vas Flam!

[ozmanjusri]

I have prior art, I was born with a magic wand!

Yes?

And do you put on your robe and wizard hat before you use it?

First result on search for "Magic Wand"

[Moryath]

This is the first search result for "magic wand":

http://www.amazon.com/Vibratex-HV-250R-Hitachi-Magic-Massager/dp/B00005M1WE

I think MS needs to rethink their naming. I doubt this is what they have in mind. Besides, the Wii beat them to it in designing a controller that looks like a sex toy.

Re:First result on search for "Magic Wand"

[loutr]

I think MS needs to rethink their naming. I doubt this is what they have in mind.

Then again we're talking about the company whose CEO wants to squirt you pictures of his kids...

Re:First result on search for "Magic Wand"

[Tablizer]

I think MS needs to rethink their naming.

Wandows?
   

The Doctor called...

[DigitalSorceress]

The Doctor called... He wants to have a word with them about his sonic screwdriver.

Sure, they can patent a magic wand,

[FlyingSquidStudios]

but they still can't use it to make Vista disappear.

let me be the first to say

[popeye44]

RECTUMSEMPRA...

which is either a spell from Harry Potter or Latin for Timely Assholes.

Magic Wang Err wand.

Re:let me be the first to say

[Anonymous Coward]

"Levitatus Chairus!"

"Developamus! Developamus! Developamus!"

Re:Don't forget the ORIGINAL Magic Wand!

[Locke2005]

Man, the customer reviews for that product are hilarious! "Worst mothers day ever" indeed!

For what its worth...

[rodney dill]

... As long as it works by magic, and not technology, give 'em the patent.

I see your shwartz is a big as mine...

[genghisjahn]

...let's see how well you use it. And so began the great wand battle of '09 between MS and Nintendo.

Re:It's called a Wii-mote!

[The Grim Reefer2]

I think Disney should get involved in this. After all, they released a 9 minute demonstration of it in 1940.

No thanks.. ..

[Ozric]

[quote]device that can manipulate and interact with its environment[/quote]

I will stick with the katana .. it manupulates and interacts with the phyical enviroment very well.

Does a good job on people with pesky magic wands too!

No sensors or gizmos needed, and only effects what you point it.

YMMV

And the product will be named...

[Junior J. Junior III]

Micosoft Wang.

Re:That could actually be fun

[Overzeetop]

Combining the accuracy of the Wiimote with a gestural interface seems like a very bad idea.

Re:Not new

[cayenne8]

Microsoft's New Magic Wand Promo:

"It's not the size of the wand...but, the MAGIC behind it!!

Meh

[srussia]

Probably just a stretched-out Clippy.

Did they need to wait for Clarke to die first?

[Torodung]

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

And apparently, in their filing, Microsoft thinks that any sufficiently obvious idea is indistinguishable from innovation.

--
Toro

Voldemort called....

[jollyreaper]

He claims prior Dark Art.