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Microsoft Trying To Patent a 'Magic Wand'

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the also-patenting-bag-of-holding dept.

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."

6 of 157 comments (clear)

  1. It's called a Wii-mote! by jholder · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wonder if they get into trouble with Nintendo.

    --
    -- John
    1. Re:It's called a Wii-mote! by Z00L00K · · Score: 5, Insightful

      And all other remote controls that already exists and has existed since "deity-knows-when".

      Even the director's wand at an orchestra is a form of remote. But not very advanced in itself.

      --
      If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker would destroy civilization.
  2. The Doctor called... by DigitalSorceress · · Score: 5, Funny

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

    --

    The Digital Sorceress
  3. Re:Vas Flam! by ozmanjusri · · Score: 5, Funny
    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?

    --
    "I've got more toys than Teruhisa Kitahara."
  4. Re:Sure, they can patent a magic wand, by ozmanjusri · · Score: 5, Insightful
    but they still can't use it to make Vista disappear.

    Maybe.

    But their magical marketing team has managed to transmogrify a thinly veiled facelift of it into the widely hyped Windows 7.

    --
    "I've got more toys than Teruhisa Kitahara."
  5. Did they need to wait for Clarke to die first? by Torodung · · Score: 5, Funny

    "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