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View Full Version : PC, Windows Mobile, Xbox 360, and Zune in Connected Gaming?


Darius Wey
04-27-2007, 02:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220070087830%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20070087830&RS=DN/20070087830' target='_blank'>http://appft1.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PG01&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsrchnum.html&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=%2220070087830%22.PGNR.&OS=DN/20070087830&RS=DN/20070087830</a><br /><br /></div><i>"A gaming system including handheld devices and console devices has variable functionality and processing performance as determined by the number of components in the system. Gaming components can be combined wirelessly, by wired connections (e.g., via a docking station), or a combination thereof. The processing capabilities and functionality of each gaming component in a combination are augmented by the processing capabilities and functionality of other gaming components in the combination. To take advantage of another gaming components processing capabilities and memory capacity, each gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component to process gaming applications. Further, each gaming component is capable of rendering audio and/or video information provided by another gaming component. Also, a gaming component is capable of utilizing another gaming component as an adjunct processor."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20070427-connectgaming.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />This patent filed by Microsoft isn't a reference to Live Anywhere, but something much more. It suggests that one hardware component of a gaming ecosystem can utilize the processing capabilities of another connected component to fulfill a task. Imagine using your Pocket PC as a display or your Zune as a controller for your Xbox 360. Of course, all this is highly theoretical, and patents should always be taken with a grain of salt - at least, until they materialize. Your thoughts on the whole thing?

PantherShade
04-27-2007, 02:45 PM
I think that it'd be great to be able to store your game settings on a device that can link with your friend's system. No more worries about having enough controllers around. :?

I look forward to the day that we have small handheld devices that can securely connect us to our current environment, while retaining our preferences and serving as a multi-functional apparatus. 8O
(phone/PDA/game device/game controller/data storage/projector/etc.)