PC, Windows Mobile, Xbox 360, and Zune in Connected Gaming?

[Darius Wey]

<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...=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" /><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?

[ChristopherTD]

The DS is able to be used with the Wii as an additional controller in some forthcoming games, such as Pokemon Battle Revolution. I believe there were a few GameCube games that used the GBA as a controller or extra display.

I can see it working in a closed environment, where one company controls the hardware. But I would have thought there wasn't any money in trying to make a generic SDK. In any case I wouldn't trust my PPC to any critical tasks in a game - it is too unreliable!!

[k1darkknight]

(digging through boxes)

Man, that Developerese-to-English dictionary has to be around here SOMEwhere!

[inteller]

i would think that Sega has some prior art here somehwere....didn't they have some doodads that could play independently of the dreamcast console, and couldn't PocketNeoGeos somehow control dreamcasts?

[mrozema]

Yeah, the Dreamcast's memory card had an LCD and buttons built into the front of it. I think the idea was that you could play mini games on it that corresponded to certain actual Dreamcast games.

Neat idea! I like this whole gaming ecosystem thing since I've got the Xbox 360, Zune and a PPCPE. :D

[galt]

I'm still hoping we'll actually see a launch of the MS "Live Anywhere" for Windows Mobile, it was last mentioned in Oct 2006 if I recall correctly. Xbox Friends list (including status &amp; messaging), stats, gamerscore, and even some basic Live Arcade style games on WinMo would be fantastic and I think would actually really help to move units into the hands of gamers.

Edit - it's actually been almost a year since they announced it, May 10th-ish 2006: http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/10/microsoft-blends-platform-lines-with-live-anywhere/

It just looks so awesome... Maybe now that Darius is an MVP he can bang on some doors and get us some info about this! :D

[Darius Wey]

I'm still hoping we'll actually see a launch of the MS "Live Anywhere" for Windows Mobile...

It's been a while, hasn't it? Let me ask around and see where the heck it is. ;)