A recently uncovered patent application, filed back in 2006 by Microsoft, has unveiled what Gates and company have been doing in regards to motion sensing control. The gadget is described as a “computer pointing device” although the application also states that it can double as a game controller.

From the application

Described is a technology by which a computer pointing device (generally a mouse but alternatively a game controller or remote control device) may be worn on the hand and operated without needing to contact a mousing surface. Gyroscopic-based sensors convert the wearer’s hand and wrist movements to signals which are sent to a host computing device such as a conventional personal computer, a gaming console, an electronic appliance, and so forth. The data received from the pointing device may be used to move a cursor or the like, and other received data may correspond to left and right mouse clicks, scrolling operations, and so forth. A user-controlled enable switch/sensor selectively activates or deactivates the pointing device so that only intended movements result in data transmission. Gestures may also be sensed and used to trigger defined functions.

Essentially the device combines the functionality of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk into one wearable controller. TeamXbox has some inside info on the device and describe it being similar to a pistol grip. There’s no word yet as to any planned commercial deployment of the device, but considering Microsoft’s push for adding computers to entertainment centers, the device would be a natural replacement for a mouse/remote control. Alternatively, could Microsoft embrace motion control with the 360’s eventual successor?

Thanks to mu for submitting.