Apple Patents Wii-Like 3D Remote

Cupertino, CA (AHN) - Apple has filed a patent describing a remote control device similar to Nintendo's Wii but targeted toward the Apple TV or iPhone, reports said Friday.

The patent, filed in November 2006, talks of a 3D remote for video games or to "otherwise track the movement of the remote control in the user's environment." The device could be used in "any portable, mobile, hand-held, or miniature consumer electronic device," according to a patent reported by Ars Technica.

Apple may be looking to expand its Apple TV device to gaming, an area Nintendo has seen great success, selling 25 million copies of the game console.