Apple TV patent filing boasts video chat, widgets, broadcast capability

No stranger to the odd patent filing, Apple has once again delved into the dark waters of the unknown with an application for an Apple TV-like device with iChat-esque functionality, amongst others. In the patent, the company suggests a number of uses for widget overlays during video, including those triggered by content and timing, as well as widgets used for menus and navigation. The patent demonstrates how real-time widget updates may coincide with live broadcast television -- such as a scorecard overlay for a sporting event -- and also showcases a video chat function which can be used simultaneously during the playback or broadcast of content. Additionally, the filing shows a new remote which would have hot buttons for quick access to widgets, navigation, and the automatic milkshake mode (we might have wishfully made up that last one). Sure it looks good, but we'd happily take the latest Apple TV update until this comes along.

[Sean O @ Feb 7th 2008 4:28PM]

I wish I could patent concepts like video overlays. I'm waiting for Apple to file patents for fire (a chemical process) and the wheel (a device allowing the physical transportation of new technology).

[Zak @ Feb 7th 2008 5:10PM]

Lrn2read. The patent suggests "...a number of uses for widget overlays during video". Not "video overlays".

[skulldriveshaft @ Feb 8th 2008 2:27AM]

I hope that the last time I see Zak

[Skullfighter @ Feb 8th 2008 8:00PM]

That really is a cool idea. The ability to have a small weather widget popup while watching Chuck when there is a tornado watch. (My TV is in the basement)

I really want to have Caller ID on my TV. That would be awesome.

[SimonRichards @ Feb 7th 2008 4:37PM]

Surely even Apple can't patent video chat? I mean seriously, come on.

[Zak @ Feb 7th 2008 5:06PM]

Lrn2read. "a video chat function which can be used simultaneously during the playback or broadcast of content." Not "video chat".

[SimonRichards @ Feb 7th 2008 6:20PM]

Oh, im so glad you put me right! Forgive me, master of the English language!

And BTW, I can watch a movie and video chat at the same time on my PC.

[Zak @ Feb 7th 2008 6:37PM]

... really? Really, you still don't get it?

Oh you can watch a movie and video chat at the same time on your PC, here's a cookie. That has nothing to do with what this patent describes. It's "a video chat function". Not watching a movie. Not video chat itself. It's a function that can be used during the broadcast or playback of content, presumably something that has something to do with the content being broadcast.

Can you walk and chew gum at the same time too? Because that would be just fantastic.

[SimonRichards @ Feb 7th 2008 6:46PM]

From the article:

"an application for an Apple TV-like device with iChat-esque functionality"

Owned.

[Zak @ Feb 7th 2008 7:02PM]

Let's take a look at what you said again. "Surely even Apple can't patent video chat?"

Does it look to you like Apple is trying to patent video chat? Really? Wouldn't they have done that before now if they could, seeing as how iChat can already host and connect to video chats? Honestly, the stupidity is staggering.

[SimonRichards @ Feb 7th 2008 7:15PM]

You're right, my tiny mind can't even begin to fathom the level of your stupidity.

Please go away.

[Zak @ Feb 7th 2008 7:32PM]

I see. So because you made a stupid comment and I pointed it out, that makes everything my fault. Neat. Have you ever considered just not making stupid comments? This sort of thing would happen much less if you just stuck to saying things that aren't inherently stupid, especially since you don't appear to enjoy it when somebody calls you on it.

[SimonRichards @ Feb 7th 2008 7:40PM]

lol, what amount of satisfaction do you get out of 'calling me on it'? Why don't you go outside, there's a whole world out there! I made a comment, it was actually meant to communicate my disbelief that apple would be so cocky as to try to patent video chat. Anyway, this is not the place for this, why don't you seek some counseling for your desire to tread on others toes.

[m @ Feb 7th 2008 9:48PM]

Lrn2getalongwithothers

[scerciasnt @ Feb 7th 2008 4:38PM]

isn't that similar to the 360? i mean that has overlays regarding when you get messaged and though video is not overlayed, it seems it's all part of the same gui/technology...

[Zach @ Feb 7th 2008 6:36PM]

shh. thats microsoft. you will be shunned here.
anyway yeah it is, i love having that and the keypad on my 360..only problem is my two wireless controllers both won't charge *tear*

[Dan @ Feb 7th 2008 4:38PM]

How creative!
Oh wait...No it's not

[fahnboi @ Feb 7th 2008 5:16PM]

Insightful and informative comment!
Oh wait...

[Dan @ Feb 7th 2008 10:42PM]

Haha, right?

[Jared @ Feb 7th 2008 4:50PM]

Sounds a lot like the Milwakee application that Microsoft showed off (working) at CES this year with their MediaRoom IPTV platform. Very good though Apple.

[Galley @ Feb 7th 2008 4:50PM]

I could definitely see widget support added. Things like weather and stocks would be nice. Of course, the ultimate would be some kind of IPTV service.

[tiuk @ Feb 7th 2008 5:11PM]

*pictures Back to the Future II scene with old Marty and Needles*

[doctorSpoc @ Feb 7th 2008 5:13PM]

They are just protecting their asses.. in case Rusty Bedsprings or Hu Flung Poo from Armpit Kansas comes along and says.. hey i did that 1st and I got a patent for it. If it comes back denied, previous art it's all good. you have to go after obvious patents these days just in case someone actually manages to get the obvious patent before you then you owe them money.

[Reid @ Feb 7th 2008 5:21PM]

Nobody's really doing anything quite like this at the moment.

However, that doesn't mean it's not somewhat obvious, nor does it mean it's deserving of a patent.

But then, I guess that's why you file for a patent. To see if you can get one or not.

[akatsuki @ Feb 7th 2008 6:21PM]

Nobody is pointing out the obvious. If this patent is going to be used, video chat with an AppleTV, you would need a camera. That seems to indicates that Apple may bring back the iSight in some form (whether standalone, integrated into displays...)

[Nick @ Feb 7th 2008 6:38PM]

I would assume stand alone... unless Apple Inc. is going to start making TVs. Assuming they dont release updated Cinema Displays with integrated iSight and expect people to use that as their TV.

[doctorSpoc @ Feb 7th 2008 7:58PM]

It's true the AppleTV should just be... an AppleTV.. an Apple branded LCD or Plama TV with the AppleTV guts inside.. 802.11n, iSight everything... WHY NOT!

$200 tacked on to the price of a TV with this added functionality would definitely fly.

[Nick @ Feb 7th 2008 7:01PM]

Meh! I understand installing a BluRay drive would hurt their business plan of HD Rentals for AppleTV only and that throwing in a tv tuner with DVR capability would, in their eyes, hurt their TV Show iTunes Store purchases. But, why not offer me an entertainment center, like the Alienware Hangar18. Give me the Apple TV w/TV tuner, DVR functionality, and ability to backup wirelessly to the TimeCapsule or transfer DVR'd shows to my computer (like TiVo). Im sick of Apple kinda doing things half assed like they have been recently, do it big and give the people a reason to be excited about something.

[doctorSpoc @ Feb 7th 2008 7:54PM]

the Hangar18 starts at $2000 (250GB) to $4000 (2TB)

lets see AppleTV $229
4x500GB drives = $400
upscalling DVD player (almost indistiguisable for HD DVD or BlueRay) $50
Elgato EyeTV $300
Total = $950

$950 for the AppleTV solution... $4000 for AlienWare.. you pick

[Nick @ Feb 7th 2008 9:07PM]

It's Alienware of course it's ridiculously overpriced. I'm saying that I would like to see Apple put out a product that has capabilities of a Hangar18, instead of just play video from you computer. The point is that it currently is a half assed media center, why not just make a media center.

Apple TV w/250GB
DVD slot drive
TV Tuner + DVR software (ability to transfer recorded material to computer and be able to stream to a 2nd users computer if someone is using the main TV)

for $499 or $599

[doctorSpoc @ Feb 7th 2008 10:48PM]

appleTV is a media extender

want a media centre --> mac mini + eyeTV + some external HDDs

250GB is not going to hack it... that's good for about 100 movies... if you have any kind of collection of movies you need a the very least 2TB

i like the appleTV though because you can have your noisy cheap drives off some where attached to your computer (and just stream to appleTV wirelessly) and have the quite fanless appleTV box in your living room.. i don't know about the AlienWare box but the BIG problem with media centres is the noise... i have 1.5TB of storage attached to my Computer dedicated for my AppleTV.. cheap $100 500GB LACIE drives.. works great... 500GB drives are the sweetspot price wise right now

[Nick @ Feb 8th 2008 9:13AM]

I was figuring the 250GB would be fine for DVR stuff, temporary storage. Still stream movies and whatever else you want off a bunch of drives off somewhere like you presently do. I donno i just am left wanting for it to be more and live up to what it could be. Thanks for the ideas.

[MadLyb @ Feb 8th 2008 12:08PM]

Yeah...that's what I want...

...more annoying crap on top of what I am watching.

[toyotaboy @ Feb 8th 2008 1:38PM]

Oh.. so apple basically patented joost? I smell a lawsuit coming.

[BILL @ Feb 10th 2008 8:36AM]

AppleTV is not the first product to envision this type of user experience. Remember the old AOLTV service? It included overlays like this, including chat and instant messaging features tied to the channel being viewed. Very cool for its day.

AOL has approved patents for these and other technologies. There were also synchronized games to play along with broadcast TV, and news and sports scores, and interactive tie-ins with TV commercials.

It's questionable whether all of Apple's patent applications will be approved. There's tons of prior art of the subject. One of AOL’s patent authors has an interesting post at http://www.broodingsavage.com/journal/2008/2/10/apple-patents-time-machine-appletv.html