Direction-sensing DS card used for stargazing app
When news that Nintendo had filed a patent for a "DS Direction Sensor Card" dropped last week, many of you were curious as to how the technology could possibly be implemented in the highly touchable handheld. Sadly, the system's new capability isn't being used to ease navigation through perilous, poké-infested environs (at least, not yet) -- it seems the first application to use the compass-esque tech is Astroarts' Hoshizora Navi, or Starry Sky Navigator.
The app, which runs a little pricey at 8,190 yen ($92), charts over 9,300 stars, planets, suns and moons and hearts and clovers and red balloons from 1900 to 2099. It's not just used as an astronomical reference tool, however -- the system's new capabilities allow the charts to change their orientation to match the direction you're currently facing. Finally, we're approaching the day when we don't have to carry these cumbersome astrolabes with us everywhere we go! Thanks, technology!
