Throughout the past several years it’s been widely speculated that Apple will begin manufacturing gaming peripherals for its iOS devices. It’s always been a strange speculation considering Steve Job’s strong stance against tactile input on Apple’s mobile devices. During this week’s Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco, rumors started surfacing that Apple have been speaking privately with developers about their upcoming controller. Here are 5 fast facts you need to know about it.
1. Apple May Release a Game Controller
According to PocketGamer, Apple has been talking with plenty of developers at this year’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco to discuss Apple’s upcoming Game Controller. Although we don’t know what it looks like just yet, Apple may be unveiling the game controller at the iPad-centric event in April. That’s only a few weeks away!
From 9to5 Mac:
“Long rumoured – and hoped for – GDC 2013 has finally provided confirmation that Apple will release its own dedicated game controller. Of course, there’s no official word yet, but Apple has been active during the conference talking to developers about its plans and ensuring plenty of games will support the joypad at launch.It’s been operating a meeting room at the show, albeit booked under a pseudonym company name to avoid media attention.However, speaking anonymously, multiple developer sources have confirmed the news to PocketGamer.biz”
2. Multiple Patents Have Surfaced Over the Last Few Years Describing Apple’s Game Controller
The game controller was described in a patent that surfaced in 2008 as having input controls, buttons, joysticks, and d-pad. The game controller might also come with a thumb pad or keyboard. AnandTech also mentioned in a review that they were aware of an internal project Apple was working on and stated, ”I know of an internal Apple project to bring a physical controller to market, but whether or not it will ever see the light of day remains to be seen.”
3. Apple’s Game Controller May Work With Apple TV
There have been rumors surfacing that this supposed controller may be revealed alongside the newest version of Apple TV. There have been talks that the company may increase efforts with its “hobby” product to be a fully realized consumer product that includes its own App Store and an SDK to allow developers to produce third-party apps. If this is so, a new controller would be a pinnacle component to be paired with the set-top box to enable new experiences such as games and enhanced media.
4. Apple Would Already Have Competition
Shortly after Samsung unveiled its newest smartphone, The Galaxy S4, the company displayed its own handheld gaming controller made specifically with the device. Their controller looks eerily similar to an Xbox 360 controller and has been labeled as merely a prototype, with no pricing or release information. Nvidia too has entered the mobile gaming space with their own Android gaming hybrid, Project Shield, and let’s not forget the recently released Android-powered Ouya.
5. Apple’s Game Controller May Not Happen At All
Jim Dalrymple of The Loop has responded to the entire controller speculation with one word. “Nope.”
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