New patent hints at magnet sensors, flash memory for Wii U

A magnetometer and flash memory hint at enhanced gaming experiences for game enthusiasts using Nintendo's tablet-like Wii U gaming device. Gaming site Joystiq.com speculated the patent diagrams for the WiiPad may indicate input without having to touch a control or come in range of a camera. "The 'magnetic sensor,' more commonly referred to as a magnetometer, measures your proximity to Magneto disturbances in a device’s magnetic field. Magnetometers have been used in smartphones to find true north for GPS and compass applications, however the technology can also lend itself to touch-less, camera-less gesture input," it said. But it said there are many possible applications for the flash memory, which it said may be independent of the onboard CPU's internal memory. Joystiq said there was no indication in the patent of how the flash memory would be used, "which makes inferring its purpose somewhat difficult." But it speculated that since the flash memory will be separate from the CPU's internal memory, "its applications will likely be user-oriented rather than processor-oriented." Other features of the Wii U include a touchscreen and a camera, Joystiq said. "For now, all we can do is wait, imagine, and dream. How many Miis will we be able to fit on this thing? All of them? The future is so bright," it said. — TJD, GMA News