Microsoft Files Patents for Virtual Game Controller

SmartAboutThings writes "A newly discovered patent shows that Microsoft might be interested in developing virtual controllers for tablets and smartphones. A while ago, it didn't quite make sense why Microsoft would need such a piece of technology, but with the announcement of their Surface tablet, it suddenly takes on a new perspective." I think a few board games (Catan comes to mind) would be pretty playable on a moderately-sized, shared touch surface, with everyone's phone acting as their hand.

"Newly discovered patent"

[i kan reed]

That phrase right there communicates the state of the patent system. Finding out which patents exist take more research and effort than inventing the patentable items.

This is a bit too much

[zrbyte]

I'm all for gadgets, but why not just take the Catan board from the shelf and play?