The Magic Mouse was the redefinition of what a normal mouse could do at the time, specifically back in 2009. While it’s true that there are now multiple options in mouse brands and models, the Magic Mouse has fallen behind and is only still useful thanks to multi-touch gestures, especially for those users who didn’t want a trackpad. However, a recently granted patent to those in Cupertino ( via AppleInsider ) would indicate that the Magic Mouse could reinvent itself by supporting more gestures, even in the air. The last rumor about the Magic Mouse 3 promised a revolution, and we still haven’t seen any news.
The Magic Mouse and the patent that could completely revolutionize it
The patent, titled “Electronic Devices with Expanded Input and Output Capabilities,” indicates that a “mouse or other electronic pointing device” would have sensors on the side of the housing, already configured to record the location of the user’s primary finger. Such sensors could be “light-based optical sensors,” as we know them today.
The gestures mentioned are defined as “three-dimensional,” so you could perform finger or full-hand movements in the air by holding the mouse as if it were a pencil. This Magic Mouse could be used both for macOS and with a more comprehensive design in mind for the Apple Vision Pro.
What we find most interesting is that the patent adds other input devices, such as visible or infrared light cameras. This would make Apple Vision Pro even more meaningful, in addition to considering projectors. For example, the projector would be used to display an image on a surface. This could be what we’ve seen so often in futuristic images: floating keyboards or content on a table where the user can select with their finger.
Apple thinks about the future more than we do
Regarding image projection, there’s an image simulating the use of a MacBook where you can see the projection of the keyboard and mouse areas so the user can use them with a simple swipe of the fingers. Best of all, the patent isn’t focused solely on a mouse, so it could be used on an iPad, a wristband, a headset, and virtually any accessory.
Simply having the idea that a Magic Mouse could lead to the development of new accessories that enhance the experience with a Mac or Apple Vision Pro is already a significant step forward. The key lies in the additional input that Apple has planned for each accessory, complemented by buttons, touch sensors, and even motion sensors.
On a Mac, we could move or scroll a window simply by flicking our wrist, a clap could create a click, and so on. The possibilities vary widely, although we should be skeptical even if it’s already a granted patent. Remember, not all patents make it to the light of day in a new product. We certainly hope Apple makes it happen.
