Two very interesting stories have popped up that indicate Apple might be looking to muscle in on Sony Microsoft and Nintendo’s turf. From the sound of the patients filed their step into gaming probably wont be the conventional home console, but possibly something more subtle and anyone familiar with the pippin will surely understand why.

The first acrticle over at Apple Insider discusses a recent patient that looks to implement a Wii style remote for apple TV, which could also double up as a gaming controller.

The patient also mentions the ability to “zoom into and out of an image or a portion thereof based on the absolute position of the remote control in the third axis.” which would tie the remote in with the photo and video browser components of Apple TV and similar the iPhone/iTouch pinch technique for enlarging images.

The second can be found at Industry Standard and looks at apple’s ipod success and suggests that apple might try to crack the handheld market instead. Considering this trademark extension on an already existing product, it looks increasingly likely.

Toys, games and playthings, namely, hand-held units for playing electronic games; hand-held units for playing video games; stand alone video game machines; electronic games other than those adapted for use with television receivers only; LCD game machines; electronic educational game machines; toys, namely battery-powered computer games.

This is leading to the already growing speculation that the iphone, or the itouch could be primed for a gaming upgrade when the next models are announced. Simple emulation have already been achieved from within the homebrew community and with the success of both products in their respective markets, the large user base would almost certainly guarantee success.

Both articles are speculative on the information available, but it certainly looks like apple are at least thinking about gaming in some variety, even if they choose not get involved.

Source Apple Insider & Industry Standard