Apple sets its sights on video consoles

Established console manufacturers might be quaking in their virtual boots, 'cause Apple has filed documents with the US Patent and Trademark Office that suggest it may be devloping a video games console.

Although Apple’s application is very vague, it makes specific reference to various forms of handheld unit, including ones for playing video games, stand alone video game machines and battery-powered computer games.

Use of the world “handheld” could mean that the likes of the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360 are safe for now. However, the wording could mean that Apple's initially focused on development of a DS Lite or PSP rival. Apple’s already known to have links, through its iPod arm, with video game heavyweight Electronic Arts.

Rumour of an ‘iPod console’ have also been strengthened by reports of a vacancy at Apple for a “game producer/developer”. An advert for the position, which is based on Santa Clara Valley, US offers the successful applicant the “opportunity of owning the game design process”.

If you’re thinking of applying, then you’ll need about six years of game production and game design experience...