Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: A video game controller for use with a smartphone includes a top panel hinged relative to a bottom panel, with the bottom panel having control inputs for playing video games. The top panel folds onto a bottom panel in a closed configuration to easily fit in a pocket of the user's garment, such as pants pocket, shirt pocket, jacket pocket, etc.). The top panel pivots relative to the bottom panel to an open configuration to support the smartphone on the top panel during use irrespective of the size of the smartphone.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: A video game controller for use with a smartphone includes a top panel hinged relative to a bottom panel, with the bottom panel having control inputs for playing video games. The top panel folds onto a bottom panel in a closed configuration to easily fit in a pocket of the user's garment, such as pants pocket, shirt pocket, jacket pocket, etc.). The top panel pivots relative to the bottom panel to an open configuration to support the smartphone on the top panel during use irrespective of the size of the smartphone.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure describe smart controls for video game controllers that may track and store information related to their use (e.g., actuations) over time to keep track of their expected remaining life. The smart controls may removably couple to a video game controller and be replaced by other smart controls. In implementations, a smart control may include: an actuation component; a sensor to detect actuation of the actuation component in response to movement of the control; a memory to store information associated with the detected actuation; and a casing to house the sensor and memory.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: A video game controller can automatically operate as a video game controller with audio capability and a video game controller without audio capability based upon a signal received via a switch in communication with an audio jack of the video game controller when a headset is coupled to the audio jack. Connection of the headset to the controller automatically causes video game audio to be communicated from the video game console to the headset via the controller. The video game audio is communicated at a default volume level to the headset upon coupling of the headset to the video game controller. The volume level of the audio communicated to the headset can be adjustable up or down via a directional pad of the video game controller while an audio control button on the video game controller is pressed.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward gaming peripherals with built-in audio support. The gaming peripheral may include a plurality of input mechanisms configured to control a video game. The video game may be controlled via the plurality of input mechanisms in a first mode. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. The gaming peripheral may include a designated input mechanism that, when engaged, reconfigures the gaming peripheral into a second mode causing at least one of the plurality of input mechanisms, when actuated, to adjust audio attributes of the video game without interrupting play of the video game.

Abstract: Implementations of the disclosure describe smart controls for video game controllers that may track and store information related to their use (e.g., actuations) over time to keep track of their expected remaining life. The smart controls may removably couple to a video game controller and be replaced by other smart controls. In implementations, a smart control may include: an actuation component; a sensor to detect actuation of the actuation component in response to movement of the control; a memory to store information associated with the detected actuation; and a casing to house the sensor and memory.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward gaming peripherals with built-in audio support. The gaming peripheral may include a plurality of input mechanisms configured to control a video game. The video game may be controlled via the plurality of input mechanisms in a first mode. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. The gaming peripheral may include a designated input mechanism that, when engaged, reconfigures the gaming peripheral into a second mode causing at least one of the plurality of input mechanisms, when actuated, to adjust audio attributes of the video game without interrupting play of the video game.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward gaming peripherals with built-in audio support. The gaming peripheral may include a plurality of input mechanisms configured to control a video game. The video game may be controlled via the plurality of input mechanisms in a first mode. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. The gaming peripheral may include a designated input mechanism that, when engaged, reconfigures the gaming peripheral into a second mode causing at least one of the plurality of input mechanisms, when actuated, to adjust audio attributes of the video game without interrupting play of the video game.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein are directed toward gaming peripherals with built-in audio support. The gaming peripheral may include a plurality of input mechanisms configured to control a video game. The video game may be controlled via the plurality of input mechanisms in a first mode. Handheld input devices applicable to some embodiments may include, without limitation, computer controllers, video game console controllers, and handheld video gaming devices. Input mechanisms applicable to various embodiments may include, for example, control sticks (e.g., joysticks or analog sticks operable by a user's finger, such as a thumbstick), buttons, switches, and directional pads. The gaming peripheral may include a designated input mechanism that, when engaged, reconfigures the gaming peripheral into a second mode causing at least one of the plurality of input mechanisms, when actuated, to adjust audio attributes of the video game without interrupting play of the video game.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for a tactile feedback instrument, and more specifically, some embodiments are directed toward methods and apparatuses for a tactile feedback stylus. Some embodiments of the invention provide a stylus used in conjunction with mobile devices. Further embodiments of the invention provide a game system, comprising a game console and a stylus. Within such embodiments, the stylus comprises an electric motor and a control circuit coupled to the electric motor that is in communication with the game console and controls the electric motor. Within some of these embodiments, the stylus can vibrate or rumble when the electric motor is activated in response to gaming activity.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the technology described herein, a audio headset system is provided, comprising: a speaker; a signal processor configured to process source audio received from an audio source, to produce processed audio from the source audio, and to output the processed audio to the speaker; and a control unit configured to control operation of the signal processor according to an audio profile, wherein the audio profile causes the signal processor to selectively mix, delay, phase shift, and equalize the source audio, thereby producing processed audio.