Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system having a processor that performs operations including receiving from an accessory device a control signal for controlling a software application, determining that the control signal corresponds to a first action of a plurality of actions for controlling the software application, monitoring a frequency of usage of the first action, and presenting at the accessory device or a display device coupled to the accessory device a measure of the frequency of usage of the first action. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting a plurality of stimulus signals generated by a gaming accessory device, identifying a plurality of substitute gaming stimulations associated with the plurality of stimulus signals, substituting the plurality of stimulus signals with the plurality of substitute gaming stimulations, incorporating in each of the plurality of substitute gaming stimulations a first unique identifier to generate a plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations, transmitting the plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations to a computing device executing a gaming application, and receiving from the computing device a plurality of game action results, where each of the plurality of gaming action results comprises the first unique identifier of a corresponding one of the plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving at a computer device a plurality of stimulus signals generated by one or more gaming accessory devices of a gamer controlling a gaming application, generating a plurality of gaming stimulations based on the plurality of stimulus signals, generating a plurality of gaming action results from the gaming application responsive to the plurality of gaming stimulations, combining the plurality of gaming action results and the plurality of gaming stimulations to generate a plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer, and transmitting to a social network the plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including detecting a first depression range of a button that includes an electro-mechanical sensor for detecting the first depression range, comparing the first depression range to a first actuation threshold, and asserting a first actuation state when the first depression range is at or exceeds the first actuation threshold. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for online gaming includes a memory that stores instructions. A processor coupled to the memory, responsive to executing the instructions, performs operations including receiving a selection of a gaming accessory, receiving a selection of a game, and receiving inputs corresponding to selections of parameters for generating a vibration effect at the gaming accessory. The parameters include a control component of the gaming accessory, a game event associated with the control component, a vibration frequency of the vibration effect associated with the game event, a vibration intensity and duration, and a delay time associated with the event. The processor stores the selected parameters and presents the vibration effect during the game in accordance with occurrence of the game event and in accordance with the selected parameters; the vibration effect is presented after the occurrence of the game event in accordance with the delay time.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor coupled to a memory storing instructions and to a near field sensor. Execution of the instructions can cause the processor to perform operations including defining a zone corresponding to a portion of an accessory comprising the sensor, detecting a gesture of an object in the zone by sensing the object with the sensor, determining that the gesture is a new gesture not previously associated with the zone and not previously associated with a gaming action controlling presentations produced by a gaming application, associating the gesture with the zone and with the gaming action, subsequently detecting the gesture in the zone, obtaining the gaming action associated with the gesture, and transmitting the gaming action to the gaming application. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for subdividing a touch-sensitive interface of a mouse accessory into a first plurality of sectors for defining a first plurality of mouse buttons, where each sector of the first plurality of sectors corresponds to a distinct mouse button. The method can further include receiving a first signal from the touch-sensitive interface of the mouse accessory, detecting, from the first signal a selection of a sector of the first plurality of sectors, and generating a second signal indicating the selection of the sector. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gaming console having a controller to receive a request to decrease or increase at least one of a plurality of sounds generated by a gaming application to enhance at least one condition in the gaming application, and modify sound produced by the gaming application according to the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, receiving at a computer device a plurality of stimulus signals generated by one or more gaming accessory devices of a gamer controlling a gaming application, generating a plurality of gaming stimulations based on the plurality of stimulus signals, generating a plurality of gaming action results from the gaming application responsive to the plurality of gaming stimulations, combining the plurality of gaming action results and the plurality of gaming stimulations to generate a plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer, and transmitting to a social network the plurality of hardware statistics associated with the gamer.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a button including a fixed force magnet coupled to a first housing assembly component serving as a top portion of the button, a variable force magnet coupled to a second housing assembly serving as a bottom portion of the button, and a spring coupled to the fixed force magnetic and the variable force magnet for repelling the fixed force magnet from the variable force magnet according to a spring constant of the spring. The variable force magnet emitting a magnetic field to counter the spring constant and thereby adjust a force required to depress the button. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a processor that performs operations including detecting a first depression range of a button that includes an electro-mechanical sensor for detecting the first depression range, comparing the first depression range to a first actuation threshold, and asserting a first actuation state when the first depression range is at or exceeds the first actuation threshold. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a method for detecting a plurality of stimulus signals generated by a gaming accessory device, identifying a plurality of substitute gaming stimulations associated with the plurality of stimulus signals, substituting the plurality of stimulus signals with the plurality of substitute gaming stimulations, incorporating in each of the plurality of substitute gaming stimulations a first unique identifier to generate a plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations, transmitting the plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations to a computing device executing a gaming application, and receiving from the computing device a plurality of game action results, where each of the plurality of gaming action results comprises the first unique identifier of a corresponding one of the plurality of updated substitute gaming stimulations. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method that incorporates teachings of the subject disclosure may include, for example, detecting a game stimulus signal generated by a first gaming accessory device, determining a first game action result based on the game stimulus signal, analyzing the first game action result to provide a first coaching message to achieve a desired result, and presenting the coaching message. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a gaming console having a controller to receive a request to decrease or increase at least one of a plurality of sounds generated by a gaming application to enhance at least one condition in the gaming application, and modify sound produced by the gaming application according to the request. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for subdividing a touch-sensitive interface of a mouse accessory into a first plurality of sectors for defining a first plurality of mouse buttons, where each sector of the first plurality of sectors corresponds to a distinct mouse button. The method can further include receiving a first signal from the touch-sensitive interface of the mouse accessory, detecting, from the first signal a selection of a sector of the first plurality of sectors, and generating a second signal indicating the selection of the sector. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a button including a fixed force magnet coupled to a first housing assembly component serving as a top portion of the button, a variable force magnet coupled to a second housing assembly serving as a bottom portion of the button, and a spring coupled to the fixed force magnetic and the variable force magnet for repelling the fixed force magnet from the variable force magnet according to a spring constant of the spring. The variable force magnet emitting a magnetic field to counter the spring constant and thereby adjust a force required to depress the button. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A gaming system employs bioinformatics to improve gamer performance and enhance the gaming experience. The gaming system monitors biometrics of gamers using gaming accessories having sensors coupled to the gaming accessories (e.g., a mouse with pulse sensor). Biometrics can be used to assess a crisis or panic reaction of the gamer. The system can also assess the state of the game in real time via API feedback, and coach the player on how best to regain control. The system can also predict a gamer's loss of control by monitoring hardware statistics associated with the game, combined with gaming feedback and biometric data, and can determine how best to coach the player to correct problems. Predictive models can be used to predict a gamer's panic attack or loss of control before it occurs. When a crisis occurs, the system can automatically contact the gamer's teammates to assist the gamer.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, determining first and second stimulus signals from first and second input functions of first and second gaming equipment devices used by first and second users to control a video game. A first contest between the first and second users is based on first and second game action results determined based on the first and second stimulus signals. A relative performance between the first and second users is determined from a comparison of first and second measures of the first and second stimulus signals. A second contest between the first user and the second user is based on the relative performance. Additional embodiments are disclosed.