Microsoft patents a record button:

A record button that facilitates audiovisual input into a computer system without requiring manual interaction (direct manipulation interaction) with software. The record button may be grouped with transport controls, a standalone button, or grouped with other controls. The record button may be actuated with different types of actuation techniques, each of which may correspond to a different audio and/or video operating mode, which may be user configurable. A record light may be provided to notify the user of the current recording mode via variable colors and/or flash patterns. The record button can work in conjunction with a camera button and with manual software switching of recording modes.

A patent filed by Apple in April of 2009, recently published by the USPTO, reveals what appears to be a concept for an augmented reality game. Specifically, the document seeks to patent a method for two “interactive game devices” to share locational data and track each other in a “real world, interactive game environment.” Using the “interactive game device” — which looks a lot like an iPhone in the diagrams — each player’s real-world actions would be tracked and their positions would be relayed via an icon on the screen.