Apple patents a universal remote control with touch screen

  For months it has been rumored that Apple would launch a TV that would compete with the rest of those currently available on the market, but so far we have only heard rumors about its possible launch, but a recent invention patent registered to the Cupertino company denotes its interest in the development of accessories for televisions. The invention patent is called Apparatus and Method to Facilitate Universal Remote Control and describes a universal touchscreen remote control that would allow users to control multiple electronic products via a screen with an intuitive interface.

The controls that are not normally used clutter the remote control and can cause confusion to the user when trying to locate a seldom-used feature. Hence, users must spend time learning a new remote control or programming an existing universal remote each time they purchase a new remotely controllable appliance, which detracts from the enjoyment of using the appliance after it is first purchased. What is needed is an apparatus and a method to provide remote control over multiple appliances without the difficulties described above.

 The remote control from Apple would work with televisions, video players, Macs or audio systems and by interacting with them would design a specific interface for each of them. Practically, the remote control would recognize the device after connecting to it and depending on the respective device, it would also display what kind of interface for the user so that he could control all the functions of the product. If the product is not recognized by the remote control then it will display a standard interface which probably will not offer all the options.

  Of course, we are only talking about a patent for a product that will probably never reach the market, but Apple is thinking about the future, a future in which the company could even have a television available.