Here's something fascinating, Apple has recently filed for a continuation of a patent application from back in 1995 that describes a universal remote that controls home entertainment devices.
So it's a universal remote, big deal. Lets look at the description, it's a handheld controller with a touchscreen and a dynamic display that can control your various media devices. Man, that sure sounds like something that the iPhone could do. Granted, most universal remotes use an IR sensor, and the iPhone doesn't have one.
So is Apple thinking about turning the iPhone into a universal remote for all of your home entertainment devices? Probably not. But what if you could control your Apple TV from your iPhone? That probably wouldn't be that difficult for them to accomplish.
PatentMonkey: Will the iPhone be used as Apple TV Remote? [via crunchgear]
The iphone will make a fine universal remote control. Some of the high end all touch universal remote price upwards of $800+. Considering the iPhone is only $500 / $600 it’s a spanking deal.
I think it would be an EXCELLENT thing. I really really really hope there aren’t any conflicts (patents) preventing them from doing this. Palm Treos have been doing this for a while (with added software), but they’re clunky and somewhat lame compared to the iPhone’s core animation. It would be another thing for naysayers to say that other phone’s have done for ages… they’d be right too, but it’d be much much better. –Especially if iPhone implemented voice command as a service, and allowed the remote to be controlled through voice. Synergy!