Apple Files Remote Control Patent, iPhone May Serve New Function

Source
chrisbarylick from Powerpage writes on the new patent Apple has filed and speculates that the iPhone may function as a remote control.....

Apple has apparently filed for a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office that mentions using a "mobile phone" as a remote control for a Macintosh computer according to MacNN. The patent also discusses Apple's Front Row remote control and leaves room for other Bluetooth devices to serve the role with the language "Still another solution uses Bluetooth compatible handheld devices, such as a mobile phone, to serve as a remote controller for a Macintosh computer."

The description is then follow by "Once the software is installed, the mobile phone can be used to control popular programs such as iTunes media management program from Apple Computer, Inc. For example, in controlling iTunes media management program using this solution, the user can use the directional controls on the mobile phone to change listing volume, skip forward and backward, play/pause, etc."

The iPhone has been theorized as a possible remote control for some time now given its available port technologies as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. The device will be released this June and retail for US$499 for the 4 gigabyte model and US$599 for the 8 gigabyte model.