Apple patent points to iPhone as remote
updated 01:25 pm EDT, Thu April 12, 2007
Patent, iPhone remote?
Apple has filed for a patent titled "Techniques for pairing remote controllers with host devices" that mentions using a "mobile phone" to serve as a remote controller for a Mac computer. The patent also covers the Cupertino-based company's own Front Row Remote, and leaves room for other Bluetooth-enabled devices to serve as remote controllers as well. "Still another solution uses Bluetooth compatible handheld devices, such as a mobile phone, to serve as a remote controller for a Macintosh computer," Apple wrote. "This solution requires installation of software on the mobile phone as well as the computer."
"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."
Apple is expected to launch its iPhone cellular handset in June, which features multi-touch technology alongside WiFi connectivity for browsing the internet and checking email.
Salling
04/12, 01:29pm reply
So, Apple wants to patent Salling Clicker?
mikeschr
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2005
And Remote Buddy
04/12, 02:15pm reply
Add Remote Buddy to the list of prior art (though I don't see when the patent was filed, only when it was published.)
jimothy
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Woohoo!
04/12, 03:30pm reply
Alright! There's nothing anyone likes more then turning a $600 piece of equipment into something you could use a $10 device for!
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
re: woohoo!
04/12, 06:51pm reply
Yet again we have testudo talking out of his backside. Wow what a cynical person. I'd hate to go through life with your attitude.
It's pretty obvious that you won't be buying the $600 iPhone, so I don't get why you feel so compelled to throw in your useless negativity.
Apple is successful because they make great products. They do this, partly, by refusing to release them until they feel they are ready. They also try to anticipate needs that even their own customers sometime don't realize they have.
I think it would be cool, as a businessman, to not have to worry about dragging around a remote control when giving presentations. If I have my iPhone then I have a remote. It's just a small bit of software to add, so there's really low additional cost for something quite useful.
If you don't want, or need, what they make then why do you spend so much effort on slamming those who do want or need their products?
glasshalffull
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2007