Apple, the company that simplified computers, smartphones and tablets, is now looking to build a simplified TV remote according to a new patent discovered by Apple Insider. The patent, which is titled “Apparatus and Method to Facilitate Universal Remote Control,” describes a touchscreen-based controller that would eliminate the clutter found on today’s universal remotes. According to the application, Apple is looking to use fewer buttons for a simplified experience. “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,” the filing notes. Apple’s proposed solution is a remote that would include a “discovery mechanism” to discover available appliances for the device to control, eliminating complex codes and programing of individual devices. The remote would be able to detect which appliances are in range of the controller, graying out the devices that are out of range. The patent was made public this week by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and was first filed in September 2011.

[Via AppleInsider]

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