We all know the iPhone is already replacing most remotes. But a recent Apple patent application details extensive plans for a future iPhone acting as a controller for virtually all devices via Near Field Communications (NFC).
The 114 page "System and Method for Simplified Control of Electronic Devices" document shows an extensive variety of devices being controlled by an NFC-equipped iPhone-- from multiple Apple TVs, iMacs and a variety of iPods to 3rd party devices such as STBs, a Playstation console, security systems or home sprinkler systems.
The NFC-capable iPhone on the patent uses a radio frequency identification (RFID) app to search and pair up with nearby RFID-capable devices. Once it discovers a device, the iPhone automatically installs the appropriate controller plug-in.
An optional barcode-based pairing system (where the user scans a barcode using the iPhone camera) provides additional security.
The patent application also details how users can select and control any number of devices, with an NFC app allowing the sorting of devices by category ("Entertainment," "Home," Office") and proximity to the iPhone.
Other proposals include using a weather app to automatically adjust thermostat settings or previewing photos from a digital camera on the iPhone display.
For those following, rumours of an NFC-capable iPhone are not exactly news. This patent all but confirms such rumours-- should remote vendors start worrying on how the iPhone might oust them even further?
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