Apple could be working on a new touchscreen universal remote control that works with your TV. The company has filed a patent for such a device last year, according to AppleInsider. According to the patent, the remote will be able to control TVs, stereos, home theater equipment, and possibly even smart appliances.

The remote will include a display screen and a user input mechanism. The universal remote control also includes a processing unit that is configured to display information on the display screen and to accept selection data from the user input mechanism. The universal remote control additionally includes a wireless communication mechanism that is configured to provide communications between the processing unit and an appliance or computer program running on a computer system. This means that thge control will also automatically discover compatible appliances so you don't have to input codes like you do with current universal remotes. In addition, the screen will adapt to only show the controls you need for each device.

Reports circulating online suggest that Apple's television could be controlled through Siri, Apple's voice recognition and personal assistant software.

In another patent application filed by Apple, the company details a backlighting technology that offers superior picture quality.