As soon as the remote is passed to a second user, a new fingerprint scan would let that person access a customized TV experience of his or her own.
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Suitable sensors range from fingerprint scanners and cameras for facial recognition to retinal scanners and algorithms for deciphering voice prints have already been discussed in the patent and would be needing if any case Apple decides to incorporate this technology to its devices. It describes a method in which a remote with a Touch ID sensor sends fingerprint data to a device – such as an Apple TV – and configures it based on the profile associated with the information.
The one drawback to sharing an Apple TV or an iPad is that one configuration doesn’t necessarily work for others. But it also proposes using the same technology in other applications such as on smartphones, home automation controls, set-top boxes and laptop computers.
However it seems that the remote control is something Apple is thinking about, and according to a recently discovered patent by Patently Apple, it looks like the Cupertino company is toying with the idea of creating a remote control with a built-in Touch ID sensor. On identifying the user, the device would pass command for switching over to the user’s custom profile and load settings accordingly. With a simple touch, users would be able to turn on a TV and access content tailored to their preferences without having to enter a password or even access any menus.
Personalized profiles might also be used in content discovery and per-user purchasing, much like Touch ID and Apple’s digital storefronts.
As ever, the fact that Apple patents something is no indication that it will ever make it into a product.
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The patent was filed in January and published on Thursday.
