Apple TV Remote Could Work With iPhone, iPad - Peter Kafka - Media - AllThingsD

An excerpt from future Apple TV scenario analysis

"Take the remote, for instance. PatentlyApple has its hands on an Apple application for an “advanced TV remote” that would offer some cool features. Like the ability to automatically scan your other devices and figure out the right code to control them, instead of requiring users to use a combination of manuals and trial and error.
At least as important is that, while Apple’s patent, filed back in 2010, could be a standalone device, the application makes it seem much more likely that users will use their iPhones, iPods or iPads to control their TVs."

Apple TV Remote Could Work With iPhone, iPad - Peter Kafka - Media - AllThingsD