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AppleGranted patentPhones & computersInterest 6/10

Apple patents quiet way to check and control TV streaming devices

This patent describes a system where a phone or remote can connect to a streaming box without interrupting the video currently playing. It allows the device to quietly check what is on screen and send commands to change the channel or pause the media. The filing explains how a second connection can take over playback if a new media request is received.

Why it mattersThis improves how users interact with smart TVs and streaming sticks by allowing background checks and smoother control without dropping the active video stream.

In the filing’s own words

In some implementations, a system can be configured to allow remote control devices to quietly obtain status information related to various audio/video playback devices. For example, a streaming device (e.g., a user device, phone, etc.) can establish a streaming connection to a playback device. The playback device can be configured to only accept a single streaming connection (i.e., master connection). A remote control device (e.g., a user device, phone, etc.) can quietly connect (i.e., control connection) to the playback device without interrupting the master connection to obtain status information related to the playback device and or the media being streamed to the playback device. The remote control device can provide commands through the control connection to adjust the playback of the streamed media at the playback device.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A method comprising: establishing, by a playback device, a first communication connection with a first device; receiving, by the playback device from the first device via the first communication connection, a first request to play first media content; at least in response to receiving the first request, via the first communication connection, to play the first media content: presenting, by the playback device, the first media content, the first media content being received via the first communication connection; establishing, by the playback device, a second communication connection with a second device; while presenting the first media content being received via the first communication connection: receiving, by the playback device from the second device via the second communication connection, a second request to play second media content; at least in response to receiving the second request, via the second communication connection, to play the second media content: terminating, by the playback device, the presenting of the first media content being received via the first communication connection; and presenting, by the playback device, the second media content, the second media content being received via the second communication connection.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Remotely controlling playback devices
Patent number
US12744955B2
Application number
18676932
Filed
May 29, 2024
Granted
Sep 22, 2026
Inventors
12
Claims
20

Classified under

H04N 21/41265 Electricity & electronicsH02J 13/1335 Electricity & electronicsH04L 67/104 Electricity & electronicsH04L 67/1051 Electricity & electronicsH04L 67/1061 Electricity & electronicsH04L 67/1068 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.