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New Apple TV remote could arrive packing Touch ID

Reports on Thursday have revealed an Apple patent application which explores the possibility of placing a Touch ID fingerprint sensor within the Apple TV remote.

Patently Apple has uncovered an application which would allow Apple TV owners to use their print in place of account passwords, while even loading their own television preferences, like an individual Netflix profile.

According to the application, the biometric sensor within the remote could even be used to control smart home products like televisions, garage doors, thermostats and more.

The latter part of this equation would play into Apple’s positioning of the Apple TV as the central hub for HomeKit home automation gadgets such as smart locks, lighting, entertainment systems and everything in between.

For months now there’s been speculation that any new Apple TV set-top box would come with a remote boasting dramatically improved functionality.

Recent reports have suggested it may pack the same Force Touch technology the company unveiled within the trackpad of the new Apple MacBook (2015).

These touch sensitive areas would make it easier for users to scroll through and select content, while the Touch ID sensor would enable the simple authentication of purchases and age restricted content from iTunes, for example.

See also: Apple TV vs Nexus Player and Apple TV

There’s a lot of speculation surrounding the Apple TV project right now, with the company set to unveil a subscription TV model that would enable users to tune into live local content.

Exciting times for Apple’s little ‘hobby project.’

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