Apple Patents Steering Wheel-Mounted Remote

Apple Inc. has patented an iPod-like wireless control wheel that clips to the steering wheel and can be used to operate Apple portable media devices which have been linked to the car's audio system, PatentlyApple.com reports.

The touch-sensitive controller has a highly adjustable clamp and rotatable faceplate so it can adapt to a wide range of placements on steering wheels of various thicknesses. The unit could be used to access a menu, start, stop and jump to the beginning or end of a media file.

It isn't clear whether Apple, which filed the patent application early last year, intends to produce the device. Observers point out that the company has already introduced its hands-free Siri voice-recognition control system, currently available only in the company's latest iPhone.

PatentlyApple.com has posted more details about the Apple patent HERE.