Computerworld's Mike Elgan reports today that a new Apple patent "describes the use of a wireless iPod as a remote control and even a media source for iMacs and home entertainment systems."

The patent application describes, among other things, "A method of using a portable multimedia player arranged to store digital media files to wirelessly access and/or control a media server configured to stream digital media data to a media unit."

"The take-away is that Apple may be planning to make it super easy to use an iPhone or a Wi-Fi-enabled iPod to control video and music on an Apple TV or Mac, and also to stream, then control, that media from the iPhone or iPod," Elgan writes. "The patent points out that an iPod can replace a very expensive dedicated home theater controller. Ouch! The move represents another chunk of the living room that Apple is taking over - and they're welcome to it!"

More here from MacDailyNews ... and more here from Electronista.