New patent hints at Apple TV 2.0

The United States Patent and Trademark Office just posted a filing for a new Apple patent, relating to a "multi-media center for computing systems" that will act as a central multimedia hub for home entertainment. The patent details plans for a modular entertainment system that would allow multiple devices to be controlled via a single user interface. The living room is already getting pretty crowded with DVD players, cable boxes, TiVos, gaming systems and Slingboxes competing for your time. Controlling an array of such devices using a single, Front Row-like interface would make a lot of sense for the consumer. Will Apple launch a new device or will it simply update the existing Apple TV? And would Apple manufacture its own modules or would it simply offer a third-party plug-in?

For more on Apple's TV 2.0 plans:
- see this article from Ars Technica