Back in November 2006 Apple applied for a patent for a pointer-remote device that communicates via infrared. Not that unusual, until you hear the Wii Remote-like part: it also uses a sensor bar that you put in front of the TV to detect 3D movement.
To quote the patent description: “…the absolute x- and y-positions of [the] remote control can be used, for example, in video games to position a user’s character or to otherwise track the movement of the remote control in a user’s environment.”
AppleTV navigation could get a lot easier if ever used. — Via Kotaku