Abstract: A mobile terminal is configured to download a virtual remote control for a device to be controlled, wherein the virtual remote control includes a graphical interface corresponding to that device. The terminal is further configured to display the virtual remote control, and to transmit commands to the device responsive to receiving user inputs directed to the displayed virtual remote control. The terminal's display screen may be a touch screen display, and the user inputs may be touches directed to graphical facsimiles of control buttons. Regardless, the virtual remote control generally comprises a graphic that mimics or otherwise provides a facsimile of all or a portion of the control layout of a dedicated remote control corresponding to the device to be controlled.