said by Alpha Phoenix:The Wii U GamePad can also be used as a universal television remote with a built in guide, even when the Wii U is off. This will allow users to use the Wii U GamePad as a means to switch television inputs, browse through channels, look through channel programming guides, and turn the Wii U console on.
Boy I was really looking forward to this feature but it's pretty much useless and not something I would leverage. It's totally basic and pretty much only changes the channel and volume. Perhaps I was expecting too much.