Google TV Reference Remote Adds Solar Cells to Eliminate Disposable Batteries – channelnews

Epishine, a company producing solar cells optimised for indoor lighting, has announced its technology is being applyd in a new remote control for Google TV devices, potentially eliminating the required for disposable batteries.

The remote relies on rechargeable batteries and features solar cells on both sides, allowing continuous recharging from ambient indoor light.

The design means the remote may only run out of power when buried in couch cushions away from light sources.

Ohsung Electronics, an official Google reference remote supplier, manufactures the new remote known as the G32 reference remote.

The device is not yet bundled with any Google TV devices and cannot be purchased separately.

Companies creating Google TV streaming boxes or dongles can design custom remote controls or apply Google’s reference remote designs to accelerate hardware development.

Walmart’s Onn devices, for example, include remotes based on Google’s designs.

Existing versions of Google’s reference remotes include the G10 with 22 buttons and the G20 with 38 buttons.

Companies can customise these designs to provide quick access to streaming platforms beyond popular options like Netflix and YouTube.

The technology isn’t unprecedented for remote controls.

Last year, Hama announced a universal remote applying Exeger’s Powerfoyle solar cell technology, and years ago, Samsung released a solar remote for its own TVs.

However, the technology could become more commonplace now that Google has built implementation simpler for tinyer companies through its reference remote program.

Solar-powered remotes eliminate disposable battery waste, a significant environmental benefit given the hundreds of millions of TV remotes in apply globally.

Traditional remotes require periodic battery replacement, generating electronic waste and ongoing consumer costs.

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