The next Google TV remote will ‘never run out of power’
Google is working with Ohsung Electronics and Epishine on a Google TV remote control with a solar cell that works indoors
Fans of the Google TV streaming devices could soon wave goodbye to having to recharge the remote, thanks to a built-in solar panel that harnesses indoor light.
9to5Google has spotted that a new remote reference design is on the way, with Google partner Ohsung Electronics producing them. This device will feature an indoor solar cell from a company called Epishine, which will negate the need for the disposable batteries within the current remotes.
According to Epishine, the remote “never runs out of power” and will provide a more sustainable option for Google TV fans. The remote has the solar cell on the front and the rear, meaning it’ll be replenished whether it’s left facing up or down.
Epishine says: “For the launch of a new Google TV remote control, Epishine’s light-power technology has been selected through Ohsung Electronics, an official Google reference remote control supplier. By powering the remote with ambient indoor light instead of disposable batteries, it never runs out of power. The collaboration marks a shift towards more sustainable product design and smarter energy solutions.”
Because this is a currently just reference design you won’t be able to buy it with a Google TV model or independently for a little while. However, there’s a good chance we might see the company include it in next-generation Google TV hardware, while it could also happen within third-party models such as those sold by Walmart in the United States.
This isn’t an entirely new concept, as Samsung sells a SolarCell remote for its television sets, which offters “trickle-charges through both indoor and outdoor lighting”. That remote also offers a USB-C charging port too.
Chris Smith
