Instead of relying on pesky replaceable cells, the new reference design for the Google TV remote from TW Electronics — the company that makes Google TV remotes — features a photovoltaic panel. The new light-powered remote control will be able to self-charge, which means it will (hopefully) never run out of charge or need its battery replaced, provided it gets enough light.
After a recent leak teased that a new Chromecast with Google TV is on the way — which will likely be a follow-up to 2020’s Chromecast with Google TV with 4K support — we expect this remote to be what they’ll be using. We may also see the design approved by Google TV displays from Hisense, TCL, and other partners.
Google’s previous Chromecast isn’t the best streaming device ever, but for its price it’s pretty good, so there aren’t a lot of upgrades we think this upcoming iteration needs. However, an improved controller would be a nice improvement as it removes another reason we need more single-use batteries.
Excited to announce the release of the #RemoteControl self-charging indoor light powered remote control. Developed with #Exeger, the device is #GoogleTV ready and can be easily integrated into your existing system. Contact us for more details. #CES2023 #solarpower pic.twitter.com/pO1bycCC2b January 12, 2023
Batteries started
Despise batteries. Well, more accurately I hate disposable batteries, especially the ones you’ll find in TV remotes.
This is because she always dries up at the most inconvenient moment. You then have to scramble for replacement parts only to realize you’re lousy with AAs and those coins, but you’re out of much-needed AAA batteries.
Then the same old scheme comes into your head: you find an underused tool that also relies on AAA and holds its cells for the time being. The plan works fine for a while until you get to use this batteryless tech now and have to start the process over.
But even if that first part goes smoothly, then you have to shake things up.
You should not dispose of the batteries with the rest of the trash, instead, they should be taken to a local recycling center or collection point so that the raw materials can be extracted and reused.
Here in the UK the most convenient battery connection points are the plastic tubs which can be found in most local grocery stores. Although I can hardly remember taking my purse for life when I go shopping – I now have a collection that will last more than 30 lifetimes. So instead I have a steadily growing pyramid of dead batteries growing in my kitchen, a monument that gnaws at me every time I come back from the stores.
And don’t even get me started on the battery-powered tech that includes nothing in the box…
The whole situation would be greatly improved if the items were rechargeable. And the Google solar remote will take things even further because you won’t even need to remember to plug it in – just leave the blinds open during the day or turn on the lights and the thing will slowly regain its lost potency.
We’ll have to wait and see if TW Electronic’s remote reference design becomes a physical item, but I hope it does.
When your next Chromecast arrives (whether or not it uses the new Google TV remote), be sure to check out our list of the best streaming services so you know where to find the best TV shows and movies.
