A new reference remote design for Android TV and Google TV devices has been announced with a photovoltaic panel for self-charging of the integrated battery.
There is no guarantee that the remote will make it to future Android TV and Google TV devices, and TV makers such as Sony and Philips will likely continue to have their own unique designs, but it is a possibility. Many existing Android TV and Google TV devices already use TW Electronics' reference designs.
The new remote from TW Electronics features the same button layout as the standard Google TV remote, but with a unique addition: a photovoltaic panel at the bottom that enables self-charging of the battery.
This panel uses indoor light sources to convert energy into electricity that charges the battery within the remote. The technology behind this feature is provided by Exeger and while it isn't entirely new to the TV industry, it would be the first time it is used with a Google TV device, according to 9to5Google.com.
The new reference Google TV remote design from TW Electronics. Notice the Google Assistant button, too. Photo: Company
Goodbye AA and AAA batteries?
Samsung already has a similar remote but here the solar panels are found on the back. Samsung says that the internal battery can last for up to seven years. Amazon is also rumored to be working on integrated this technology into a new FireTV remote control.
Using a photovoltaic panel in a remote requires an internal rechargeable battery so it would also be a break from traditional AAA or AA batteries in the remote. Apple TV already comes with a rechargeable remote control.
- Source: TW Electronics via 9to5Google
