Google TV devices have a new remote option that uses indoor light to ensure it “never runs out of power.”
In case you weren’t already aware, Google TV has a handful of reference designs for remote controls. We went hands-on with the original duo – G10 and G20 – a few years ago, and those have since been used on many Google TV devices, most notably Walmart’s Onn series.
Now, there’s a new design coming.
Google partner Ohsung Electronics is producing new reference remotes for Google TV that utilize a special indoor solar cell from Epishine. This replaces the batteries on the new G32 remote. Epishine explains:
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.
This isn’t a brand new idea, as Samsung also has a remote powered by indoor light like this. It’s also not the first time that Google’s partners have tried to make this work. In 2023, Ohsung partnered with a different company to make a Google TV remote with indoor solar charging just like this, but it had a pretty tall design whereas this new one is roughly the same size as the existing G10 remote, at least based on the images shared.
The layout on the G32 is also very similar to what we’re used to, and incorporates the “Free TV” button that Google mandates.
Unfortunately, this new remote design isn’t available with any devices just yet, nor can you buy it independently. Eventually, we may see it pop up on new Google TV hardware, and this reference design will likely end up available for purchase through third parties over time as well if the prior designs are any indication.
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Note: Some of the images in this article were edited using generative AI for formatting.
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