Among the upcoming devices Google TVone that stands out clearly. that it Solar remote controlwhich eliminates the need for disposable batteries and thus represents an advance in Technological sustainability.
It includes the new order called G32 Bifacial solar cells On both sides, allowing light to be captured no matter which direction it is placed. according to EpishinThe company developing these solar cells says, “By powering the remote with indoor ambient lighting instead of disposable batteries, it will never run out of power.”
This technology eliminates the need for traditional batteries and allows the remote to operate on internal rechargeable batteries, reducing maintenance and ensuring the device is always ready for use.
The G32’s design maintains a similar button layout to previous models, such as the G10, and includes the Google-required “Free TV” button in its reference controls, as detailed 9to5Google. Meanwhile, most of the traditional buttons are visible, such as Google Assistant or the YouTube and Netflix apps.
The initiative is the result of cooperation between Google, Ohsung Electronics – The official provider of reference remote controls for the platform – and Epishina company specializing in solar cells optimized for indoor use. According to Epishine, incorporating its technology into the Google TV remote “represents a shift toward designing more sustainable products and smarter energy solutions.”
Google TV hardware manufacturers could choose these reference designs to speed up development of their products, as is the case with Walmart’s Onn series, which already uses controls based on previous Google models.
Use Solar cells in remote controls It’s not an absolute novelty in the industry. Samsung launched a solar-powered remote for its TVs years ago, and in 2023, Hama introduced a universal remote powered by Exeger’s Powerfoyle solar cells.
Likewise, Ohsung Electronics has already trialled a Google TV remote with solar charging, albeit with a more bulky design. The main difference between the G32 is its compact size, compared to that of the G10, and the integration of Epishine technology, which allows efficient charging with internal lighting and Thinner and lighter design.
Google’s commitment to this type of solution could facilitate mass adoption of solar controls among manufacturers looking for sustainable alternatives. Despite the announcement, the G32 controller is not yet available for sale or built into commercial Google TV devices.
It is expected that this reference design will be integrated in the future into new products on the platform and, following the trend of previous models, may be available through third parties.
For now, users will have to wait to get access to this innovation, which promises to change the user experience and reduce the environmental impact of home electronic devices. This collaboration drives the shift towards more responsible electronics and smart energy solutions, setting a new standard in the digital home industry.
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