Future Google TV devices may come with a solar-powered remote

Epishine, a company that makes solar cells optimized for indoor lighting, has announced the use of its technology in a New remote control for Google TVlike spotted before 9to5Google. The remote will rely on rechargeable batteries rather than disposable ones, and thanks to the use of solar cells on both sides, it may only run out of power when it’s buried and forgotten in the abyss of dark sofa cushions.

The new remote control is made by Ohsung Electronicswhich is the official remote reference resource for Google. Companies that make Google TV streaming boxes or dongles can design their own remotes from scratch, but they can also use Google’s remote reference designs as a shortcut to speed up development of their devices. Walmart Appliances Onfor example, includes remote controls based on Google designs.

The new solar option using Epishine technology will be known as the G32 Reference Remote, but it’s not bundled with any Google TV devices yet, and you can’t buy it on its own. Includes current versions of Google reference remotes G10 with 22 buttons and G20 with 38 buttonsBut businesses can customize these designs to provide quick access to streaming platforms alongside popular options like Netflix and YouTube.