Epishine, a company specialized in solar technology, has announced that its solar cells designed for indoor environments are being utilized in a new remote control for Google TV devices. The remote will utilize rechargeable batteries, and its dual-sided solar cells allow it to remain operational even in low-light conditions, potentially extending its usability unless it is misplaced in areas without light, such as between couch cushions.
The remote control is produced by Ohsung Electronics, identified as an official supplier for Google reference remotes. Manufacturers of Google TV streaming boxes and dongles have the option to design their own remotes or adopt Google’s existing reference designs to streamline their hardware development. For instance, Walmart’s Onn devices feature remotes based on Google’s design templates.
The new remote, designated as the G32 reference remote, is not currently included with Google TV devices and is not available for standalone purchase. Existing reference remote models include the G10, which features 22 buttons, and the G20, which has 38 buttons. Additionally, companies using these reference designs can modify them to include quick access buttons for various streaming services beyond commonly utilized platforms like Netflix and YouTube.
Overall, the integration of solar technology into the G32 remote raises questions about its potential longevity and efficiency compared to traditional battery-powered options.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/824255/google-tv-reference-remote-solar-power-epishine-ohsung-electronics