Many existing Android TV and Google TV devices are already based on designs from TW Electronics. However, this company has just unveiled a new reference remote control, equipped with a small solar panel to recharge its integrated battery for perfectly autonomous use. It has the same button layout as the standard Google TV remote, the only difference is the presence of this photovoltaic panel at the bottom.
This panel uses interior light sources to convert photons into electricity dedicated to the remote control. The technology behind the feature is provided by Exeger, and while it’s not entirely new to the TV industry, it would be a first with a Google TV device, according to 9to5Google.
This is not the first solar remote control on the market, since we had already encountered this concept in 2010 on the Philips 42PFL6805H Econova television tested. This model is still present with a member of our editorial staff and works perfectly with its integrated battery. Last year, Samsung introduced its Eco Remote, which also features a solar panel on the back. It is found, for example, with the Samsung Qled QE65QN95B and QD-Oled QE55S95B models.