Because the TV remote control can be a source of stress for many of us, Google is rolling out a new feature that will make it easier to get our hands on the precious “zappette”.
Indeed, if the giant Google has been present since 2010 in the TV segment (with its Google TV box), the latter quickly gave way to Android TV, before making its return in 2020, notably through the now essential Google Chromecast.
Goodbye to the remote control that cannot be found with Google TV!
At the end of last year, Google announced its roadmap for Google TV, with the arrival of a new version, both faster and less resource-intensive. Today, it is a very simple function, allowing you to find your remote control, which arrives on the platform.
Indeed, in the same way as the functions “ Find my Device » on our smartphones or our wireless headphones, the function developed by Google allows the user to quickly put their hand back on the remote control (often buried under the sofa cushions). But how does it work ?
“Find my Remote”, how does it work?
Concretely, it is Walmart which launched a new Onn Google TV 4K Pro box, integrating this functionality. For the user, simply press a small button located on the front of the box to prompt the remote control to emit a beep, as well as a light signal, for 30 seconds.
A feature inherent to Android TV 14, which therefore makes it easy to locate the remote control when it cannot be found. Obviously this requires a remote control. compatible », i.e. a model equipped with a speaker in particular. Please note that the remote control must be within a radius of less than 10 meters.
Functionality ” Find my Remote » is therefore in no way exclusive to the box sold by Walmart, and will arrive on compatible Google TV terminals via an update.
As mentioned above, older Google TV remotes without a built-in speaker will not be able to support this feature, even when connected to Google TV devices updated to Android 14.
€68.95
8
- Still so simple, minimalist and easy to install
- A clear and complete interface
- 4K and multi-HDR compatibility
Google’s new Chromecast is a nice little surprise, even though there are always things to discuss. Given its price positioning, we can say that the investment is relevant if it is a question of giving a facelift to a television, of filling the gaps of an OS that is too restricted (users of Panasonic televisions will perhaps recognize themselves be), or to easily benefit from all your services wherever you are. The minimalism and nomadic nature of the Chromecast are indeed great assets compared to a multimedia box.
The new Google TV interface, as well as the remote control, marks a definite shift for the Chromecast. The idea in place is appreciable, even if it will undoubtedly benefit from improvement in the weeks and months to come; with new applications (Apple TV, Stadia, Salto) and hopefully with improvements to the interface so that the idea of no longer having to launch each application is effective.
Finally, we will not fail to point out the absence of the Ethernet adapter, an element which can be important on your Wi-Fi connection is not the most stable. Google certainly provides a remote control now, but the RJ 45 is sorely missing.
For €69.99, the Chromecast with Google TV ultimately offers a solid experience. Some slowdowns are sometimes noted, but nothing that impacts the experience too significantly.
Google’s new Chromecast is a nice little surprise, even though there are always things to discuss. Given its price positioning, we can say that the investment is relevant if it is a question of giving a facelift to a television, of filling the gaps of an OS that is too restricted (users of Panasonic televisions will perhaps recognize themselves be), or to easily benefit from all your services wherever you are. The minimalism and nomadic nature of the Chromecast are indeed great assets compared to a multimedia box.
The new Google TV interface, as well as the remote control, marks a definite shift for the Chromecast. The idea in place is appreciable, even if it will undoubtedly benefit from improvement in the weeks and months to come; with new applications (Apple TV, Stadia, Salto) and hopefully with improvements to the interface so that the idea of no longer having to launch each application is effective.
Finally, we will not fail to point out the absence of the Ethernet adapter, an element which can be important on your Wi-Fi connection is not the most stable. Google certainly provides a remote control now, but the RJ 45 is sorely missing.
For €69.99, the Chromecast with Google TV ultimately offers a solid experience. Some slowdowns are sometimes noted, but nothing that impacts the experience too significantly.
Source : The Verge
3