At CES 2023, TCL showcased updates to its S-series and Q-series premium TV lines. The models received a “frameless” design (by the way, products from all price categories will use such a design) and will be supplied with either Google TV or Roku. Most likely, the Q series will ship with certified Google TV. Well, if Google TV starts the year with future models from TCL, Hisense and other manufacturers, it would be possible to update the remote as well. We mean they will come with no compartment for batteries, and they will receive energy without using an outlet and a docking station.
Excited to announce the launch of a self charging, battery free #remotecontrol powered by indoor light. Developed with #Exeger,the device is #GoogleTV ready and easily integrated into your existing system. Get in touch with us for more details.#CES2023 #solarpower pic.twitter.com/pO1bycCC2b
— TW Electronics (Newbury) Ltd (@NewburyTw) January 12, 2023
TW Electronics, the brand behind the traditional remote control used on most Android TV and Google TV devices for the past few years, unveiled a new design at CES 2023. This remote control has the same basic arrangement of buttons as the standard remote control. But there is one nuance – in the lower part of the device, there is a photoelectric panel. The latter allows the battery to self-charge.
Also read: New Google Chromecast TV Stick Released
The panel uses light sources to convert this energy into electricity that can power a battery inside the remote. The technology used by the device was provided by Exeger, although it is not a new idea in the television industry. Self-charging remotes have been introduced by Samsung previously. Other than that, Amazon is expected to work on integrating the technology into its next Fire TV remote. But for Google TV, it’s definitely an upgrade that hasn’t been seen before.
There is currently no clear timeline for when this remote control might actually arrive with a Google TV product. But competition in this area continues to intensify, and some brands may be interested in using such technology. However, it is unlikely to become a standard option for all devices in the near future.
