Google TV remote controls: will be used in 2021 [Gallery]

Google TV is set to expand dramatically next year, with massive partners like TCL and Sony already on board. With this expansion, we have already seen that Google has a new reference design for the remote control used with Google TV devices and it appears that this remote control will be required for retail devices.

@AndroidTV_Rumor posted an image gallery on Twitter today, showing these reference designs in person. These remotes are specifically the G10 and G20, both produced by Ohsung based on Google’s design. The layout is familiar, thanks to the previous images, but seeing them “in person” shows how much they look like the remote control of the new Chromecast. Button style, icons and fitness are just so google. Notably, too, the G10’s smaller design places the Disney + and HBO Max shortcuts below Netflix and YouTube.

In a chat about these remotes, @AndroidTV_Rumor was kind enough to share some more details with us about these remotes. Apparently, it matches perfectly with the current Chromecast with some main functions working. However, to unlock the full functionality of the remote, a firmware update would be required on the Chromecast, and it is unclear whether this was actually planned. However, it doesn’t really matter, as it now appears that these remotes will not be sold to the public, but for the new Android / Google TV boxes that will go on sale in 2021.

We have also been informed that these projects will be a requirement for manufacturers launching Google TV consumer products in 2021. This includes set-top boxes with Askey, SEI Robotics, Skyworth and SDMC mentioned. DishTV (not the one you’re thinking about) is already using the smaller remote design on its SV11 dongle, which is actually using the Android TV UI, not Google TV.

We would speculate that there may be exceptions to this rule, however. Sony, for example, is unlikely to change its remote layout to match this reference design, as it has an established design that has been in use for years, but others like TCL may be willing to do so.

More on Google TV:

FTC: We use affiliate links for cars that generate revenue. Most.

Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news: