Google TV is reportedly adding a new feature to help users locate their remote control.
As first reported by Android Authority, the tech giant unveiled this new "Find my remote" feature along with its latest AI products at last week's Google I/O developer conference.
Google TV Introduces 'Find My Remote' Feature
This new feature comes with the latest Android TV update, Android 14 for TV. Android Authority found these texts with the update :
"There is a button on your Google TV that you can push to play a sound on your remote for 30 seconds. This only works with supported Google TV remote controls. To stop the sound, press any button on your remote."
In simpler terms, the new feature works similarly to how we make our phones ring when we misplace them at home. This is an undeniably helpful feature that many users have long requested.
Many users have resorted to various products such as Bluetooth trackers, tracker tags, beepers, stickers, and more to ensure their remote controls are never lost around the house and can be easily found.
In this illustration photo taken on July 19, 2022 the Netflix logo is seen on a TV remote in Los Angeles. - Netflix reported losing subscribers for the second quarter in a row Tuesday as the streaming giant battles fierce competition and viewer belt tightening, but the company assured investors of better days ahead. The loss of 970,000 paying customers in the most recent quarter was not as big as expected, and left Netflix with just shy of 221 million subscribers. CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images
Walmart's Onn Google TV 4K Pro Comes with New Remote Finder Feature
So far, only one device has been found to have the feature. AFTVNews reports that Walmart's new Onn Google TV 4K Pro includes a button that, when pressed, causes the remote to make beeping sounds and light a small LED for 30 seconds. These alerts can also be stopped once the user presses any button on the remote.
According to the same report, users can activate the "Find my remote" feature by using the Onn 4K Pro box's hands-free voice control feature, asking it directly to find the remote.
However, there seems to be more work to be done. The box responds with "Sure, locating the remote" but does not activate the beeping sounds and lights on the remote. The report speculates that this could either be preparation for a new feature or just an annoying bug.
Android Authority was able to confirm that this new feature is part of the anticipated Google TV update and not an exclusive feature of Walmart's Onn 4K Pro by finding matching strings of code from the said device and the latest Android 14 for TV emulator build.
The same report indicates that it remains to be seen which Google TV devices will have the remote finder feature. Users are asked to watch out for upcoming software updates and announcements to check if their device is compatible with the new features.
Walmart's new Onn 4K Pro box runs on Android 12, but users should expect that the update will come for devices with Android 14 for TV or other newly released devices.
