Remote manufacturer Remote Solution has announced the development of a solar-powered remote for Android TV streaming devices, as spotted by FierceVideo. The remote seen above is just a reference design using Google’s G10 remote specifications and isn’t available for purchase just yet. On the underside of the remote is a small solar panel that gathers energy from sunlight and light bulbs to, presumably, charge lithium-ion batteries. As long as there is enough light in the room, and you remember to place the remote face down occasionally, you shouldn’t have to ever change or charge the batteries in this type of remote again.

If you use anything other than the original remote to control your Fire TV or Fire TV Stick, you may have run into a new annoying message appearing since the most recent software update. The message, seen above, informs you that the Fire TV cannot detect your remote and provides suggestions on how to resolve the issue. The problem is that the message seems to now be appearing when Fire TV owners are controlling their device through HDMI-CEC, an Echo, or a universal remote and have no intention of using the original remote that isn’t being detected. Read more ›