Omni launches a remote control that can keep working for years without batteries

Smart TVs are great, although their development have seemed to ensure their remote controls have gotten as elaborate and complex as possible. Accordingly, they also make sure traditional alkaline batteries (or lithium-ion ones, in the case of those controls that can be charged) stay in use and production, and, thus, in need of disposal as well.

A user might have the option of making their smaller, personal screens such as phones or tablets double as a smart home control; however, this also implies the disadvantage that these devices' batteries also run down all the faster. Omni, a maker of dedicated third-party remotes, purports to address either problem with the Model P, its latest product.

The slim, shiny, coffee-colored remote control employs "advancements in solar harvesting" rather than the conventional batteries, thereby affording the potential to "significantly" reduce their impact on the consumer and the environment over time.

Omni asserts that its "low-power" internals allow the Model P to sustain an always-on mode, so long as it gets 8 hours of natural light, even indoors. It is also rated to run on a reserve for up to 4 months even if left in total darkness.

Therefore, one of these remotes should last the user "years", even though it has no charging port or battery compartment to speak of. The IR-enabled Model P is also rated for compatibility with many popular smart home systems such as Android TV, and has the mics necessary to turn their voice-control features on.

The new remote control also has dedicated YouTube, Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video buttons, as well as one for the Google Assistant and for the TV's guide. Then again, Omni has yet to specify ho one can acquire a Model P as yet, or how much it will cost.

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