Google TV is getting a ‘find my remote’ feature

A useful perk has been included in the latest Android update for Google TV, which should make it easier to find lost remotes. Android Authority reports that the Android 14 beta for TV – announced during last week’s Google I/O conference – contains references to a new “find my remote” feature.

A string of text found in the update is as follows:

There is a button on Google TV that you can press to play a sound on the remote for 30 seconds. This only works with compatible Google TV remotes. To stop the sound, press any button on the remote.

AFTV News I discovered that the same message is displayed on the Onn Google TV 4K Pro streaming box that Walmart launched earlier this month with support for the new find my remote feature. It also shows an on or off button and a button to test the sound.

The remote location feature can be triggered by pressing a button on the front of the Onn streaming box, according to AFTV Newswhich causes the included remote to beep and flash a small LED light if it is within 30 feet of the streaming box.

Seeing support for Find My Remote in Android 14 suggests it’s not exclusive to Walmart and will be coming to other Google TV devices. Obviously, older Google TV remotes that don’t have a built-in speaker won’t support the feature, even when connected to Google TV devices updated to Android 14.

We asked Google to clarify when the Android 14 TV update will be available and which devices will be supported.