Google TV is preparing support for remotes like LG's. Google may be planning a major change.

Google is preparing Google TV to support motion-controlled remotes similar to the solution found in LG's Magic Remote. The new changes were revealed during the Google I/O 2026 conference and may suggest the company's larger plans concerning televisions and the Google TV interface.

Google TV is set to support pointer remotes

Google has informed app developers that they should prepare their programs for support of so-called pointer remotes, which are remotes that control the cursor using hand movements. The company requires, among other things, support for hover effects, scrollable interface elements, and cursor clicks. Google also wants apps on Google Play to inform users about compatibility with the new type of control. Currently, the most well-known example of such a solution is the LG Magic Remote used by LG televisions with the webOS system.

During Google I/O 2026, the company did not present a new major version of Android TV. Instead, the main focus was on the development of artificial intelligence Gemini and new ways to operate televisions. Google is also developing the integration of Gemini with Google TV. The assistant is expected to offer more sophisticated content recommendations, answers using text, images, and videos, and an improved Continue Watching feature. The company encourages streaming platforms to make use of the new Engage SDK, which is set to replace the older API in the second half of 2027.

It's still unknown who will use the new remotes

At the moment, it's unclear which TV manufacturer will decide to implement pointer remote on Google TV. Current partners of Google TV include Sony, TCL, Hisense, and Xiaomi, but none of these companies have yet showcased similar remotes. There are also speculations that Google may be preparing a new generation of its own Google TV Streamer device.

Google is getting Google TV ready to support motion-controlled remotes similar to the LG Magic Remote. The company is also heavily invested in the development of Gemini and new AI features for TVs.

source: flatpanelshd