Google IO 2021: Android phones get Android TV remote functionality

We've all been there: You need to sign into Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, or any other streaming service on your TV and it takes foreverto type in your login information using a remote. Google just introduced a nifty solution to that problem for Android TV OS users.

At its annual Google I/O conference, Google revealed that an update later this year will allow Android TV OS devices to work with Android phones as remotes. This also includes the newer Google TV platform that debuted in last year's excellent Chromecast. If you lose your actual remote, just pair your Android phone and you'll never even need to find it.

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Android's new remote feature in action. Credit: google

Sadly, Google didn't reveal exactly when this feature is coming or give any specifics on how the pairing process works. But as you can see, it not only allows for basic menu navigation, but also using the phone's keyboard for searching and password entry. Other streaming platforms like Roku have offered similar functionality through their mobile apps for a while, but if Google can make this work seamlessly and natively with all Android phones, that could be hugely convenient.

Google also stated during the announcement that there are 80 million monthly active Android TV devices, so there's definitely an audience for a feature like this. Hopefully the days of typing out Netflix passwords with clunky TV remotes are coming to an end.