This strange-looking little contraption is a prototype television remote by Japan's SMK. What makes it unique? Well, how about the fact that it doesn't require batteries? Instead, it uses an electromagnetic coil inside to power itself forever and ever, never requiring external power. Right now, it only has a power button and channel and volume controls, but they hope to add more functions in the future.

It's certainly neat, but how much juice to remotes suck up? I feel like replacing remote batteries is a relatively rare occurrence and the batteries used up by these things aren't that big a deal. But I guess every little bit counts, and if every TV sold came with a battery-free remote it would clear a sizable load of batteries out of landfills. So good on you, SMK.

Far East Gizmos, via Boing Boing Gadgets