Google has been pretty quiet about the Chromecast streaming dongle since the company launched Chromecast with Google TV (HD) in 2022. We liked the device, but mainly as a tool to improve “dumb” TVs and monitors.
However, new rumors suggest that Google plans to update the Chromecast with Google TV (4K), which hasn’t been updated in almost four years.
a report of 9to5Google claims that a new Chromecast 4K is on the way. There’s no news on when this device might appear, but Google’s I/O conference is right around the corner. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for Google to make an announcement there alongside the smartphones and other devices Google will reveal at its event.
Sources said the upgrade will maintain the four-year-old model’s 4K resolution and $49.99 price tag.
There are no details on the internal changes Google is making with the new Chromecast. The 2020 version has 2 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage and an ARM Cortex-A55 processor. We have to imagine that some or all of them are being updated, especially the processor.
It has been suggested that a possible processor upgrade could be the Amlogic S905X5 chipset that came out last year and features a 6nm process and support for AV1, a codec that Google has been leaning into, especially on YouTube.
Our hope is that you’ll at least see a small increase in RAM to 4 or 6GB and increased storage capacity – 12GB seems appropriate.
The biggest change appears to be a new remote that was leaked via Android TV 14 beta in 2023. The potential new remote would still be in the oval pill format that the current Chromecast features. A round D-pad is still on top, but the renders appear to show at least four more buttons. The volume buttons appear to have been moved from the side of the remote towards the face.
There is also a star button which last year’s leak hinted was a customizable button for users to assign shortcuts.
With the Android TV 14 beta, we expect the Chromecast OS to be updated as well. This includes performance updates, accessibility features, home screen changes, and Fast Pair.
- Apple announces ‘Let Loose’ event for May 7: get ready for the new iPad Pro OLED and the largest iPad Air ever
- This 8-in-1 MagSafe charger is now 30% off and is the perfect desk accessory
- I switched to Chromecast with Google TV: here’s why I’m leaving