Google is said to be developing a new Chromecast aimed at people who haven’t spent much on a 4K TV. According Protocol, the low-end device will take advantage of the Google TV interface and will include a remote control, as well as a maximum resolution of 1080p.
The device, which could be called a Chromecast HD with Google TV, is capable of decoding the AV1 video codec (something that the 4K-capable Chromecast with Google TV does not support at the hardware level). It seems likely that, given the lower resolution output, the device will cost less than the $50 Chromecast with Google TV.
It’s been more than three years since Google released its third-generation Chromecast 1080p. This device, which is still available for $30, doesn’t come with a remote control and doesn’t even offer native apps. Given that Roku and Amazon sell 1080p streaming devices for under $50, it’s probably time for Google to introduce a low-cost Chromecast with Google TV UI, a remote, and maybe even Stadia compatibility. .
It’s not the first time we’ve heard of a Chromecast dongle codenamed “Boreal”. 9 to 5 Google Last week, Google reported that it was working on a device by that name, but no specification was mentioned.
It’s unclear if or when Google plans to release Chromecast HD with Google TV (or whatever it’s called). It doesn’t look quite flashy enough to show off at the fall annual hardware event, but as Protocol notes, the company debuted some devices at its I/O developer conference, which typically takes place in May. Other recent rumors suggest that the first Google-branded smartwatch and Pixel 6a could arrive around this time.
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