Although some new TVs already come with Android TV or Google TV pre-installed, in many cases we rely on external devices that allow us to install apps from Google Play, like Netflix, Disney+ or IPTV apps.
If we need something like this, there are few better options than Google’s official Chromecast with Google TV; It comes in two versions, and the latest one is also the cheapest offering FullHD video quality.
Unfortunately, the 4K version that would be most recommended for modern TVs is also the version with the most years of experience; This is something that is noticeable with the lack of updates (which was only recently resolved) due to the lack of storage and an already outdated chip.
New Chromecast 4K
Fortunately, Google is preparing to launch a new version of the Chromecast 4K, sources revealed to 9to5Google. The new device would be more than a simple renewal of the one launched in 2020, and would bring important new features in many areas, including a new remote control.
However, the source also claims that Google aims to a price identical to the current one, so it would by no means be as powerful an Android TV device as the ones we can get unofficially. Still, it should be an improvement over the quad-core processor with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage of the original Chromecast 4K, which at this point is very little.
One possibility is that the new Chromecast 4K is based on the new Amlogic processor for Android TV presented last September, which brings important improvements in performance and consumption, and compatibility with new technologies. For example, it can use 4K and HDR simultaneously on the interface, display video on two 4K displays at 60Hz at the same time, and support new video codecs such as AV1, H.265, and VP9.
The other big novelty, besides the chip, would be in a new remote control design included with the device. This would not be a surprise, since the Android TV beta has already revealed a different controller than the current one, with a similar design but with more buttons and a change in the position of the volume control.
Possible design of the new Chromecast 4K controller
Free Android
The biggest news on the new Chromecast 4K controller would be a new button with a star icon, called “Magic”, which would allow you to configure custom shortcuts. The user can configure Android TV so that “Magic” does something like open our favorite application or navigate to a specific section without having to search for it in the interface.
The release date for the new Chromecast 4K with Google TV is a mystery, but it wouldn’t be surprising if it was shown off at Google I/O alongside the new Pixel 8a.
