It's been four years since the launch of the Chromecast with Google TV, and it's beginning to lag behind the latest streaming devices. However, Google has a plan to address this. A new Google TV streamer is on the horizon, as reported last week. Leaked images indicate a significant redesign, moving from the Chromecast branding to a wedge-shaped box instead of a dongle. New specifications have emerged, revealing more about its capabilities.
Enhanced smart home integration
The latest specifications come from 9to5google, indicating that the new device will support Thread radio, similar to the upcoming Google Pixel 9 phones. This feature means the Google TV streamer can communicate with Thread-compliant smart home devices without requiring a separate hub. For instance, you could control your smart home gadgets using voice commands through the streamer's remote.
Google TV streamer: specifications and features
In addition to the Thread radio, the new Google TV streamer will feature dual-band Wi-Fi supporting 802.11a/b/g/n/ac and Bluetooth. There also seem to be Ethernet and USB ports alongside the essential HDMI port. Ethernet support might be done through an adapter rather than a dedicated port. The Wi-Fi is capped at 802.11ac instead of the newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), suggesting this device aims for an affordable price point similar to the original Chromecast.
While the exact specifications have yet to be fully known, processor, memory, and storage upgrades are expected. The current 4K Chromecast with Google TV has an Amlogic S905X3 CPU based on the ARM Cortex-A55, paired with 2GB of RAM and 8GB of storage. The limited storage capacity has been a common complaint, so improvements in this area are anticipated.
These specifications come from FCC filings by Quanta Computer, a company known for manufacturing Google devices like the Pixel Slate, PixelBook Go, and Pixelbook.
Anticipated release date
Although Google has not officially announced the new Google TV streamer, speculation suggests it might be unveiled at Google's event on August 13. This event is expected to showcase the Google Pixel 9 Pro, and the new streamer might be introduced alongside it.
