Google's Chromecast is one of the best ways to stream live TV, but now may not be the best time to buy one. Initially launched in 2013, Chromecast is a line of digital media players from Google. While the first-generation model cost a modest $35, the company has since introduced more models with increased functionality at higher price points.
The newest Chromecast device from Google is the Chromecast with Google TV, launched in fall 2020. While that one costs $50, The company also currently sells its third-generation Chromecast at a lower price-point with some compromises in terms of its features and functionality. The rumored upcoming Chromecast device promises to fix some of the shortcomings of its predecessor, including the acute shortage of built-in storage.
While Google's Chromecast dongles are always great value for money, buying one in early 2022 may not be the best option. That's because recent reports suggest Google is working on a new streaming device with Google TV. It will reportedly ship with a remote control and will support 1080p streaming. According to Protocol, the upcoming device has the codename 'Boreal' and could be marketed as 'Chromecast with Google TV.' The company already sells a 'Chromecast with Google TV,' and it supports 4K streaming, which the upcoming device might not do. However, the current device doesn't offer AV1 hardware decoding, something that the forthcoming dongle will reportedly support. Either way, if the two are named identically, it will be interesting to see how the upcoming model will be differentiated from the existing one.
Specs And Features
According to the report, the next-gen Chromecast with Google TV will be an affordably-priced entry-level model powered by an Amlogic S805X2 processor with a Mali-G31 GPU. In addition, the dongle will have up to 2GB of RAM with support for 1080p streaming at 60fps. Reports about the upcoming 'Boreal' device surfaced last week, but this is the first time its supposed specs have been leaked online.
The next-gen Chromecast dongle will compete with a myriad of similar products from Amazon and Roku, among others. However, most of these devices sell for around $50 or lower, suggesting that Google will also have to price its new device similarly to compete on even terms. Meanwhile, according to the report, the new Chromecast device will be first available in North America, but it might make its way to other markets at a later date. While there is no ETA for the launch yet, the report speculates that it might make an appearance at this year's Google I/O, which typically happens in May every year.
Source: Protocol