Google is said to be developing a new Chromecast aimed at folks who haven’t splurged on a 4K TV. According to Protocol, the low-end device will harness the Google TV interface and include a remote, as well as a maximum resolution of 1080p.
The device, which could be named Chromecast HD with Google TV, is said to be capable of decoding the AV1 video codec (something the 4K-capable Chromecast with Google TV doesn’t 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 over three years since Google unveiled its third-gen 1080p Chromecast. That device, which is still available for $30, doesn’t come with a remote and nor does it offer any native apps. Given that Roku and Amazon sell 1080p streaming devices for under $50, it’s probably about time Google introduced a lower-end Chromecast with the Google TV UI, a remote and perhaps even Stadia compatibility.
It’s not the first time we’ve heard about a Chromecast dongle with the codename “Boreal.” 9to5 Google last week reported Google was working on a device with that name, but no specs were mentioned.
