A Chromecast With Google TV Successor Could Be On The Way
More than a year after Google launched the Chromecast with Google TV, reports of a new model have surfaced. Unlike its competitors, such as Amazon, Nvidia and Roku, whose streaming devices come in various models that differ in features and price, the Chromecast with Google TV is the only streaming device sold by Google. The lack of options can be considered a disadvantage as folks want either a more powerful device or a less-powerful one.
The Chromecast With Google TV might be Google's latest media streamer, but it isn't the first. In 2012, Google announced the Nexus Q, a sphere-shaped device that ran Android. The device packed several ports and could stream content from YouTube, Google Play Movies & TV, and the now-defunct Google Play Music. However, the $299 device never got shipped as it had multiple issues that led to Google eventually canceling it. However, those who pre-ordered it not only got their refund but a free preview unit.
The Chromecast with Google TV didn't get a successor in 2021, but Google seems to be planning to release one this year. A report by 9to5Google has revealed that they have found evidence of a new streamer from the tech giant. The said device is reported to be codenamed "Boreal," and the codename was found in the same family as "Sabrina," which is the codename of the Chromecast with Google TV. It was also discovered that the device is directly linked to the same Google TV software that powers the Chromecast with Google TV.
Unfortunately, no device specifications were discovered, but one feature that appears to be certainly coming is hardware decoding for the AV1 format that the Chromecast with Google lacks. While the specifications are currently unknown, one area that needs an upgrade is storage. Google's 4K streamer has a measly 8GB of storage, and some of that is taken up by the operating system and pre-installed apps. A few users have complained about having insufficient space after installing a handful of apps or games. Therefore, it is expected that the upcoming model will get a much-needed storage boost.
The Chromecast with Google TV might have launched as the first streaming device with Google TV, but it is not the only option. Realme, the Chinese manufacturer, which is an offshoot of OPPO, launched its Google TV stick last year, but it is exclusive to India and Europe. For those in the U.S., the $50 T-Mobile Tvision Hub is practically a better alternative to Google's device as it supports AV1 decoding, has a LAN port, and runs the more recent Android TV 11. Those who don't want a streaming device but want the Google TV experience can pick up models from Hisense, TCL, or Sony.
Source: 9to5Google