Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- An update to the Google Home app has revealed a mysterious new device codenamed “YTD.”
- “YTD” is treated like Chromecast with Google TV, unlike other third-party devices.
- This suggests a new Chromecast with Google TV may be in the works, but details and release date are unknown.
A leak suggests that Google is working on a new Chromecast with Google TV device. And yet another reference was recently spotted in the latest update to his Google Home app.
This discovery was made by 9to5Google APK disassembly of Google Home app. This outlet noticed that Google has added some new models to its internal list of Google Cast compatible devices. Three of them were labeled as his JBL Authentics speakers, which were released last year. However, one device, “YTD”, remained unknown and interesting.
APK teardowns help predict features that may be delivered to a service in the future based on the code in progress. However, such predicted features may not be publicly released.
The publication confirmed that Google Home treats “YTD” as a Chromecast device and not as a third-party manufacturer’s Google TV device. This suggests that “YTD” may be a new Chromecast with Google TV device that Google is developing. The device is listed alongside the existing HD and 4K models of Chromecast with Google TV.
You may remember that earlier this year, a device codenamed “YTC” appeared in the app’s code. YTC was even explicitly called “Chromecast with Google TV.” However, this device never materialized. The original model was labeled “YTV” and the HD model was labeled “YTB”.
Chromecast with Google TV devices run on Google TV, an improved version of Android TV. Unlike previous Chromecast models, which required you to use your smartphone or tablet to control and cast content, Chromecast with Google TV devices come with a remote control and user interface, and are compatible with other streaming devices. Similarly, you can browse and play content from various apps and services.
It’s still unclear whether “YTD” is indeed a new Chromecast with Google TV device, and if so, when it will be released. Google is just testing prototypes or variants of existing dongles that may never see the light of day. However, since 2020, no new 4K Chromecast devices have appeared. New Chromecast devices with improved specs and features are very welcome. Until Google officially announces something, we can only speculate and hope for the best.
