Another new Chromecast with Google TV device appears to be in the works, according to a recent update to the Google Home app.
About APK Insights: In this “APK Insight” post, we have decompiled the latest version of the application that Google has uploaded to the Play Store. When you decompile these files (called APKs for Android apps), you can see various lines of code that hint at future features. Please note that Google may or may not provide these features, and our interpretation of them may be incomplete. However, for those that are near completion, we will be able to show you what they will look like when shipped. Please keep that in mind as you read on.
In 2020, Google effectively rebooted its Chromecast dongle lineup. Previous models were controlled solely by your phone/tablet and would play anything you could “cast” from another screen. The new generation of Chromecast works with an enhanced version of Android TV called Google TV. Casting remains the core element of Chromecast with Google TV, but you can also use the included remote to browse your media and enjoy the wide world of Android TV apps.
However, Chromecast with Google TV is far from perfect hardware, even considering its affordable price. The biggest complaint is the lack of storage space (which Google has addressed, at least to some degree), and performance has also degraded over time. Suffice it to say, the Chromecast hardware refresh is very welcome.
In a recent update to the Google Home app, the company added several never-before-seen models to its internal list of Google Cast-compatible devices. The three new listings clearly identify them as last year’s line of JBL Authentics speakers.
However, a new mysterious device called “YTD” has appeared alongside the HD and 4K models of Chromecast with Google TV. Furthermore, we can confirm that Google Home treats his YTD the same as existing his Chromecast models, whereas OEM Google TV devices are treated differently. All of this means we’re pretty sure this is a sign that Google is preparing to launch a new TV dongle.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time in recent memory that an in-development Google TV device has appeared in the Google Home app. At the beginning of last year, a nearly identical device “YTC” appeared in the code, sometimes directly called “Chromecast with Google TV”. Of course, the company has yet to release any new dongles since then. Meanwhile, in September this year, our team discovered a new Chromecast-like remote control (with a customizable star button) in his Android TV 14 beta. This further hints at Google’s intentions to release a new dongle.
All things considered, this latest Chromecast appearance should be taken with a grain of salt. We’re all looking forward to the next generation of Chromecast with Google TV dongles (hopefully with significantly higher capacity), but we don’t yet know if we’ll see them later this year or forever.
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