Google Chromecast dongles were a massive hit for the company. Some people liked it for being easy to use, whereas some wished for a dedicated user interface and a remote. Now it seems like Google is getting ready to release a Chromecast successor codenamed "Sabrina".
Recently XDA Developers got their hand on the marketing materials of the device. It looks like the device would be powered by Android TV( renamed as Google TV) and will have a dedicated remote controller. So, you no longer have to relay on your phone to use it.
Exclusive: This is Google’s Android TV dongle, remote, and new UI https://t.co/cvU4bAJyVf
— XDA Developers (@xdadevelopers) June 2, 2020
The device looks a bit like a Chromecast Ultra, but the design is a bit less circular than that. It seems like the device will come in pink, white, and black color options.
The marketing video is quite old, dating back to November 2019. So the design could most likely change in this time. Protocol published a report last month suggesting a price tag below $80. They also reported that it will indeed be powered by Android TV.
The IR blaster equipped controller will have navigation wheel at top. There is a dedicated Google Assistant button and a mic for voice search and commands too.
Features:
- Will run Android TV/Google TV
- Remote Controller
- Will allow Google Play app installation
- 4K HDR support
- Google Assistant
- Smart home control
- Support Dolby Vision
It is unclear when Google would release this device. But we can expect it to be released this year during the release of Pixel 4a or during the launch of Pixel 5 around the end of the year.
