Chromecast with Google TV: Everything we know so far

Google's new long awaited 'Chromecast with Android TV' is right around the corner. It was first leaked on June by the codename 'Sabrina'. Now it seems like the device will finally launch on September 30th alongside the Pixel 5 and other 'Made by Google' devices. Almost everything from the design to the price of the device has been leaked. So here is a quick rundown of everything we know about Google's new Chromecast dongle with Google TV.

Design

 

The device is quite similar to the Chromecast Ultra. But it is a bit less circular than the Chromecast Ultra. The device is quite small, with a USB Type-C port for power and a dangling cable for HDMI output. The front has plain embossed "G" Google branding and the back has your usual regulatory info, other required labels, an indicator light, and a button which is probably for resetting. 

The IR blaster equipped controller will have navigation wheel at top. It also includes a back button, Assistant button, home button, mute button, app buttons branded for YouTube and Netflix, a TV power button, a button to change TV inputs, a microphone, an LED to indicate when it's activated, and volume controls.

In the box there is a Type C to Type A power cable, power adapter, and two AAA batteries for the remote and a user manual, obviously.

The dongle will presumably come in four colors: Cosmo Blue, Summer Melon, Rock Candy, and Snow. 

Software

 

The device will be rocking Android 10 for Google TV. It should support all the same apps and services you would expect, but it will sport a slightly redesigned interface that leaked earlier this year. Top center in the "for you" section which suggests contents from different streaming services that you may like based on your use.

Google's very own subscription based streaming service, YouTube TV will presumably get a dedicated tab for it. In an early leak 'Enhanced YouTube TV' integration was also revealed as part of a "Live" tab. But we haven't seen it in action as those that have snagged a software hands-on were not YouTube TV subscribers. So the Live Tab didn't show up for them.

Other changes spotted earlier the year included smart display-like Nest alert overlays to take advantage of the smart home devices. There will also be a new Google Assistant interface. We don't know much about the interface at this point of time as those who got their hands on the device didn't reveal anything about it. We will have to wait and see.

Specs

• The device will rock a Amlogic S905X2 w/ Quad-core Cortex A53 @ 1.8GHz & Mali-G31 MP2 GPU.
• It will have 2GB RAM and 8GB storage but 4.4GB Storage available.
• Chipset supports HDR10 and Auto Low Latency Mode.
• 4K HDR, Dolby Vision, HLG
• So far, leaks haven't tested which HDR standards the dongle will support, but the hardware itself is capable of HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision.
  

Some rumors claim that Google might offer 6 months of free Netflix subscription in Canada for those who purchase the device.

 

Scrolling through the chromecast UI for those that were interested from r/googlehome

 

 

Price and availability

Earlier leaks on June suggested a $80 price tag. But more recent leaks directly from retailers indicate a $50 price tag, which is cheaper than the Chromecast Ultra. In fact, many people have already spotted the device in Walmart and other stores. A few retailers claimed that the device will go on sale on September 30 after the Google event.