According to a report from 9to5Google, Google is working a new Chromecast Ultra device that streams 4K HDR, but includes an external remote and is powered by Android TV. Earlier today, The Protocol, spotted a new a remote that is rumored to be part of the device.
Hmmmm… a Google Remote for an unknown device just passed through the FCC… https://t.co/nz0xBG8AtL pic.twitter.com/6gEQ35nR7g
— Janko Roettgers (@jank0) March 10, 2020
9to5Google believes the device will have a similar form factor to the Chromecast (3rd Gen), but will have an updated styling based on their current hardware. The biggest advantage to this new device is that it would be an opportunity to bring Android TV to the masses. While there are high-end devices like the NVIDIA SHIELD ($150+) and others like Xiaomi Mi Box ($50) and Sling’s Air TV Mini ($80) — Google hasn’t released a home-grown Android TV device since the Nexus Player which was released in 2014 — and hasn’t been updated since 2018.
Earlier this year, Google quietly introduced a new streaming player designed to help pay-tv operators bring their own branded Android TV streaming player to market. While Android TV is trailing Roku and Amazon Fire TV, a new Chromecast Ultra could help accelerate getting Android TV in the hands of consumers.