what you need to know
- The latest update to the Google Home app appears to indicate the existence of another Chromecast dongle in development.
- The device is codenamed “YTD,” and more digging suggests the app sees it as a Chromecast, which may rule out the possibility that it’s another product.
- In January 2023, the first next-generation Chromecast equipped with Google TV was discovered, codenamed “YTC”.
New evidence may indicate that another next-generation Chromecast with Google TV is in the works.
A deep dive into the latest Google Home app’s APK revealed a new codename listed next to other Chromecast streaming devices, 9to5Google reports. The app already lists existing HD and 4K video Chromecast devices. The latest update appears to place a new device codenamed “YTD” alongside the existing streaming dongle.
It could be a different device entirely, but 9to5 discovered that the app treats an unknown year-to-date device as a Chromecast. There’s a certain amount of “confidence” in being another streaming dongle year-to-date, but things can always change or the product might not be released.
Strangely, the next-generation Chromecast with a Google TV adapter was previously spotted in January 2023. The device used the codename “YTC” in its respective Google Home app build last year. Presumably, this dongle could be the product top Chromecast consumers have been waiting for. The HD version will be launched in late 2022 and the 4K version in 2020.
The latter may be more attractive to consumers, but is severely lacking in storage space. The device is advertised as 8GB, but officials say users can only use about half of that. Presumably, this “YTC” device could solve that storage issue and eventually include AV1 codec support for more efficient streaming.
A new Chromecast remote with a mysterious star button was spotted in an Android 14 beta back in September. A sample image of the remote has been spotted and shows a redesign of its layout, including new front-facing volume keys and more. What’s more, this star button was discovered earlier than the remote in the Android 14 TV Beta.
This new lineup of so-called “YTD” Chromecast dongles and “YTC” devices remains to be seen, as there is still so little information. What’s more, Google’s annual I/O event is taking place in the coming months, so perhaps there’s more to come.
Chromecast vs. Google TV (HD)
The new king of streaming devices
Chromecast with Google TV (HD) provides you with crystal-clear 1080p streaming at a great price. The product comes with a very convenient remote control with a button for accessing the Google Assistant and supports Cast to continue watching content on your phone directly on the TV.