Edgar Cervantes/Android Authority
long story short
- A Google Home app update reveals a mysterious new device codenamed “YTD.”
- Unlike other third-party devices, the “YTD” is considered a Chromecast with Google TV.
- This hints that a potential new Chromecast with Google TV is in the works, but details and release date are still unknown.
Leaks have been suggesting that Google is working on a new Chromecast with a Google TV device. Another reference was recently discovered in the latest Google Home app update.
This discovery was made by 9 to 5 google In the APK teardown of the Google Home app. The outlet noted that Google has added several new models to its internal list of Google Cast-compatible devices. Among them, three are labeled as JBL Authentics speakers released last year. However, there is one device “YTD” that remains unknown and fascinating.
APK teardowns help predict future features that may appear on the service based on ongoing code. However, such predicted functionality may not be publicly released.
The publication confirmed that Google Home considers the “YTD” a Chromecast device and not a Google TV device from a third-party manufacturer. This suggests that “YTD” may be a new Chromecast device with Google TV that Google is developing. The device is listed alongside existing Chromecast HD and 4K models with Google TV.
You may recall that earlier this year, a device codenamed “YTC” appeared in the app’s code. YTC is even explicitly called “Chromecast with Google TV.” However, this device never materialized. It’s worth noting that the original model is called “YTV” and the HD model is called “YTB.”
Chromecast with Google TV devices run on Google TV, an improved version of Android TV. Unlike previous Chromecast models that required a phone or tablet to control or cast content, Chromecast with Google TV devices comes with a remote and user interface that lets you browse and play content from a variety of apps and services, just like other The same goes for streaming devices.
It’s unclear whether “YTD” is indeed a new Chromecast device with Google TV, and if so, when it will be released. Google may just be testing a prototype or variant of an existing dongle, and it may never see the light of day. However, we haven’t seen a new 4K Chromecast device since 2020, and a new Chromecast device with improved specs and features would be very welcome. Until Google officially announces anything, we can only guess and hope for the best.