Information leaks have suggested that Google is working on a new Chromecast device with Google TV. Meanwhile, another reference was discovered in the latest update of the Google Home application.
Google prepares new Chromecast device with Google TV!
The discovery comes from 9to5Google, which analyzed the APK of the Google Home application in depth. The site discovered that Google has added several new models to the internal list of devices compatible with Google Cast. Among them, three were labeled as JBL Authentics speakers that arrived last year. However, one device, “YTD”, remained unknown and intriguing.
The publication confirmed that Google Home treats the “YTD” as a Chromecast device, and not as a Google TV device from another manufacturer. This suggests that “YTD” could be a new Chromecast device with Google TV that Google is developing. The device is listed alongside existing Chromecast with Google TV HD and 4K models.
We remind you that at the beginning of the year, a device with the code name “YTC” appeared in the application code. YTC was even explicitly referred to as a “Chromecast with Google TV”. However, this device never materialized. The original model was called “YTV” and the HD model was called “YTB”.
Chromecast with Google TV devices work on Google TV, a revamped version of Android TV. Unlike previous Chromecast models, which required a phone or tablet to control them or stream content, Chromecast with Google TV devices come with a controller and user interface that lets you browse and play content from various apps and services, such as other streaming devices.
It is not yet clear whether “YTD” is a new Chromecast device with Google TV and, if so, when it will arrive. It is possible that Google is just testing a prototype or a variant of the existing dongle and that it will never see the light of day. However, we haven't seen a new Chromecast 4K device since 2020. So a new Chromecast device with improved specs and features would be very welcome.