A newly spotted codename is hinting that Google is working on a fresh Chromecast device, one that would be powered by Google TV. The codename is Boreal, discovered and linked to the exact same software used by the existing Chromecast With Google TV device (codename Sabrina).
At this time, it’s entirely unknown if this would be a sequel to the Chromecast With Google TV, a simple upgrade with more storage, or a completely new device altogether that would be sold alongside the existing Chromecast dongle.
According to 9to5Google, the device, whatever it may be, will launch later this year.
We wish we had more to share beyond just the codename, but that’s life sometimes. Personally, while I really like the Chromecast With Google TV’s software, I feel that it’s performance really keeps me loyal to the SHIELD TV. If there was a more powerful Google TV device that was sub-$99, I’d sign up immediately.
Thoughts?
// 9to5Google
Speaking of Shield TV, this year makes 3 years since the last one… Been holding out since last year and hoping Nvidia makes a new one this year!
I won’t buy another google device until they fix the installation / volume issues. Ever since the lawsuit, the whole having to install a second app to install a device is stupid.
I just want the ability to use google home speakers as a surround sound with audio and video sync.
Other sites claim this beauty will only come with 2GB of RAM lol say bye-bye Android & app updates
Anyone know if the existing one has a built in power management you can’t turn off or change the setting on? Ours have been turning off (like, everything, TV, receiver etc) on multiple systems after a few hours and I can’t find a way to change that.
I don’t understand the value if you already have a Smart TV. I understand it brings you streaming services into one place, but to m le that’s not worth purchasing an extra device AND teaching my wife how to use yet another remote….
Devices are supported much longer that apps on smart tvs.
Tv you typically have for what 10-15 years (or longer), thus, can’t update it. With a $50 dongle you can.
Only tv I rely on for built in smart tv stuff is our outdoor tv and only cause it was cheap as hell (to be outside) so I don’t particularly care with that one and when it’s built system gets dated I’ll just add a dongle to it then.
This/the one above it makes sense. With having newer TV’s in my house, it’s not something I considered.
I have a Google TV/Android devices on every TV we own in my house including on some ROKU & Samsung Smart TVs. The reason being is that with the adapters all of my TV feel the same and work in the same manor and they all get updates to apps which almost never happens via a SmartTV. This allows me to buy any TV I want regardless of OS and for the rest of the family it’s a seemless switch. They never need to learn another remote or worry about how to do something on a new TV interface.
I don’t think they need to upgrade to a new device but they definitely need to do something with Netflix. I get absolutely zero recommendations for Netflix shows on the For You tab in Google TV and I can’t even add any Netflix shows to the Google TV watchlist. It’s as if Google is in a spat with Netflix and everything on the For You tab is from Disney+
If I remember correctly, this was on Netflix as they pulled the support shortly after Google released the device. I could be wrong though.
Here’s what I would like….
1. Better performance. The currecnt version is slow and I constantly have to unplug it for a few seconds for it to work correctly. Also, an icon for the Play Store would be nice.
2. A bigger, better remote! The current gen’s remote is entirely too small…and I don’t have large hands. The size of the remote, coupled with its roundedness, make it hard to hold.
My two biggest complaints as well, along with audio being out of sync most of the time.
I turned off surround sound, and that fixed the sync issues. Not a great fix since you’re losing a feature by doing that, but audio sync problems annoy the crap out of me.
I honestly thought I was the only person with this issue. Drives me insane.
Read elsewhere it is a low powered device that doesn’t support 4k, but has AV1. I really hope that isn’t true as the existing device doesn’t support AV1. What a mess.
I love my Shield TV (tube), for my main TV, and GCWGTV for all my other TVs, but I think I’d truly love a ~$99 GCWGTV with beefier specs that could match or exceed my Shield in performance and longevity.