New Google Chromecast Ultra coming with Android TV & remote
The rate of newstreaming playerlaunches has slowed significantly over the last couple of years but it seems like Google is working on a new version of its popular Chromecast Ultra which will come running Android TV and a remote control.
We love the Chromecast range but there’s always been something appealing about rivals such asAmazon’s Fire TVdevices andRoku streamerswith their good old fashioned user interface and remote control combination.
So far, Google’s method requires users to find content on another device – usually a smartphone – and then send it to the Chromecast. But that might be about to change.
According to a report by 9to5google, the firm is planning to launch a 2nd-generationChromecast Ultrawhich will be based on Android TV. This is the operating system used by variousTV makers including Philips and Sony.
The Chromecast Ultra 2, assuming the name for now, will still be a similar design but will also come with a remote control. We expect this will work over Bluetooth since the main unit is designed to be hidden behind your TV set.
This remote control (via anFFC listing) will be similar to theDaydream ViewVR headset’s and the Apple TV. Like some rivals, it will have a microphone and a dedicated button so you can use the Google Assistant to control the Chromecast Ultra 2 with your voice.
Google will be filling a gap in the market by launching an affordable mass market device running Android TV, giving users access to the likes of Netflix, YouTube TV,Disney+and more. The Chromecast Ultra 2 will support 4K HDR content and look more like the3rd-gen Chromecastthat Google launched in 2018 when in comes to design.
As for when the new streaming player will arrive,Google I/Oin May alongside thePixel 4awould have been the best bet but the event has been cancelled. The firm may well still announce products online but we’ll have to wait and see.
There could also be a new regular Chromecast coming – check out therumours about the Chromecast 4.
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor, Tech Advisor
Chris got his break as a reporter at infamous site The Inquirer and has been at Tech Advisor for more than 12 years. With a BA degree in Music Technology, audio is his specialism, but over the years he has reviewed all kinds of gadgets, from smartwatches to mesh Wi-Fi to coffee machines.
