In January, Protocol revealed that Google was laboring on a cheaper Chromecast video streaming dongle that would beat out at 1080p resolution, which could be sold as the “Chromecast HD with Google TV.”
A new Google filing with the Federal Communications Commission (via Droid-Life) suggests that the device is indeed on the way.
Mind you; the FCC filing doesn’t straight-up confirm a Chromecast. For now, it’s designated the “Google G454V.” There aren’t any juicy leaked pictures; the filings describe it as a “wireless device” with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth LE.
The “EUT” is the gadget we’re talking about, and this diagram is supposed to be a map of all its connections. Notice how it’s behind the LCD? Notice how it is not connected to the LCD with any cables? The only cable plugged into it is a power cable, which is USB?
Also, notice how it has a remote controller, and — in a related part of the filing below — it was tested streaming video at 1080p?
Now, we suppose there could be some other gadget you’d put behind a screen instead of a Chromecast… but it seems pretty likely we’re not talking about a Nest wireless speaker. And while you might pipe streaming video to a wireless soundbar or something that could pass video to the TV and have a remote control, there’s no HDMI cable connected to the device in the test setup. Instead, Google has consistently favored barrel jacks for power across its Nest smart device lineup.
But Google does have a gadget with a remote controller and USB power that gets directly plugged into a screen with no other cables involved. So we’ll be amazed if this isn’t precisely the Chromecast that Janko at Protocol uncovered.
Not every device that hits the FCC gets released, but typically manufacturers don’t submit them until they’re relatively close. So we’d bet the price of a cheap Chromecast we see it this fall. We wonder how low Google will go, though: the current Chromecast with Google TV already does 4K HDR for $50 (currently $40 on sale).
‘What is Google Chromecast?’: How to employ Google’s ingenious device for TVs and monitors
A Google Chromecast authorizes you to “cast” video from external devices to the TV.
A Google Chromecast unit recasts any TV or monitor with an HDMI port into an intelligent gadget that can interact with your mobile phone or tablet.
With Chromecast, you can appreciate your famous content just about anywhere, from a hotel room to a friend’s dorm.
There are no monthly expenses or subscription services for using Chromecast, just a single device purchase.
Depending on which model you purchase, you can earn a Google Chromecast device for as little as $15 or spend upwards of $69 for the latest models that boast Ultra 4K streaming quality capabilities.
But no matter which Chromecast you purchase, that initial buy price is the only cash you’ll pay out: using a Chromecast needs no subscription and contains no fees.
But what is a Chromecast? It is a connection (wireless, of course) between you and a display, a monitor, or a television. If the stated display device has an HDMI port, you can twist it into an intelligent device that can connect to all types of apps on your phone or tablet.
Chromecasts can plug into any gadget with an HDMI port.
A Chromecast can respire new life into an older generation TV. It can provide you access to content on a device that may be locked, such as television at a hotel that might levy fees to watch movies or shows.
How to use a Google Chromecast device
Here’s how to use it.
- Link the Chromecast to a power source, then hit it into an HDMI port on the TV.
- Switch on the television and ensure it is tuned to the proper HDMI port.
- Download the Chromecast app via the Google Home app.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to put up your Chromecast.
- Launch the content assistance of your choice (from Netflix to Hulu to Crackle) and then, when the show or movie starts, tap the casting icon in the corner of the screen and begin streaming the content to your TV.
- Tap the casting icon at the junction of the screen.
And that’s it: this affordable, tight little dongle will now allow you to appreciate all your favorite media on TVs or monitors anywhere you can acquire a Wi-Fi connection.