Google's minute-sized Chromecast streaming TV dongle is one of the better-loved streaming devices on the market due to the rich functionality it offers for its $35 price. However, it's been two years since Google released an update for the device, even as newer devices such as the Roku 3, Amazon's Fire TV, and the new Apple TV continue to offer more advanced features.
Now, a new report from 9to5Google suggests the long wait is over. Internal documents and images obtained by the Google-focused website show Google is getting ready to unveil a second-generation Chromecast on its Sept. 29 event, where it is also expected to finally take the wraps off the much rumored pair of new Nexus devices.
The new Chromecast is not simply an update to the existing device. In fact, a first glance alone at the blurry photo obtained by 9to5Google tells us this is going to be an entirely different Chromecast. Instead of the familiar black thumb drive design, the image shows a balloon-like device with a small USB stick at one end. It also comes in three colors: red, black and yellow.
Google has reportedly made a lot of new changes on the inside as well. Most notably, the new Chromecast will have support for improved Wi-Fi. While no details were offered, this will likely be support for 802.11ac, which is faster than the 802.11b/g/n band on the current Chromecast.
9to5Google deems faster Wi-Fi will be needed to support a new feature called Fast Play, which will presumably get rid of one of the biggest pet peeves on the first-generation streamer, where users still have to wait for their Chromecast to respond when they tap the Cast button on a connected Android device.
Apparently, Google is also going big on music for its next Chromecast. The new device will reportedly include support for something called Chromecast Audio, a feature that will let users connect their Chromecast to a speaker using an auxiliary cord to produce "high-quality" audio with multi-room support. This will allow users to mirror any music they have on their Android device.
The new Chromecast is also said to include support for Spotify. As the report says, Google has struck a deal with the music streaming service to finally develop its own app for Chromecast. Spotify had previously rejected calls to create an app for Chromecast, even as competitors such as Pandora and Google Play Music are already on the platform, because it was working on its own platform. It seems, however, that the heads at Spotify have finally changed their minds, perhaps due to increasing pressure brought about by bigger competition from Apple Music.
The new Chromecast will be available at launch in 10 countries. No word was made on pricing, but sources say Google will keep it at the same very affordable range as the original device.
