Google's new Chromecast 'TV Streamer' rumoured to launch with Ethernet and Thread connectivity

Google is roughly a fortnight away from fully revealing new hardware. As usual, countless sources have leaked details about new Pixel devices, whether that be the Pixel Watch 3, Pixel Buds Pro 2 or Pixel 9 smartphones. It also seems that the company could be planning to expand its Chromecast lineup with a device that resembles a much larger Chromecast 4K (curr. $49 on Amazon).

For context, the image above appeared online last week courtesy of 9to5Google. Now, the same device has appeared on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the model number GRS6B. As the screenshots below show, the FCC has confirmed a few more details about the so-called Google TV Streamer that were previously unknown until now. Specifically, one FCC drawing shows that Google has included HDMI and USB Type-C ports for connecting devices like a TV or a laptop.

Moreover, the same drawing refers to an Ethernet port, which Google's smart home devices typically lack. Furthermore, other documents reveal that the TV Streamer supports not only Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) connectivity, but also Thread, a smart home networking protocol that operates over IEEE 802.15.4. Thus, the device should be capable of communicating directly with compatible devices, including the Pixel 9 series. For now, Google is expected to unveil the TV Streamer on August 13 alongside its annual Pixel refresh.