Google to launch a cheap Chromecast HD with an Amlogic processor and 2 GB of RAM

According to reports, Google is preparing to release a successor to the current Chromecast, rather than the Chromecast with Google TV. Still, the Chromecast successor is tipped to arrive with features from its more expensive sibling, such as a dedicated remote control. Currently, Google forces people to use their smartphones with the Chromecast if they want remote control functionality.

Reputedly, the so-called Chromecast HD will retain the 2 GB of RAM that its predecessor has. However, it is unclear how much storage the new model has. For reference, Google equips the entry-level Chromecast with 8 GB of storage, barely enough for more than a handful of apps. Additionally, the Chromecast HD should launch with an Amlogic S805X2, an SoC that contains an ARM Mali-G31 GPU.

Theoretically, the new SoC should bring AV1 decoding to the budget Chromecast, which Netflix and YouTube already support. Supposedly, the Chromecast HD will peak at 1080p at 60 FPS, matching the current Chromecast. In comparison, the Chromecast with Google TV supports 4K/60 FPS. Google Chromecast HD pricing has not leaked yet, although Max Weinbach suspects that the device will cost US$35 to match the outgoing model. Unfortunately, a release date has not leaked yet either.

Purchase the Google Chromecast on Amazon