Make a monster out of an old TV. And for pennies
Google Chromecast 4.0 4K is getting older and it shows in its specifications. However, there is no reason to panic, because a stronger version is coming.
Google Chromecast 4.0 4K is approaching its fourth birthday. In terms of electronic years, it's probably four generations. Although Google cares about software updates, 8 GB of RAM takes its toll. Fortunately, we have signals about a refreshed version of the popular gadget that turns every TV into a monster.
According to 9to5Google, a new Chromecast 4K is already on the way. The Google TV system is supposed to work on it, which is no surprise. The price will not change – the receiver with a remote control will still cost $50, or about PLN 200 in Poland.
There will definitely be more RAM inside. Google should also use a more powerful chip with support AV1 codecso the logical choice is Amlogic S905X5. It has a lot of new features that its predecessor lacks, but the codec is the key here. AV1 has recently been fully rolled out by YouTube and other streaming services and modern browsers, resulting in improved video playback quality and performance.
Amlogic says this chip, manufactured on a 6nm process, will deliver by 50 percent lower energy consumption than its predecessor. This is always a welcome change. Home cinema lovers will be pleased with the service eARC and Dolby Atmos. We can also count on variable image refresh rate. The Amlogic S905X5 system is scheduled to enter mass production in the second quarter of 2024, so there is a chance that its first units are already rolling off the line.
There is no certainty about memory yet, but it would be a big mistake to leave 8 GB.
A video with a remote control for the new Chromecast was found in the Android 14 beta. That's how we know that the button layout will change. There will be four on the left, three on the right – two round and one oblong. It will be too “star”, i.e. a button with the option of assigning your own application.
When will we see the new version of Chromecast 4K? Possibly as early as May, during the Google I/O conference for developers. The second probable date is October, when we expect the premiere of the Pixel 9 series smartphones.
The price remains an open question, but it should not be prohibitive. The current model costs around PLN 250-300. A new one, even if slightly more expensive, should still cost only a fraction of what you would pay for a new TV with smart TV features.
