Earlier this week, 9to5Google’s Kyle Bradshaw spotted what appears to be a new Google TV stick codenamed “YTC.” The discovery originated from the most recent preview version of the Google Home app, where the new Chromecast was found alongside current 4K and HD models codenamed “YTV” and “YTB”, respectively. The code didn’t reveal details about the new Chromecast, but the news has sparked a flurry of conversations about what a new Google TV stick might offer and what we’d love to see.
Chromecast with Google TV wish list
Google’s current line of Chromecast devices is pretty solid and reasonably priced. That’s especially true when you consider that both 4K and HD models are frequently on sale. You get first-hand Google hardware with a true Google TV interface and it all comes packed into a very attractive streaming device that’s small enough to hide behind your TV. That being said, the humble Chromecasts aren’t without their flaws. The most glaring is the meager amount of storage offered by Google and other third-party devices. If you’re an avid streamer, chances are you’ve run into the usual hassle of being forced to remove some apps from your Chromecast in order to install a new one.
Since Google already offers a 4K version and a reduced HD model. The 8GB minimum storage is clearly one area where a new and improved UHD model could shine. So I thought I’d take a moment and lay out what I’d love to see in the next iteration that could take Google TV and its hardware to the next level. It goes without saying that more storage is a must. Even if it’s only 16GB, a 32GB model would be a very smart move on Google’s part. Streaming has become a way of life for millions and the Google TV interface is the perfect place to store all your services. For that, the new Chromecast must have enough space so that storage is never an issue.
More power
While we’re upgrading storage, the new Chromecast will definitely need an upgraded processor and maybe even an extra GB of RAM. Current models ride well, but as the framework that runs Google TV evolves, something with a bit more punch would be a good idea for future proofing hardware. Going from 2GB to 3GB of RAM would also help keep Google TV’s user interface crisp and smooth.
remote review
When you see a Chromecast with Google TV, there’s no denying that you’re looking at a piece of Google hardware. The remote control is no exception. From the signature Google colors to the simple, clean design, the remote is 100% Google, but it’s also my least favorite streaming remote in my collection. I love how it looks. I hate using it. It is too small and the curved design of the back combined with the very slippery texture of the plastic makes it look like you are trying to hold onto a live fish. Personally, I wouldn’t mind if Google just made a remote that looked a lot like the developer model used by so many third-party manufacturers like Walmart and MeCool. Just give it a fresh coat of paint and some Google branding and call it a day.
While we wish, it wouldn’t hurt if Google updated the remote to lead the charge for the auto-charging remote. We saw the first of these devices on display at CES earlier this month. It charges using only indoor lighting and requires no batteries. If this is the next generation of Google TV remotes, Google needs to be first to market with this feature.
ports
As Kyle Bradshaw mentioned, it would be great if Google just added another dedicated USB-C port for connecting accessories and external storage. You can do this on current Chromecast devices, but it requires the purchase of additional hardware and that’s not a user-friendly solution.
Other than that, I don’t think the new Chromecast should stray too far from the current design. Granted, you can add a lot more external and internal options if you build a set-top box, but the size and aesthetics of the Chromecast family are great just the way they are. Perhaps a simple iteration to the design and a little more room for updated internals. Other than that, it won’t take much to make the upcoming Chromecast with Google TV another awesome streamer from Google.
What do you think? Is there anything you’d like to see on the next Chromecast with Google TV? Please leave a comment below and let me know if I missed anything.
Related Posts
#Chromecast #Google #works