Google’s Chromecast is a handy little device that allows you to stream apps from your phone, tablet or laptop directly to your TV screen. With the previous iteration arriving in the latter stages of 2018, rumours are now rife that a new model could be set to land in the coming months. But what could the Chromecast 4 add?
When will the Chromecast 4 be released?
The most logical time for Google to update its Chromecast line-up would have been at the company’s annual Google I/O conference held in May. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this has been cancelled, with no online version scheduled. There have been rumours though that the anticipated Google Pixel 4a could be launched on 22 May, so if there is to be a new Chromecast this year then it could well appear around the same time.
Google has yet to confirm that it intends to upgrade the existing Chromecast 3 though, so at the moment all of this remains purely speculative.
How much will the Chromecast 4 cost?
You can buy the current Chromecast 3 for £30/$35, which is the same price as the previous model. With this in mind it seems likely that Google will try to keep to this price point if a new version appears. There are actually two models available in the range, with the Chromecast Ultra offering 4K streaming but upping the price to £69/$69.
Of course, it’s not only Google that sells streaming devices and you can see what the rivals have to offer in our roundup of the best streaming boxes.
What features will appear in the Chromecast 4?
Remote control and Android TV
By its very nature a Chromecast is a simple device. There are no controls or other interface elements, instead everything is sent from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. This could change if the rumours on 9to5 Google are accurate. These state that the next Chromecast could come with a physical remote control that frees users from having to use their personal devices. Obviously, for this to work, it would also require an on-screen interface, which is something else included in the report. It suggests that Google will employ its Android TV software, giving the Chromecast a much closer feel to the likes of Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon’s hugely popular Fire TV.
At the moment, the rumours suggest that its will be a new version of the Chromecast Ultra to receives this upgrade, but we hope that it will be a feature available on both models.
Wi-Fi 6 compatibility
Another obvious area where the Chromecast could be brought up to date is with Wi-Fi connectivity. The Chromecast 3 currently has 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) capabilities, so it shouldn’t be beyond the realms of fantasy to see this stepped up to the newer and more powerful 802.11ax or Wi-Fi 6.
For more details on why this would be a good thing, read What is Wi-Fi 6?
Google Stadia compatibility
This is more something we’d like to see than any rumour that is currently doing the rounds. At the time of writing, only the Chromecast Ultra is compatible with Google’s game streaming service. Presumably this is due to the company wanted everyone to have the best visuals available for the relatively new platform. Checking the Stadia FAQ page reveals the following statement:
“Currently, any Google Chromecast Ultra is compatible with Stadia. You will also need a Stadia Controller and access to Stadia in order to play with Chromecast Ultra. Stay tuned for future announcements regarding additional device compatibility.”
Hopefully this last line opens the door for a new Chromecast 4 with Stadia capabilities. You won’t be able to play 4K HDR @ 60fps like on the Ultra, but the reduced 1080p or 720p settings available in Stadia could be an option.
To find out more about playing streamed games, read How to get Google Stadia for free and Best game streaming services.