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Google's new Chromecast dongle may herald the end of Android TV, priced to move

By Daniel Petrov

Published: Sep 14, 2020, 7:22 AM

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Google's new Chromecast dongle may herald the end of Android TV, priced to move

Google's Chromecast media streaming technology already comes built into some TVs and displays, but those unfortunate enough to lack such gear, will soon be able to add it with a new Chromecast dongle.

Heretofore known as Google's 'Sabrina' project, the new take on Amazon Fire and Roku TV sticks may actually be called Chromecast with Google TV, heralding a new era for the search giant at an expected sub-$50 (read: $49) price of the dongle.

New Chromecast with Google (not Android) TV stick specs and features

Likely to be announced as part of Google's Nest home automation brand, the new Chromecast dongle is expected to sport the Netflix and Disney+ apps preinstalled, but will also let you cast your own content, complete with Google Assistant voice operation. Google is also rumored to add its Stadia cloud gaming service to the list of entertainment options, pulling you deeper in its budding media ecosystem.

The Google TV dongle is rumored to sport a dedicated Amlogic media processor and 4K HDR Dolby Vision output as far as hardware goes. In terms of looks, the smooth and rounded soap-y form of the device is said to feature a "sandstone-like texture" that comes in black, white, and pink colors, complete with its own remote, too, as any self-respecting media streamer these days.

The new $49 Chromecast with Google TV dongle is meant to take on the popular Roku TV Stick or Amazon's Fire with the aggressive price tag and reportedly a brand new interface with Android underpinning the whole shebang.

Now Target's internal system dropped Sabrina's the price to $49.99 and renamed it to "Google Chromecast with Google TV" (not Android TV), giving legs to May's rumor from @9to5Google about the rebranding of Android TV back to Google TV (https://t.co/HV1rfeo4bK).
— Artem Russakovskii (@ArtemR) September 12, 2020

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Daniel, a devoted tech writer at PhoneArena since 2010, has been engrossed in mobile technology since the Windows Mobile era. His expertise spans mobile hardware, software, and carrier networks, and he's keenly interested in the future of digital health, car connectivity, and 5G. Beyond his professional pursuits, Daniel finds balance in travel, reading, and exploring new tech innovations, while contemplating the ethical and privacy implications of our digital future.