Google will reveal a whole new Chromecast later this month…that’s official. The US technology company confirmed that it will be holding a major launch event on September 30 with an invite saying: “We invite you to learn all about our new Chromecast, our smart speakers and our new Pixel phones.”
Rumours have been rife about what will be included on this new streaming dongle and now an image may have revealed all.
Leaked online by the team at WinFuture, the picture shows a puck-shaped device which features the usual connection to your TV. Other than the white colour and softer curves there’s nothing too exciting about the new design but pictured alongside the Chromecast is something fans will definitely like.
That’s because it seems the new dongle will finally get a dedicated remote control which means owners will be able to switch channels and spin through content without needing to reach for their phones.
Another nice addition to this controller are the dedicated YouTube and Netflix buttons which will instantly launch these popular services on your TV.
Other controls seem to include easy access to the clever Google Assistant, the option to mute sound and a Home button.
READ MORE: New Google Chromecast will finally launch this month and that’s not all
Two side rocker switches could be for volume and there’s also a scroll wheel at the top of the controller which we are guessing will allow users to flick between shows and apps plus skip or rewind content.
So that’s all we can see from the leaked picture but what else do we know about the new Chromecast?
It’s though that the new Google-designed device will be powered by the same Android TV software that currently powers a number of Smart TV models.
Since this isn’t a new operating system, there are already a bucketload of streaming apps, games and social media services in the Play Store.
That means developers won’t need to create new versions of their services for the new hardware – a huge positive for Google given how competitive the market is.
There could also be some fresh new colours with a leaked image showing the Chromecast in Black, White and a Pink design.
As for price, it seems Google will be asking for around $80 (roughly £64). That’s much costlier than the Fire TV Stick range from Amazon and Roku-branded rivals, but more reasonable than anything from Apple.
If you’re thinking of buying a Chromecast then we’d suggest waiting for this upgrade.
It could add plenty of extra features to your TV and that dedicated remote will make it so much easier to use.
Google’s big event is just over a week away and Express.co.uk will bring you all the news live as it happens.
And there could be plenty to talk about with a new Google Home smart speaker and Pixel 5 also ready to be unveiled. Watch this space.