Google has been tight-lipped about the Chromecast streaming dongle since it released the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) in 2022. We liked the device, but mostly as a tool to smarten up "tacky" TVs and monitors.

However, new rumors suggest that Google is planning an update to the Chromecast with Google TV (4K).

According to a 9to5 Google report, a new 4K Chromecast is on the way. There is no news on when this device will be available, but Google's I/O conference is coming up soon, and it is not out of the ordinary for Google to make an announcement there, along with the smartphones and other devices it will unveil at that event Id.

Sources claim that the refreshed version will retain the 4K resolution and $49.99 price of the four-year-old model.

There are no details on what internal changes Google will make with the new Chromecast; the 2020 version has 2GB of RAM, 8GB of storage, and an ARM Cortex-A55 processor. One has to imagine that any or all of these will be updated.

A possible processor upgrade has been suggested for the Amlogic S905X5 chipset, which appeared last year and features a 6nm process and support for AV1, a codec that Google is leaning towards, especially on YouTube.

Our hope is for at least a minor bump up in RAM to 4 or 6 GB and increased storage capacity.

The biggest change appears to be a new remote control that was leaked through the Android TV 14 beta in 2023. The new remote control is in the oval pill shape that is characteristic of the current Chromecast. The round D-pad is still at the top, but the rendered image appears to show at least four additional buttons. The volume buttons appear to have been moved from the sides of the remote control to the surface.

There is also a star button, which a leak last year suggested was a customizable button for users to map shortcuts to.

The Chromecast OS is also expected to be updated in the Android TV 14 beta. This will include performance upgrades, accessibility features, changes to the home screen, and Fast Pair.