Google TV and Chromecast Leak Early - You Can Buy It now

Google TV and Chromecast Leak Early - You Can Buy It now

A new Chromecast with Google TV streaming device is now available at select retailers, just days before Google's official new product debut.

Formerly called the Google Chromecast 4 Sabrina, the device will be unveiled at Google's Pixel 5 event on September 30. However, The Verge was recently able to purchase the device at a local Home Depot store, and Reddit user fuzztub07 purchased one at a Walmart store last week. Both retailers were selling the new dongle for $50.

The purchase (and the attached photo from a Redditor) confirms much of what we have seen in previous leaks: the Google Chromecast with Google TV is a major overhaul of the streaming device, with a stylish new, oval shaped design. And it comes with a remote control that makes the device easier to use.

The Verge noted that it tried to purchase the Chromecast with Google TV at two Home Depot stores, but could only find it at one. And the receipt did not even have the official name of the device, instead listing it as "Sabrina-Abbey Rock Candy"; Sabrina is the codename for the oval-shaped hardware, Abbey is the codename for the remote control, and Rock Candy is the color.

The Chromecast with Google TV is expected to be available in several other colors, including Summer Melon (pink) and Summer Blue. The remote control has a navigation wheel and dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, YouTube, and Netflix.

The new device's retail price of $49.99 is clearly cheaper than the $65 Chromecast Ultra, comparable to the price of the Roku Streaming Stick Plus and Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K. The streaming device market is going to be very competitive.

Redditor fuzztub07 also posted a video of the new Google TV software, which appears to be a rebranding of Android TV.

Fuzztub07 also noted that the Chromecast with Google TV home screen will highlight shows, movies, and other content available in apps that have not yet been downloaded. Upon selecting a title, the user is prompted to install the necessary apps.

More details about Chromecast with Google TV are expected to be announced at a Google event on September 30. At this event, the flagship Google Pixel 5, possibly the Pixel 4a 5G, and the Google Nest smart speaker will also be announced.

Categories