Huge Google Android TV leak reveals design, interface and more

Huge Google Android TV leak reveals design, interface and more

Google headquarters may have a new name for the Chromecast Ultra 2: Sabrina. This is the newly reported internal name for the streaming dongle that may be the successor to the Chromecast Ultra. And it looks pretty slick.

Thanks to a big leak, we're also seeing a remote control for the new streaming box, which looks like an iPod and may have the same flaws as the Apple TV remote control. And the streamer may not even be called the Chromecast Ultra 2. But will it be one of the best streaming devices for us? Let's take a quick look.

First things first, leaked photos reveal that it will come in three colors: cream, white, and black. The dongle looks more like a smart home accessory than a streaming device and clearly has lifestyle-level appeal.

Next, take a look at its remote control. It looks like a circular navigation dial. I assume you click on the top, left, right, and bottom, but what about using it to scroll in a circular fashion? If the latter is true, I would expect it to recognize smoother number input than the Apple TV remote control.

The remote also has dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, Back, Home, Play, Mute, and Star (presumably for Favorites). The second half of the remote control is not listed in the leak, so there may be other buttons. I would prefer a volume up/down button.

The device appears to be where Android TV's revamped user interface will debut. The leak includes a slide showing how to view a smart home camera connected to the account.

Other leaked photos show YouTube TV (obviously), Netflix, and the HBO Now app; the HBO Max app supports Chromecast, so one would assume HBO Max is there as well.

The report also notes that pricing is expected to be around $80, higher than the $69 Chromecast Ultra and well below the $179 Apple TV 4K. No details on streaming quality are given in the report, but given that the original Chromecast Ultra supported 4K, one can assume that this product will also support 4K.

Categories