Rumour has it that a Google Chromecast 4K (or is that Chromecast 3?) is in the works – and it may be nearly ready to launch.
Last year, Google disappointed with a Chromecast 2 that didn’t feature 4K support. Now we’re deep into 2016, and 4K is everywhere. Is it finally time for Google’s digital media player to get an Ultra HD upgrade?
Well, there’s growing evidence that Google plans to unveil the Chromecast 3 – or Chromecast 4K – later this year. Here’s what to expect.
Google Chromecast 4K – Release date
So when can you get the new Chromecast 4K (if it even exists)? Well, let’s take a trip down memory lane. The original Chromecast launched on July 24, 2013, while the second-generation Chromecast came slightly later, landing on September 29, 2015. Logic dictates that we’ll see the next Chromecast in 2017, but this year’s 4K content boom suggests that Google may be unlikely to wait around. So an autumn 2016 event seems most probable.
On August 1, specialist blog Droid-Life claimed that October 4 will be the launch date for the upcoming Google Pixel phone – but made no mention of a new Chromecast.
Then at the start of September, Android Police reported that Google was planning to hold a “major event” on October 4. It cited a reliable source that believed a number of new products would be revealed, including “a 4K Chromecast”.
We’ve now seen a number of leaks pointing towards an October 4 launch event, so if the Chromecast 4K is coming this year, that’ll be the place it launches.
What is Google Chromecast?
Google Chromecast is a digital media player that plugs into the HDMI port on the back of your television. It’s basically a cheap way to add smart features to your TV.
Chromecast works over Wi-Fi, and will use your internet connection to stream TV, movies and audio through various mobile and web apps. You can also mirror content from Android devices and the Chrome web browser, making it one of the cheapest ways to cast media.
What is Google Chromecast 4K?
The clue is in the name: Google Chromecast 4K is a possible upgrade to the standard Chromecast, which would support 4K Ultra HD content.
Ultra HD is a display resolution, i.e. the number of pixels on your screen – specifically 3,840 x 2,160 pixels in this case. It has four times the amount of pixels on a Full HD TV (1,920 x 1,080), which means you’ll get better definition and clarity. It’s more effective on large screens, or when you’re sitting close to a display.
Having a 4K Chromecast is only part of the battle, however. You’ll also need a 4K TV, which are typically more expensive than Full HD televisions. That said, the price has come down significantly since they first hit the market a few years ago, and you can now pick up decent 4K televisions for far below £1,000.
Once you’ve got the Chromecast and the TV, you’ll then need to find content shot in 4K. This year has seen the amount of 4K content available skyrocket. It’s still not really abundant, but you can find plenty to watch if you know where to look – Netflix has a solid selection of Ultra HD movies and TV, for instance (if you’re willing to pay an £8.99 monthly subscription). Oh, and YouTube has supported 4K footage for a while.
Google Chromecast 4K – Price
Both the original Chromecast and the second-generation Chromecast had a launch price of £30. That’s super-cheap considering the breadth of content Chromecast offers.
We’d like to say that the new Chromecast 4K will match the price, but the addition of Ultra HD will force Google to add computing heft to the device, which may jack up the cost. However, we reckon Google will do its best to keep the Chromecast below £50.
