Next-gen Google Chromecast 4K 2024: A leap in home entertainment

Smart TV dongles are small devices that you connect to your TV, monitor, or projector via an HDMI port available in most modern equipment. It runs on an operating system, often based on Android, known from mobile phones, and offers similar functions.

You can install apps and even games on it. However, its main function is the ability to play multimedia, use VOD apps, YouTube, and Spotify, and connect to a smartphone and other home devices. It is controlled by a remote control, which, in the case of Google Chromecast, can completely replace the TV remote, supporting voice commands, volume adjustment, or access to TV settings.

Soon, the latest version of the valued and popular dongle, Google Chromecast 4K, will hit the market. Besides, Google also offers a cheaper version labelled as "Chromecast HD". Brand users in the UK had to wait for the new model for four years, which is almost an eternity in the new technologies industry. However, Google Chromecast 4K mainly receives positive reviews. It features the Google TV operating system, characterized by ease of use, intuitiveness, and reliability. It has everything needed for modern entertainment at home.

Going into the details of the new model, Google Chromecast 4K 2024 will be equipped with an updated ARM Armlogic S905X5 (6 nm) processor, which represents a significant improvement compared to the older Armlogic S905X3 (12 nm) processor. The new processor with four Cortex-A53 cores performs better and halves energy consumption. Additionally, the new Mali-G310 graphics unit with an AV1 video decoding option enhances the capabilities of the dongle. You can also expect the new Chromecast 4K 2024 to offer more RAM and data storage, which will improve the device's overall performance.

Changes have also touched the look of the remote control. The current model is compact and ergonomic, with characteristic volume buttons on the side of the casing. In the new version, these buttons will be moved to the front of the remote, which seems to be a more classical solution. A new button with a star icon will also be added, which the user can assign to a favourite app or program.

The last significant change concerns the software. Current models operate under the control of Google TV, which is based on Android 12. The new version will likely be based on the latest Android 14, bringing visual changes, including a refreshed menu appearance.

Information about the exact release date and price of the new device is not yet known. Currently, Google Chromecast 4K with Google TV costs about £60, and the price of the cheaper model ranges between £40-£45. The difference between them mainly lies in the lower resolution offered by the HD version (1080p instead of 4K) and slightly weaker audio.