Next-gen Chromecast Ultra reportedly based on Android TV, to come with a remote

Google launched the 4K capable Chromecast Ultra back in 2016. The device came with HDR and Dolby Vision support and has not seen a successor yet. Now, sources familiar with the search giant's plans tell 9to5Google that the firm is planning to launch the second-generation Chromecast Ultra this year, which will be based on Android TV. Interestingly, an addition to the new generation device would be an external remote.

The external remote will reportedly look like a cross between what the Daydream View remote looked like and the Apple TV remote. It is also expected to come with a microphone for using Google Assistant to control the Chromecast. Janko Roettgers from Protocol also found an FCC listing for a Google remote, corroborating the source’s story.

As for the Chromecast itself, that device will share its aesthetics with the 3rd generation Chromecast. The device is codenamed ‘sabrina’ internally. It is no surprise that it will support 4K, and has the expected Chromecast Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.

According to the source close to the matter, the device is expected to fill a “long-awaited gap in the market”, which is that of a mass-consumer dongle that runs full-fledged Android TV. There is no information on when the device will be launched. The company originally planned to launch it alongside its annual I/O conference.

However, with Google I/O now being cancelled due to coronavirus fears, it is anybody’s guess as to when the second-generation Chromecast Ultra will see the light of the day.