Google is engaged on a lower-end Chromecast with Google TV that might slot in beneath its present mannequin in value — and in addition video decision. According to Protocol’s Janko Roettgers, the upcoming, cheaper Chromecast will run the identical Google TV software program as the prevailing {hardware} and can nonetheless embody a distant management. But will probably be restricted to a most of 1080p video high quality.

Playing to that limitation, Protocol believes Google may market the gadget as “Chromecast HD with Google TV,” much like the branding of Apple’s Apple TV HD. The product could be marketed in the direction of customers with 1080p TVs who don’t essentially care about having the perfect image high quality. Other specs talked about within the report embody a most of 2GB RAM and 60fps body price and affirmation that the {hardware} could be able to decoding Google’s most well-liked AV1 codec.

With the 2020 Chromecast with Google TV priced at $49.99, potential value factors for the HD model might vary wherever from $19.99 to $39.99. The entry-level streaming {hardware} market is fiercely aggressive, with a number of fashions to decide on between from Amazon and Roku alone; clearly, Google desires in on that pool of potential clients.

The solely factor that might give me pause a few lower-end Chromecast with Google TV could be efficiency. The present mannequin can already get slowed down sometimes, so, hopefully, Google can ship a tool that sacrifices decision with out ruining the day-to-day expertise of looking streaming suggestions and apps.

This new Chromecast HD with Google TV would seemingly substitute the growing older, older-generation Chromecast that Google continues to sell for $29.99 — regardless of it coming with none built-in leisure apps or a distant. Like its predecessors, the usual Chromecast depends on customers to stream content material from one other gadget like their smartphone or PC to the HDMI dongle. Google TV is a a lot less complicated method that provides an unlimited app retailer, voice search, Google Assistant integration, and extra.