Google has launched a new cheaper Chromecast running Android 12. The existing 4K version of Chromecast will also finally get updated from Android 10 to 12.
Google has this week confirmed to 9to5Google that the existing Chromecast with Google TV (4K) will be updated to Android 12 via a system update in the near future. An exact timeline was not announced.
Chromecast with Google TV (4K) has been stuck on Android 10 (from 2019) ever since its launch in October 2020. Google has provided only smaller performance and security fixes as well as a couple of new features added through app updates.
Also read: Review: Chromecast with Google TV (4K)
One challenge has been Chromecast's meagre 8GB storage capacity. This issue remains in the new HD version of Chromecast but Google has developed new processes to automatically or manually ('Free up storage' function) optimize storage.
Android TV / Google TV user interface will get a 4K upgrade with Android 12
Android 11 and 12 features
What is new in Android 12? Not much but there are two relevant improvements for the 4K Chromecast, namely automatic 'refresh rate switching' to ensure stutter-free video playback of 24fps, 25fps, 50fps and 60fps (apps must be updated to support it) as well as a user interface upgrade from HD to 4K resolution. Additional new features in Android 12 for TV are detailed here.
Android 11 features, which come bundled in Android 12, include HDMI 2.1 ALLM for apps, wider support for third party game controllers, and the Gboard TV keyboard with speech-to-text.
Now we wait.
- Source: 9to5Google
