Google reportedly working on cheaper Chromecast device

Google is reportedly developing a low-end, low-cost Chromecast streaming dongle.

According to a report from Protocol, the device will run Google TV and support up to 1080p streaming. The report notes that the product currently has an internal codename of ‘Boreal’, and could be branded as ‘Chromecast HD with Google TV’.

The device would serve as a cheaper alternative to the more powerful US$50 Chromecast with Google TV, with the device based on an Amlogic S805X2 CPU with a Mali-G31 GPU. It would also be capable of using the AV1 codec which Google is pushing developers towards. 

Launching a cheaper Chromecast device would give Google a better platform to compete with cheap streamers from Amazon and Roku, especially in developing markets such as India. 

The report concludes that while there are no explicit plans to unveil the new Chromecast device any time soon, Google has historically used its October hardware event and I/O developer conference in May to launch products.