Google Chromecast 3rd gen details revealed ahead of official launch

Google Chromecast is due for an upgrade. The third-generation media streaming device is expected to launch along with Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL on October 9.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL may not be the only hardware Google will showcase at its October 9 event in New York. The company is also expected to unveil a new Chromecast. Dubbed as Chromecast third-generation, the device made an early appearance on the American e-commerce site Best Buy.

The listing, now pulled, gives away a few important details about the new Chromecast. The new screen-mirroring dongle will be available at the same price as the predecessor. Google Chromecast second-generation is currently available in India for roughly Rs 3,000. Google also sells an audio-only Chromecast media streaming dongle.

So, what’s new in Google Chromecast third-generation? The new device will come with Bluetooth connectivity making it compatible with more and variety of devices and accessories like keyboards. There will also be improvements to Wi-Fi connectivity making the content steaming faster and smoother. Apart from wireless improvements, Chromecast will come with a slightly new look with matte-black finish.

Chromecast is one of the early devices to bring screen-mirroring feature to any LCD/LED TV with an HDMI port. Since its debut the dongle hasn’t changed much as compared with much smarter Amazon Fire TV dongles. Chromecast hosts no app but allows users to use Google apps like Google Photos, and a range of third-party applications like Netflix and Saavn. Modern smart TVs like Mi LED Smart TV PRO and KODAK 4K 50UHDXSMART TV come with built-in Chromecast feature.

It was earlier speculated that the third-generation Google Chromecast would come with Android TV software, but recent reports suggest it’s unlikely to happen.Here’s how you can make your existing TV ‘smart’, without spending a bomb.

will announce a number of new devices at its October 9 event. While the focus is on the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, there are other devices such as a new PixelBook or Pixel Slate has new reports have revealed, the Google Home Hub which has a screen, and more. There is also supposed to be a new Chromecast which was spotted earlier this year at the FCC.

A Reddit user was able to get his hands on a unit ahead of its release thanks to an error by Best Buy. The Reddit user who goes by the name GroveStreetHomie was sold the new version of the Google Chromecast by a Best Buy store. Below is his narration of what went down:

I went to Best Buy earlier to pick up a Chromecast for my new TV, then I noticed the packaging and design was different from my first one. I thought it was just a design refresh taking queues from the Chromecast Ultra. Then when I was at the cashier, they couldn’t scan the item because it wasn’t in the system yet because the release date is on the 9th of October (Same day as the 2018 Google event) but I guess they put it out too early. But since I already had it in my hand and was the same price as the 2nd generation Chromecast, they let me have it under the old SKU.

The new Chromecast comes in black but now has a matte finish instead of gloss. It also ditches the Chromecast logo for the “G” Google logo used by the Pixel phones. GroveStreetHomie also says it is slightly thicker and the HDMI cable doesn’t magnetically stick to the base of the device anymore.

If you were looking forward to a Type-C port for power, sorry to burst your bubble but Google is sticking to MicroUSB again.

The device doesn’t work yet according to the owner. It requires a new version of the Home app which has not yet been released. Since the device will formally be announced on October 9 and go on sale on the same day, the update should arrive then too.

The Chromecast lets you stream content from your Android phone, iPhone or other devices to your TV. It doesn’t have a remote so you have to control it using the source device. If you don’t like the Chromecast, there is a chance Google will announce a Chromecast-like device with Android TV pre-installed and a dedicated remote. However, it will most likely sell for a higher price.
It doesn't happen often, but sometimes retailers put merchandise on the floor that hasn't yet been released for purchase, and that's exactly what happened with the unannounced Chromecast and Best Buy. Some lucky, unsuspecting customers, including redditor GroveStreetHomie, snatched up the hardware before the store realized their blunder.

The new third-generation Chromecast dongle device was supposed to be announced on October 9 at Google's Pixel 3 event, but surprise! Best Buy accidentally set it out 10 days early AND sold it to some customers under the old Chromecast SKU at the same price.

One customer that brought the device home was a redditor under the username GroveStreetHomie who uploaded a photograph of the previous generation Chromecast (gloss finish) beside the recently purchased one (matte finish) captioned, "I think I bought the 3rd gen Chromecast too early." Other users have been replying to their post saying that their own local Best Buys also have the newest version of the device on the shelves -- "Looks like mine isn't the only one that messed up," GroveStreetHomie responded.

When asked for more information about the hardware, GroveStreetHomie directed redditors to a 9to5Google page where more of pictures of the third-gen Chromecast can be found. As for the exterior design, not much has changed but the finish. A poster also revealed that when the product was purchased, the cashier used the second-generation SKU, because this one wasn't supposed to be available for purchase until October 9th, the same day as the Google event. GroveStreetHomie also confirmed that their Google Home app needed to be updated to set up the new device proving that this, indeed, is the awaited for Chromecast.

Now, we know that more than just the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be announced during the Google event. An updated Chromecast is surely on its way, new Pixelbooks are rumored to be unveiled, and maybe even some additional Made by Google products.