Google is releasing a new model of its Chromecast media streaming dongle, but there are no significant changes or modifications for the user.
Just yesterday, a new version of Google's Chromecast popped up on an FCC filing, the US agency that regulates telecommunications technology. However, no sign could be found of any significant additions or changes to the 15-month-old dongle.
Sure enough, when six members of Google's Chromecast team took part in a Reddit AMA session recently, a request to spill the beans was swiftly put to them.
"We’re always working to update Chromecast with the the latest software and hardware components," said Chromecast team member Jacky Hayward, "but we don’t have any new user-facing features planned for this device."
When pushed a little more on the nature of this release, Hayward said "No plans for big announcement on this one. Mostly because it will have the same features as the original and most users won’t notice a difference."
So there you have it. Meet the new Chromecast, same as the old Chromecast. That means no 5GHz Wi-Fi support, if that's what you were holding out for.
Of course, Google is always working on new software features for its hardware. "There's also work on the Chrome OS files app in progress that will allow you to cast pictures and video on your Google Drive from the built-in files app," announced another Chromecast team member.
So, for any bold new additions to the Chromecast dongle, look to the next software update.
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Via: Engadget