Skip to main content

3rd-generation Chromecast leaks again as part of Google ‘Smart TV kit’

Over the weekend, the third-generation Chromecast leaked after early retail availability at Best Buy. The Made by Google streaming puck leaked again today as part of a rebranded “Smart TV Kit.”

A retail employee this evening posted a new picture on Reddit (via Android Police) of the Google Home Mini & Chromecast bundle already available as a Wal-Mart exclusive. However, instead of the box just generically naming the contents of the bundle, the package is now refered to as a “Smart TV kit.”

The box clearly shows the new Chromecast with rounded edges and matte surface instead of a glossy black finish. Meanwhile, the Chrome logo makes way for the Google ‘G’ to better fit in with the Made by Google lineup.

As detailed by the FCC, this device is near identical to the three-year old 2nd generation Chromecast. However, it benefits from improved Wi-Fi and the mysterious addition of Bluetooth.

Some speculated that this connectivity could allow for a physical remote, but one is not included in the package. Meanwhile, the HDMI port loses the convenient magnetic connector that previously ensured the dongle did not dangle, while power is still delivered over microUSB (and not USB-C).

Given that this is the second time in less than a week that the new device has arrived at a retailer, it’s likely that availability is imminent. According to the first leak, the new Chromecast will be available on October 9th at Best Buy.

Meanwhile, Google angling the Home Mini and Chromecast as a Smart TV kit is clever given the recent addition of more visual responses. Besides the weather and YouTube search results, visualizations for sports scores, stocks, and other queries from Google Home will now appear on connected TVs.

More on Chromecast:


Check out 9to5Google on YouTube for more news:

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Google — experts who break news about Google and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Google on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

Author

Avatar for Abner Li Abner Li

Editor-in-chief. Interested in the minutiae of Google and Alphabet. Tips/talk: abner@9to5g.com