Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Google Chromecast 2 to have “the same features as the original”

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.

Read more: Amazon Fire TV review

Via: Engadget

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

author icon

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Trusted Reviews Logo

Sign up and get the best deals straight to your phone

Skip the hunt - get the latest discounts delivered directly to WhatsApp by signing up to the Trusted deals Whatsapp Channel.

Get Access