Cheaper Google Chromecast? New FCC Filing Suggests it’s in the Works

Cheaper Google Chromecast could likely be in the works, a recent FCC filing highly suggests.

Google TV Profiles Finally Arrives — Chromecast Now Supports Multiple Users? — Google pushes deep into hardware with new Wifi, Chromecast, Home, and Pixel smartphone devices at a press event in San Francisco, California on October 4, 2016. GLENN CHAPMAN/AFP via Getty Images

Google Chromecast

The video streaming dongle of Google, the Chromecast, has been available in the market for a while now. But it only had one variant, and there's no budget option in sight.

Despite that, the Chromecast is reportedly considered one of the best streaming dongles out there, as per a news story by Android Central,

While its popularity with consumers could not be denied, it rivals giant players like Amazon and Roku, which offer its users the same features.

That said, Google might be working to make its Chromecast streaming device a bit more competitive by introducing a more affordable alternative.

Cheaper Google Chromecast?

According to the latest report by The Verge, the cheaper Chromecast option first got its shimmer of the spotlight way back in January.

Protocol disclosed early this year that the search engine giant is secretly developing an all-new Chromecast, which carries a cheaper price tag.

The report further states that the new budget option sports up to 1080p resolution. It is worth noting that the current offering goes up to 4K resolution. So, it seems that the compromise might primarily be on the picture quality.

The initial report also predicts that the upcoming streaming dongle goes by the name "Chromecast HD with Google TV."

Google Chromecast FCC Filing

But this time, a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing by no less than Google suggests that the tech giant is already working on its new Chromecast offering.

A picture taken on April 15, 2022 in Moscow shows the US multinational technology and Internet-related services company Google's logo on a tablet screen. KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images

The FCC filing offered a description of a wireless device that potentially be none other than the budget Chromecast.

Google did not mention the actual name of the device. Instead, the tech firm used the codename "Google G454V" to be more discreet.

But the explanation of how the "wireless device" works highly suggests that it is a Chromecast.

The device in the filing has a WiFi and Bluetooth connection. It also includes a remote control and USB cable, which charges the device. Not to mention that it supports video streaming of up to 1080p resolution.

All of these only hints that the "wireless device" in the filing is the streaming dongle of Google.

But do take this with a grain of salt. Filings such as this do not actually mean it becomes a reality right away. In most cases, FCC certifications end up being mere concepts. And the Google G454V wireless device is no exemption.