Chromecast turns 10 today: Google’s first-gen streaming dongle launched on August 01, 2025. Chromecast hardware has taken a few forms over the years — several TV streamers with and withoutGoogle TV, and even the one-off Chromecast Audio — and the occasion has us wondering where Google will take it next.
At the beginning of the year, we learned that Google has someunannounced Chromecast device in some stage of development. It seems entirely likely this unreleased device is a newChromecast with Google TV, either a higher-end model or a one-to-one replacement for the aging 2020 release. Still, we haven’t heard anything about it officially, and the first-generation Chromecast’s birthday is a fine occasion to make some wishes. Here are three possibilities we’d love to see!
How to use Google TV
How to use Google’s version of Plex
A new classic Chromecast
If you want a Chromecast today, your only option is the Chromecast with Google TV, which comes in 4K and, more recently, 1080p in theChromecast with Google TV (HD). For most people, compared to the first few generations of Chromecast devices, that’s a good thing: a big-screen user interface and physical remote control make streaming much simpler for less technically inclined viewers. But many more plugged-in consumers have serious issues with Google TV, chiefly that its home screen is packed withsuggestionsfor shows and movies to watch that often don’t seem rooted in user preference.
The Chromecasts of yesteryear didn’t run Google TV — content selection took place entirely on external devices like phones or tablets. That’s still an option on Google TV hardware; Google’s newer Chromecasts are, of course, Chromecast targets, and you can play your favorite shows and movies on them without directly interacting with the streaming dongle at all. But as niche as an old-fashioned Chromecast receiver for your TV might sound in 2023, I think there could still be a place for one — especially since Googleended support for the originalthis spring.
Ideally, a modern bare-bones Chromecast would come with support for 4K playback and HDR standards like Dolby Vision, plus USB-C for power (previous non-Google TV Chromecasts all used microUSB). Built-in Ethernet would be a nice addition, too — wired internet access was possible on previous models but required a clunky adapter.
Considering there are 4Kstreaming boxes available for $30 or less, pricing for a new Chromecast would be complicated. Realistically, because of the limited opportunity for Google to serve ads on a device with no user interface, a new, basic Chromecast receiver might not be as cheap as we’d hope — but if it could at least be competitive with the Google TV model, I think a lot of savvy users would jump on it.
A beefier baseline Chromecast with Google TV
We’ve already written aboutwhat we’d want out of a more expensive Chromecast with Google TV, but there’s clear room for improvement, even if a new device sticks to the $50 mark.
Google devices generally don’t offer expandable storage, so an SD card slot on a new Chromecast seems very unlikely. A second USB-C port for easy access to external storage or other accessories isn’t out of the question, though, and we’d love to see it.
Performance could use a boost, too. The current baseline Chromecast launched in 2020 with a low-cost Amlogic chipset onboard that, for many users, is getting long in the tooth. Wishing for a Tensor chipset in a new $50 streamer might be a little too optimistic, but even something like a newer Amlogic CPU could make a big difference to usability.
A second-gen Chromecast Audio
The Chromecast Audio was a clever little device. It connected to standard speakers using an auxiliary cable, bestowing Chromecast functionality to audio setups without built-in smarts. It was discontinued in 2019, though, and Google hasn’t said anything to indicate a replacement will be coming anytime soon — selling smart speakers with Chromecast built-in is surely more lucrative.
The original was great at what it did, but a new model could be killer with a couple of additional features. The first (and so far, only) generation had a single aux port for audio output, but a second port would let the device slot more seamlessly into existing audio setups. Plugging the original Chromecast Audio into speakers with only one audio input meant you had to either unplug the Chromecast if you wanted to wire up another audio source or rig something up with switches or adapters. Giving a second-gen Audio aux outputandinput would solve that problem, plus let you broadcast audio from an analog source like a turntable to other Chromecast-enabled speakers. USB-C power is a must, too.
If your old Chromecast Audio isn’t looking so hot, you’re able to upgrade it to something like theWiiM Proreceiver. The WiiM Pro does have wired input and output, and it accepts audio streams over Chromecast. But it also supports Alexa, AirPlay, and more, and costs a hefty $150. Ideally, a second-gen Chromecast Audio would be a simpler device for a lower price, closer to the original’s $35.
Happy birthday, Chromecast
Really, a new Chromecast Audio or ChromecastwithoutGoogle TV both seem pretty unlikely in 2023. Still, we can dream. And while the existing Chromecast with Google TV is one of ourfavorite Android TV boxeson balance, it’s showing its age in a few ways, and an update could be on the horizon any time. In the meantime, we’ve gottroubleshooting tips in case your Chromecast is acting up, plus a handy explainer on how current-genChromecast software differs from regular ol' Android TV.
