New Chromecast Google TV Remote Revealed: Here's What You Can Expect From the Upcoming Device

Urian B., Tech Times 08 September 2023, 12:09 am

Google has expanded its search engine business to smart devices like Nest and even big screens with the help of Google TV. Now, the Chromecast with Google TV is getting a new remote.

Chromecast With Google TV Launched in 2020 but Comes With Android TV Beta

According to 9to5Google, the Chromecast with Google TV has reportedly been available since 2020. The device is finally getting the update it deserves three years after its launch.

It was reported that the Android TV 14 Beta has revealed what might be the new Chromecast remote for Google TV. The operating system recently went live and can be spotted on the Android Studio emulator.

According to Cord Cutters News, the new remote was "certainly for" the upcoming Chromecast with Google TV. The device came with a rounded shape and a navigation pad on top of it.

Chromecast Remote for Google TV Comes With Several Buttons, Including One for YouTube and Another for Netflix

While these features were identical to the existing version, it was reported that it would still come with some important changes. The current version has eight buttons, including the basic ones like Home, Mute, Assist, and the TV power and input buttons.

Users also get the standard volume controls and the D-pad on the back with a button for YouTube and another for Netflix. However, the new remote has some distinct differences with regard to its buttons and their positioning.

New 'Magic' Icon Spotted on a Botton

Some other additions include the D-Pad with two round buttons underneath, which could still be for back and Assistant. At the left part of the remote comes three additional buttons, which were assumed by many to be for home, mute, and shortcuts.

On the right side of the remote, there's a larger button, which, according to 9to5Google, would likely be a volume rocker. It was noted that the new button shows a star icon at the bottom part of the remote.

This icon was called "magic," as revealed in its system files. So far, this is among the limited details shown in the file, but one thing that's quite clear is that the custom shortcut actually surfaced in 2021.

Walmart Could Possibly be Working on a New Google TV Device

The device was reportedly spotted in the pipeline for a few months now, but there was still no direct evidence in the Android 14 building point that refers to the new device. So far, it's unclear when the new remote would arrive.

Aside from the no release date given for the device, it was also noted that the Android TV 14 remained in beta mode. So far, the operating system has only gotten its second update, but Zatz Not Funny! reported that Walmart is also working on a new Google TV device.