It looks like Google’s cheaper Chromecast is becoming a reality

In January, protocol revealed that Google was working on a cheaper Chromecast video streaming dongle with 1080p resolution, which could potentially be sold as the “Chromecast HD with Google TV.”

utilities, a new Google request with the Federal Communications Commission (via Droid-Life) suggests that the device is indeed on its way.

Note that the FCC request does not directly confirm a Chromecast. For now, it’s just called the “Google G454V.” There are no juicy leaked photos; the filings simply describe it as a “wireless device” with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth LE.

But if you just let me turn your attention to this diagram, my friends, it will all become clear:

Image: FCC

The “EUT” is the gadget we are talking about, and this diagram should be a map of all its connections. See how it sits behind the LCD screen? Notice how it’s not wired to the LCD screen? Notice how the nothing but cable connected to it is a power cable, and that power cable is USB?

Also note how it has a remote control and – in a related part of the application below – it was tested to stream video at 1080p?

Image: FCC

Now I suppose there could be some other kind of gadget you’d put behind a screen instead of a Chromecast… but it seems pretty likely we’re not talking about a wireless Nest speaker. And while you might be able to send streaming video to a wireless soundbar or similar that could send video to the TV and have a remote control, there was no HDMI cable connected to the device in the test rig. In addition, Google has consistently favored barrel jacks for power in its Nest line of smart devices.

But Google does have a gadget with a remote control and USB power that plugs directly into a screen without any other cables. So I’d be surprised if this isn’t exactly the Chromecast that Janko is on protocol uncovered.

Not every device that makes it to the FCC is released, but usually manufacturers don’t submit them until they’re relatively close. I bet the price of a cheap Chromecast we’ll see this fall. I wonder how low Google will go though: the current Chromecast with Google TV already does 4K HDR for $50 (currently $40 on sale).

Chromecast with Google TV

The Chromecast with Google TV has a redesigned user interface that combines content recommendations from all your favorite streaming services. It also supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos.