Photo: Google
Google might be working on a new Chromecast with Google TV device, according to a recent discovery in the Google Home app. 9to5Google found that Google added a mysterious device, codenamed "YTD," to the list of Google Cast-compatible devices in the app. The device is treated as a Chromecast, not a Google TV device from another brand. This implies that "YTD" could be a new Chromecast with Google TV device that Google is developing. It is listed next to the current HD and 4K models of Chromecast with Google TV.
Earlier this year, another device, codenamed "YTC," was spotted in the app's code. It was clearly labelled as a "Chromecast with Google TV," but it never launched. The original model was codenamed "YTV," and the HD model was "YTB."
Chromecast with Google TV devices run on Google TV, a new version of Android TV. They have a remote and a user interface that allow you to browse and play content from various apps and services, unlike the old Chromecast models that needed a phone or tablet to control them.
It is not certain if "YTD" is a new Chromecast with Google TV device, and if it will be released. Google may be testing a prototype or a variation of the existing dongle that may never come out. However, a new 4K Chromecast device with better specs and features would be very welcome. We haven't seen a new one since 2020. We can only wait and see what Google has in store.