New-generation Chromecast may be released on October 9

The new Google Chromecast may be unveiled and released on October 9. A poster on Reddit managed to get a copy early on from American electronics retailer Best Buy, where he was told that the player was actually only allowed to be sold from that date.

The date Best Buy provided matches the date Google holds its “I <3 NY" event. The Pixel 3 is expected to be unveiled there, but the incident at Best Buy suggests that the tech giant will also review the latest version of its media player.

Unfortunately, Reddit user GroveStreetHomie had little to say about the device. It is a bit thicker, the surface of the housing is matte instead of shiny and the micro USB connection is still present. When he wanted to start using the device, he was told to update the Google Home app on his Android device, but it was already updated.

The price was the same as for the second-generation Chromecast, but it’s unclear whether that will actually be the case or whether it’s because the cashier hit the device under the old generation. Other photos from another Reddit user show that the sku on the Best Buy shelf ticket is 4397400, a number that leads to the old Chromecast. The box actually says GA00439-US.

We already know from previously released FCC documentation that the new Chromecast should get better 5GHz WiFi through a small adjustment to the antenna. This would increase the maximum gain of the antenna reception from 2.1 to 4dBi. In addition, full bluetooth support would also be added.