Looks like Google’s cheaper Chromecast is becoming a reality

Photo by Chris Welch / The Verge

Protocol reported in January that there was a cheaper version of the Chromecast that could be sold as the "Chromecast HD with GOOGLE TV."

A new filing with the FCC suggests that a device is on the way.

The FCC filing doesn't confirm a device. It's simply called the "Google G454V." There aren't any juicy leaked pictures of the device, which is described as a "wireless device" with dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wi-fi.

If you will allow me to direct your attention to this diagram, I think it will be clear.

Image: FCC

This diagram is supposed to be a map of all the connections between the EUT and the world. Look behind the display to see how it is. It isn't connected to the display with any cables. You can see that the only cable plugged into it is a power cable.

Notice that it has a remote controller, and that it was tested to stream video at high definition.

Image: FCC

I suppose there could be something else you could put behind a screen, but it seems like we're not talking about a speaker. There's no HDMI cable connected to the device in the test setup, so you can't stream video to a wireless soundbar or have a remote control. The barrel jacks have been favored for power by the company.

There is a device with a remote controller and a power source that can be plugged into a screen. I will be surprised if this isn't the same device that Janko at Protocol discovered.

Most manufacturers don't submit devices until they're close to the FCC. The price of a cheap Chromecast is likely to be seen this fall. I'm not sure how low the price will go, as the current Chromecast with Google TV already does 4K.

All of your favorite streaming services have been combined into a single user interface for the Chromecast. It supports both of those technologies.

• $40 at Google Store
• $40 at Best Buy
• $39 at Walmart

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