New third-gen Google Chromecast goes on sale before official launch

[Image credit: GroveStreetHomie, Reddit]

In August an FCC filing by Google suggested that a next-gen Chromecast streamer with improved wi-fi connectivity and full Bluetooth support would soon be on its way. Well, now that third-gen device has arrived… albeit prematurely.

The new dongle was undoubtedly going to be unveiled at its annual hardware launch next week (October 9th), but one Best Buy store in the US has ruined the surprise by mistakenly putting it on sale early. 

A customer who managed to pick one up over the weekend has posted the details on Reddit. GroveStreetHomie shared a photo of the device, which he has described as “a little thicker [in comparison to the 2nd-gen version]. The top is no longer glossy and the Chrome logo has been replaced with the G Google logo”. 

The Reddit user also noted that it still had micro-USB connection, that the magnetic clasp on the tip and base of the Chromecast had been scrapped, and that it was also the same price as the 2nd-gen Chromecast. It should retail for £30 in the UK, then.

GroveStreetHomie said he could not use the device yet, however - it requires an update via the Google Home app that hasn’t been released yet. 

He shouldn’t have to wait too long to get up and running though, with the launch event (and on-sale date) just a week away. We expect full details of not only the streamer but also several new Google products to be revealed then.

MORE: Best TV streaming boxes 2018

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

Latest in Streaming Hardware
Google TV Streamer video streamer
Google TV Streamer
Sky
Sonos’s highly anticipated Apple TV rival is reportedly off the cards “for now”
Google TV Streamer
The Google TV Streamer just fixed its biggest flaw
Soundbar: Sonos Ray
Sonos’s Apple TV 4K rival could arrive soon, but it could also be significantly more expensive
Apple HomePod Mini
Apple could launch a new HomePod Mini and Apple TV streaming device later this year
Home cinema soundbar: Sonos Beam Gen 2
Sonos takes the next step in developing its Apple TV 4K rival with a new TV operating system
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position