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Google is readying a Chromecast with Bluetooth support

The new Chromecast is based on the second-generation version, but don't expect a firmware update for the old stick.
By
May 7, 2018
Chromecast

The Google Chromecast is one of the company’s most popular gadgets, allowing users to beam content from their phones or computers to their TV. Bluetooth support has been absent in the two iterations of the product so far, but that could change with the next version.

Read Next: How to set up a Chromecast with your Android phone

A refreshed second-generation Chromecast has surfaced on the FCC’s website (h/t: 9to5Google). The listing shows proper 2.4Ghz Bluetooth support in addition to legacy Bluetooth Low Energy capabilities.

Bluetooth opens up a variety of possibilities for the new Chromecast, including support for a remote, gamepad, and Bluetooth audio playback. However, the documents don’t reveal how Google plans to use the wireless tech.

No Bluetooth update for older Chromecast

The new Chromecast would be otherwise identical to the second-generation device, launched back in 2015. Unfortunately, the documents indicate that Google won’t update the legacy gadget to support Bluetooth.

“For clarity, devices bearing FCC ID A4RNC2-6A5 will not receive the software update to enable legacy Bluetooth operations,” reads an excerpt of a letter sent to the FCC by Google. The FCC ID in question refers to the original second-generation HDMI stick.

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Google Chromecast with Google TV on table style photo

The tweaked Chromecast might not warrant a ton of airtime at Google’s I/O developer conference this week, but Google might have a similar TV product to show. Last month, a Google-branded Android TV stick with a Chromecast-inspired design surfaced on the FCC website. It’s unclear whether this is the real deal, but device photos were pulled after publications picked up the story.

In any event, if the Android TV stick is legitimate, we can expect a reveal at I/O, along with plenty of other announcements. Other potential stories include new Android P features, more WearOS news, and Google Assistant goodness.