Google Is Adding Bluetooth and Stronger WiFi to Chromecast

From PC Mag: If you wish that Google's Chromecast digital media streamer had better wireless connectivity or could connect to Bluetooth devices easily, then we have some good news. It looks as though the entry-level Chromecast is in line for an upgrade.

As Variety reports, a new FCC filing has been spotted which details some hardware upgrades coming to the Chromecast. The new model will be enhanced with support for Bluetooth and a boost in strength for the wireless connectivity. More specifically, the antenna inside the Chromecast is getting a "0.5mm trim" so as to increase the 5GHz antenna gain from 2.1dBi to 4dBi.

The antenna tweak will mean you should have an easier time getting this Chromecast to connect, especially if your TV is quite far away from your wireless router. As for the addition of Bluetooth, it should make connecting to other Bluetooth devices a simple affair. Bluetooth speakers seem to be the most obvious candidate for Chromecast connectivity.

The new model number will be NC2-6A5B in case you want to keep an eye on when it appears for sale. It is unlikely Google will make a big deal about the changes, although I'd be surprised if there wasn't some new blurb or marketing around the enhancements. It's also unlikely the look of the Chromecast will change.

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