After almost two years of waiting, Google finally launched the new generation Chromecast. It came with the Chromecast Audio that’s designed particularly for speakers and wireless audio playback. The Chromecast 2 is obviously an improved version but mainly it’s WiFi is faster– now at 2.4/5GHz.
We managed to have our hands-on feature on the two models. Some people are saying it’s okay not to get the new Chromecast because there’s not much difference from the original version. But of course, specs are better. We just don’t know what’s inside exactly but now we’ve got a few details.
Google has worked with Marvell to provide the chips of the media receiver. According to the company, the Chromecast 2 uses a low-end processor–the Marvell ARMADA 1500 Mini Plus (88DE3006). This digital entertainment processor is the next version of the processor used in the first Chromecast. That’s a slight improvement and the chip still brings reliable and low-cost streaming solution.
The Chromecast Audio also uses the same SoC. The two actually have almost the same features and specs except Chromecast Audio doesn’t have any memory and doesn’t have ‘Max Video Decode’ and ‘Display Output’ support. Instead of HDMI and Micro-USB (Power), the Audio device boasts of a 3.5mm Combo Jack, (Analog + Optical Audio), and a Micro-USB (Power).
The Mini Plus is believed to allow more customization compared to the first Mini installed on Chromecast 1. No mention of clockspeed though but there’s a mention of it getting “up to 4900 DMIPS”. Marvell didn’t give much details on how the new processor can power the new Chromecast but since it uses the ARMADA 1500, we can expect it to have Vivante GPUs. All we know is that the Chromecast 2, powered by a Marvell chip is faster than ever.
VIA: ANANDTECH
