A new Google TV Box has surfaced online, aiming to fill the gap left by the discontinued Chromecast. The device, reportedly called the Onn 4K Plus, offers a generous 16GB of storage, which is twice the capacity of most budget streamers.
This leaked Google TV box is expected to support 4K playback, Dolby Vision, and Wi-Fi 6. This makes it a strong contender in the affordable streaming market. With a full-featured remote and a likely price under $30, it could be the next go-to option for budget-conscious streamers.
Last year, Google announced the discontinuation of its popular Chromecast streaming device. This move leaves a gap for users seeking a straightforward and affordable entry point into the Google TV ecosystem.
The Chromecast with Google TV (4K) and the newer, more premium Google TV Streamer remain available. Walmart seems poised to capture the segment of the market looking for a capable yet budget-conscious alternative. The leaked “onn. 4K Plus” appears designed to do just that.
Leaked Details: Power and Storage Boost
Recent leaks have provided a glimpse into the specifications and design of the upcoming Walmart “onn. 4K Plus.” The device maintains a similar form factor to previous “onn.” streaming boxes but with subtle design refinements. Key upgrades highlighted in the leaks include:
16GB of Storage: This is a significant step up from the 8GB we can find in the standard Chromecast and Walmart’s previous “onn.” 4K box. The doubled storage will provide users with more space to download apps, games, and other content directly onto the device.
USB-C Power: The power cable has reportedly been upgraded to USB-C. This is a more modern and versatile connection standard compared to the micro USB port on older models.
Updated Remote: The remote is expected to feature the “Free TV” button that debuted on the higher-end “onn. 4K Pro” box, offering quick access to free streaming content.
4K, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos: It comes along with HDR formats like Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos audio. This ensures a high-quality viewing experience for compatible TVs and sound systems.
Under the Hood: It suggests a potential performance improvement over previous “onn” models. The device is also on the list with 2GB of RAM.
Targeting the US Market
Interestingly, the leaked packaging includes a “US compatible only” disclaimer, along with a manual specifying that Google TV services will not be supported outside of the US and Puerto Rico.
This suggests that Walmart is initially focusing this device on the North American market, potentially enforcing a software-based region lock similar.
Implications for the Streaming Device Landscape
The arrival of a more powerful and storage-rich budget Google TV box from Walmart could have significant implications for the streaming device market.
With Google seemingly shifting its focus towards higher-end streaming solutions, Walmart is strategically positioning itself to cater to the value-conscious consumer.
The “onn. 4K Plus” with 16GB of storage could become a compelling alternative for those seeking a feature-rich Google TV experience without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The leaked “onn. 4K Plus” Google TV box from Walmart appears to be a well-timed and potentially impactful entry into the streaming device arena.
By offering a significant storage upgrade and modern features like USB-C power and Dolby Vision/Atmos support at an expected affordable price point, Walmart is directly addressing a segment of the market left somewhat underserved by Google’s recent product strategy.
As consumers await an official announcement and release, the “onn. 4K Plus” shapes up to be a strong contender for those seeking a capable and budget-friendly Chromecast replacement with ample storage for their streaming needs in the US market.
