Walmart, known for its affordable electronics under the "onn." brand, appears to be gearing up to launch a new Google TV streaming device. 

Leaked information and images point towards an upcoming "onn. 4K Plus" box that could serve as a direct competitor and potential replacement for Google's discontinued standard Chromecast, offering a notable upgrade in storage capacity. 

This move signals Walmart's ambition to further solidify its presence in the budget-friendly streaming market.

Filling the Chromecast Gap

Last year, Google announced the discontinuation of its popular Chromecast streaming device, leaving a gap for users seeking a straightforward and affordable entry point into the Google TV ecosystem. 

While 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, originating from early review programs, 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 found 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, a more modern and versatile connection standard compared to the microUSB 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: The box is confirmed to support 4K Ultra HD resolution, along with HDR formats like Dolby Vision and immersive Dolby Atmos audio, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience for compatible TVs and sound systems.

Under the Hood: While not officially confirmed, the chipset is speculated to be a quad-core Amlogic S905X5M with a G310 V2 GPU, suggesting a potential performance improvement over previous "onn." models. The device is also listed 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 to what was implemented on some of their previous streaming devices.

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.