First announced to the world in July 2013 before making its way to Malaysia last year, we reckoned that the original Google Chromecast can now be considered as an aging product. Hence, it is not surprising that Google has unveiled the second generation Chromecast few months ago which we believe might be released into Malaysia very soon.
This is due its appearance on SIRIM database under the model number NC2-6A5 – just as stated on the label of the product according to this teardown by iFixit. Freshly listed on the databased today, it was registered under ECS Astar who also the same distributor that registered the revised version of first generation Chromecast (H2G2-2A) in April 2015. However, we didn’t spot Chromecast Audio in the database at the moment.
Apart from the new circular body, what made the second generation Chromecast from its predecessor is dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity, adaptive antenna system, and dual-core processor. Additionally, it also features extended HDMI cable which apparently helps reduces Wi-Fi interference from nearby electronic magnetic field source.
When the original Chromecast was released in Malaysia by Maxis last year, it was priced at RM 170. Hence, we don’t expect the Malaysian price for its successor will be any different even though its US price is USD 35 (about RM 145). What we more curious about is whether Maxis will be able to have the initial rights to the device or otherwise.
Well, we will keep informed once we received any concrete information regarding the official arrival of second generation Google Chromecast in Malaysia.
