Best Buy is already stocking the unannounced third-generation Chromecast



Best Buy has a tendency of stocking products well before they are released, and it seems that has happened again. Last month, an updated Chromecast with Bluetooth and (possibly) improved Wi-Fi reception was certified by the FCC. Now someone was actually able to buy one from their local Best Buy.
"I went to Best Buy earlier to pick up a Chromecast for my new TV, then I noticed the packaging and design was different from my first one," Reddit user GroveStreetHomie wrote. "I thought it was just a design refresh taking queues from the Chromecast Ultra. Then when I was at the cashier, they couldn't scan the item because it wasn't in the system yet because the release date is on the 9th of October (Same day as the 2018 Google event) but I guess they put it out too early. But since I already had it in my hand and was the same price as the 2nd generation Chromecast, they let me have it under the old SKU."
The new model has a matte finish, instead of the glossy plastic that the second-generation Chromecast uses. The Chrome logo on the top has been replaced with a subtle G icon, matching the Pixel lineup. It's also a bit thicker than the older model, according to the report. The Reddit user was unable to set up the Chromecast, as the Google Home app said that it had to be updated first (even though he already had the newest version).
Even though this is definitely an updated Chromecast, it's still not clear if this is the model that passed through the FCC last month. The second-gen Chromecast has an FFC ID of 'A4RNC2-6A5' (see the model number here), and the model certified last month has an ID of 'A4RNC2-6A5B'. The ID on the pictured box (located below the barcodes) only says 'NC2-6A5', which is identical to the existing Chromecast.
The new model has a matte finish, instead of the glossy plastic that the second-generation Chromecast uses. The Chrome logo on the top has been replaced with a subtle G icon, matching the Pixel lineup. It's also a bit thicker than the older model, according to the report. The Reddit user was unable to set up the Chromecast, as the Google Home app said that it had to be updated first (even though he already had the newest version).
Even though this is definitely an updated Chromecast, it's still not clear if this is the model that passed through the FCC last month. The second-gen Chromecast has an FFC ID of 'A4RNC2-6A5' (see the model number here), and the model certified last month has an ID of 'A4RNC2-6A5B'. The ID on the pictured box (located below the barcodes) only says 'NC2-6A5', which is identical to the existing Chromecast.
The box certainly isn't out of date, since it has a picture of the new design on the front. Perhaps this is just a visual refresh of existing hardware, and not the updated model with Bluetooth. It's also possible Google isn't required to have the full ID on the box. Either way, now we know another product that will be announced at Google's hardware event - the company is running out of surprises.

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