All-New Walmart Onn 4K Streaming Dongle Reportedly in Development for 2023

If you‘re a regular Walmart shopper, you may have heard rumblings about a new 4K streaming device joining the retailer‘s Onn electronics brand in 2023. Here‘s a comprehensive look at what customers can expect from this unannounced Onn 4K streaming dongle based on early reports and specs.

Walmart has ventured into the streaming device space before with gadgets like the Onn Android TV Box and Onn FHD Streaming Stick. But those now-discontinued products only supported up to 1080p HD resolution, leaving Walmart without a 4K Ultra HD streaming option.

Enter the just-revealed Onn 4K Streaming Dongle…

FCC Filings Point to Capable 4K Video Hardware

In January 2023, an FCC filing surfaced indicating Walmart has a new 4K-capable Onn streamer in development. The model number DV16105Z points to the Amlogic S905Y4 system-on-a-chip inside powering video decoding and processing.

This quad-core ARM-based processor is fast enough to handle 4K video at 60fps along with HDR10 high dynamic range playback. It‘s the same chip used in many decent mid-range Android TV streamers today like the Tivo Stream 4K and Verizon Stream TV.

We expect the Onn dongle to include at least 2GB of RAM and 8GB of onboard storage to smoothly run apps and games. Connectivity-wise, it will have an HDMI 2.1 port supporting 4K60 HDR pass-through and a micro USB port for power. Dual-band WiFi 5 and Bluetooth 5 provide wireless connectivity.

Here‘s a spec comparison table:

As you can see, the Onn model can go toe-to-toe on raw specs. But software experience is just as important…

Google TV Interface for Smoother Streaming

The Onn dongle is expected to run Google‘s TV platform on top of Android TV software. This provides a more personalized home screen with curated content recommendations based on your viewing history and subscriptions. You‘ll also get access to the Google Play Store for installing more apps.

Google TV aims to surface the shows and movies you‘ll actually want to watch from across different streaming services. Supported apps typically include Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube.

Voice commands through the remote are made possible by built-in Google Assistant. You can ask Google to search for specific content, control playback, get answers from the web, and manage smart home devices.

Compact and Budget-Friendly Design

As a dongle, the Onn 4K device plugs directly into your TV‘s HDMI port for a clean setup without the bulk of a set-top box. This travel-friendly design means it‘s easy to bring the Onn stick anywhere there‘s a TV. The micro USB power connector eats up less space on your surge protector than a wall adapter brick.

However, one trade-off is the lack of expandable storage since there‘s no USB port for adding external storage. You‘ll have to rely solely on the built-in 8GB. Dongles also can‘t take advantage of Ethernet for wired internet connectivity.

Most importantly, as an Onn product, the 4K streaming stick should cost well under $50. Our prediction is an MSRP around $39.99 positioning it as an affordable smart TV upgrade for Walmart customers.

Use Google TV to Its Full Potential

If you pick up the Onn 4K dongle when released later this year, be sure to take advantage of these tips for the best Google TV experience:

• Set up profiles for each person in the household to get individualized recommendations
• Use voice commands frequently to control playback, search, and more hands-free
• Install additional apps like Plex, ESPN, PBS Kids, or NHL to access more content
• Optimize settings to automatically detect your TV‘s capabilities like 4K, HDR, and Dolby Atmos
• Customize the Google TV home screen by reordering apps and adding your favorites
• Take advantage of Google Assistant to get weather reports, control smart home devices, and more

The Onn 4K dongle has the potential to become a popular entry-level streaming device at Walmart. Stay tuned for more details on the release date and pricing later this year!