The arrival of the Google TV Streamer will completely replace Chromecast devices. So much so that the company has decided to discontinue the famous streaming sticks altogether. That is, they will stop manufacturing more Chromecast devices and users who want to get one will have to take advantage of the units that are still in stock.
It was nice while it lasted. Chromecasts were perfect devices to turn a regular TV into a cheap Smart TV. But it seems that will be history. After learning that its replacement will double the price of current sticks, Google has announced that it is “ending production of Chromecast.”
After a decade in which these streaming devices had become a great ally in many homes, it’s time to say goodbye. As Google clarifies, they will continue to support newer models, through software and security updates. However, they have not specified whether they will go beyond the Chromecast with Google TV of 2022 or not.
They have not clarified how long they will continue to consider Chromecasts for their updates. Therefore, although there will still be models available for purchase “while supplies last”, there will be users who wonder if it is really worth it.
Why is Google saying goodbye to its Chromecast?
The Mountain View company believes that “technology has evolved dramatically” since the launch of the original Chromecast back in 2013. For more than a decade, they have invested millions of dollars in adapting these sticks to the new times. However, now, they are ready to take an even bigger leap, and that means leaving their Chromecast behind.
While Google could have dubbed the Google TV Streamer as the next generation of Chromecast, the change would have been too big. So much so that they have preferred to introduce another series of devices and abandon the Chromecast, which they already consider obsolete.
“We’re taking the next step in the evolution of how TV streaming devices can add even more capabilities to your smart TV, built on the same Chromecast technology,” the technology company said in the press release.
The History of Google Chromecast
As we have already mentioned, the first generation of Chromecast was officially launched in 2013. Specifically, on July 24 of that year. After celebrating their 11th anniversary just a few weeks ago, they have decided to say ‘goodbye’ to these devices in order to focus on their new streaming playback device.
Over the past few years, Chromecast sticks have been a favorite of millions of users to transform conventional televisions into smart ones. Thanks to these devices, you could watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Max, YouTube, Pluto TV, and access a host of apps from your TV, even though it did not initially allow an Internet connection.
Chromecasts have always been particularly affordable. For less than 100 euros, people could enjoy the advantages of a Smart TV without spending all their savings on a new television. However, that is no longer enough for Google, which considers its streaming sticks to be too old.
In total, Chromecast devices have lasted for five generations. The first four with Android TV and the last with the Google TV operating system:
- First generation: July 24, 2013
- Second Generation and Audio: September 29, 2015
- Third generation: October 10, 2018
- Fourth generation: September 30, 2020
- Fifth generation: October 18, 2022
Not to be forgotten is the Chromecast Audio (September 29, 2015), a device that served as a streaming music player to connect to speakers or home theater systems. Nor is there the Chromecast Ultra (November 6, 2016), which was the first model to offer 4K streaming, support Dolby Vision, and have an Ethernet port.
Many of us have been calling the Google TV Streamer the next Chromecast with 4K. However, the company is determined to completely kill this name. As sad as it may be to think about it, the name Chromecast will be nothing more than a memory in time.
