In a significant shift for the streaming device market, Google has announced the discontinuation of its iconic Chromecast product line. After a successful 11-year run and over 100 million units sold, the tech giant is bidding farewell to the old streaming device.
To fill the void left by Chromecast, Google has introduced the Google TV Streamer. Positioned as a more premium offering, the new device promises to deliver improved entertainment experience and serve as a central hub for smart home control.
In a blog post, Google highlighted the journey of Chromecast, emphasizing its role in simplifying the process of casting content from smartphones and computers to televisions. The company acknowledged the device’s impact on the industry, stating that it had addressed the challenges of unreliable streaming and complex setup prevalent at the time of its launch.
However, with the rapid advancements in TV technology and the increasing integration of streaming services, Google believes that the time is ripe for a more sophisticated streaming device. The Google TV Streamer is designed to meet the evolving needs of consumers by offering a seamless blend of entertainment and smart home functionality.
While the Chromecast era is drawing to a close, Google has assured users that existing devices will continue to receive software and security updates. The company’s focus now shifts to the Google TV Streamer, which is expected to become the cornerstone of its streaming strategy.
The new Google TV Streamer provides access to over 700,000 movies and TV shows through major streaming services like YouTube TV, Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV, as well as more than 800 free live TV channels. It uses Google AI to offer personalised content recommendations and organises subscriptions in one place.
The device features an improved processor, double the memory, and 32GB of storage for faster app load times and smoother navigation, says Google. It supports 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. Further, Google TV Streamer integrates with Matter and includes a built-in Thread border router, allowing it to connect quickly and securely with smart home devices like locks and motion sensors.
The device is available in two neutral colours, Porcelain and Hazel. Google TV Streamer is available for pre-order and will officially launch on September 24, 2024, priced at $99.99. It can be purchased from the Google Store and other third-party retailers.
