Google has decided to cease the sale of the Chromecast, citing the evolution of TV streaming services as the primary reason. As smart TVs’ have become such a standard and now include basic streaming and casting functionalities, Google believes that the need for a separate Chromecast device has diminished. This shift in strategy reflects the changing landscape where built-in streaming features on TVs have made external streaming devices less necessary.
Instead of the Chromecast, Google is now offering the Google TV Streamer, a new product designed to connect to any television and provide a robust streaming experience. This shift is essentially Google’s new strategy, moving away from simple streaming devices toward more integrated solutions.
The change in strategy began in 2020 with the introduction of the Chromecast with Google TV, which included a remote and a full operating system designed to enhance content discovery. The Google TV Streamer continues this trend by providing a more comprehensive alternative.
The upcoming Google TV Streamer will be priced at US$99 (~RM444), just a bit higher than the US$29 (~RM130) Chromecast with Google TV HD. Google is not currently targeting the budget streaming device market, and it remains to be seen if the company will introduce a more affordable option in the future, as the dongle format could potentially support a lower price point.
(Source: Engadget, 9to5Google, The Verge)
