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Google discontinued the Chromecast line because it says the streaming-TV market had changed: streaming apps and smart TVs had become widespread, and Google Cast was built into millions of televisions and other devices. On August 6, 2024, Google announced it was ending Chromecast production, with remaining stock available while supplies lasted, and named Google TV Streamer as its successor. The change did not mean existing Chromecasts immediately stopped working or lost support.
Why did Google discontinue Chromecast?
Google’s stated reason was that the role Chromecast had filled was evolving. When the product launched, many TVs offered few streaming apps, and getting online video onto a television could be cumbersome. Chromecast made it possible to send content from a phone or computer to a TV. By 2024, Google said, streaming and smart TVs were common, and Google Cast technology was integrated into millions of TVs and other devices.
Google described the decision as an evolution of the smart-TV streaming category, not as a response to a stated failure of the product. Majd Bakar, Google’s VP of Engineering, Health & Home, announced on August 6, 2024, that after 11 years and more than 100 million devices sold, the company was ending production. The sales figure is Google’s reported cumulative total, not an independently audited figure. Google’s announcement said remaining units would be sold while supplies lasted.
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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Google did not say in that announcement that Chromecast was unprofitable or that poor sales caused the decision. The public explanation is about a changed market and a shift to a next-generation streaming device; it does not establish the company’s internal financial or production considerations.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Did Google stop supporting existing Chromecast devices?
No. Google said discontinuing production did not change its support policy for devices already in use and that the latest Chromecast devices would continue receiving software and security updates. Ending production and selling through remaining stock is not the same as remotely shutting down existing units. The announcement does not promise that every model will receive updates indefinitely, so support should be understood according to Google’s stated policy rather than as a guarantee of ongoing updates for all devices.
What replaced Chromecast?
Google announced Google TV Streamer as Chromecast’s successor. The product announcement described it as a faster, more premium 4K streaming device that carries forward Chromecast features while expanding the on-device entertainment experience. Google also highlighted Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, Matter connectivity, and a built-in Thread border router for smart-home use. These are launch-announcement details, not a statement about current price or availability in every country. Google’s Google TV Streamer announcement gave a U.S. launch price of $99.99 in August 2024; that is not a verified current price.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
How is Google TV Streamer different from Chromecast?
| Area | Chromecast | Google TV Streamer |
|---|---|---|
| Form and setup | A compact dongle designed to connect to a TV. | Positioned by Google as a more premium streaming device. |
| Viewing experience | The original Chromecast concept centered on casting content from a phone, tablet, or computer. | Expands the on-device entertainment experience while carrying forward Chromecast features. |
| Smart-home features | The cited announcement does not identify the Matter and Thread features described for Streamer. | Google highlighted Matter connectivity and a built-in Thread border router. |
| Price information | No price is stated in the cited discontinuation announcement. | Google announced a U.S. launch price of $99.99 in August 2024; current price and availability are not established by that announcement. |
What the discontinuation means for buyers
Chromecast production ended; Google said remaining units would be available only while supplies lasted. The announcement does not establish current stock by country, so the original device’s availability may vary. Google TV Streamer is the announced replacement, but it is a different product: Google presented it as a more premium device with a broader entertainment and smart-home role, not simply as the same dongle under a new name.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Rank #4
- Expand your home entertainment without buying a new TV; Google Chromecast lets you stream your favorites from your phone, tablet, or laptop; no remote needed
- Chromecast is easy to set up up; just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming to turn your TV into a smart TV; it works with almost any TV that has an HDMI port
- Works with the apps you already know and love; enjoy shows, movies, music, games, sports, photos, live TV, and more from over 2,000 streaming apps in up to 1080p
- With Chromecast, you can stream, pause, play, or adjust the volume right from your phone with just a tap; while you’re streaming, you can still use your phone as you normally do
- Mirror your laptop screen or turn your tablet into an even better entertainment system; surf the web or see your media on the big screen
Rank #3
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
