Google is axing Chromecast, one of the company’s most successful hardware products, in favour of the new Google TV Streamer. Chromecasts already in use will continue to receive software and security updates, but they’re not going to be in production anymore, and the search giant will only sell them until supplies last.
The Chromecast launched in 2013, allowing users to add streaming capabilities to any TV with an HDMI port for a relatively cheap price tag. The idea was so successful that Google went on to sell over 100 million Chromecasts over its 11-year production run. However, now Google thinks it’s time to “evolve the smart TV streaming device category.” The evolution? The $100 Google TV Streamer takes a new set-top box approach and brings many more features, including, you guessed it, AI.
The oval-shaped, 6.4-inch-long streaming device is by no means small, but it does bring enhanced processing power. You get 32GB of storage space, 4GB of memory, a Mediatek chipset powerful enough to integrate Gemini, and an onboard Thread radio for smart home integration.
Other Chromecast features like Dolby Vision and Atmos are also supported. There’s also more room for ports, including HDMI 2.1 and gigabit ethernet, although you get support for Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1.
The bundled remote also seems to have undergone some design changes. Instead of being tucked away in the sides, the volume buttons are now where they should be. A customisable button can open a Google Home panel for smart home control, switch HDMI inputs, or launch your preferred streaming app.
One useful feature is a remote finder button on the back of the streamer. Pressing it will make the remote emit a beeping sound if it magically vanishes among your couch pillows.
When you’re not watching TV, the streamer can also use voice prompts to generate screensavers or just use your Google Photos library to display images, whatever you prefer. Finally, speaking of AI, you now get AI overviews of shows, including full summaries, reviews, and a season-by-season breakdown of content. Google also claims that the device can curate content suggestions across all your subscriptions organized in one place.
Axing an extremely loved product only to replace it with a more expensive solution is a risky move, but Google seems committed to the vision. The search giant also needs to compete with Apple, which seems to be doing rather well in the streaming space with its Apple TV devices.
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