Google has announced that it has discontinued the Chromecast lineup, after 11 years since the first Chromecast made its launch, and with 100 million Chromecast devices sold. Replacing the online content streamer will be the new Google TV Streamer. More on that later.
“Newer” Chromecast devices to continue receiving software updates
If you have been wanting to get a Chromecast for yourself, we would advise you to do so quickly, as Google will only continue to sell it “while supplies last”. Google also promised that the newer Chromecast devices would continue to receive software and security updates, although no specific model had been mentioned. The Chromecast with Google TV which was last updated in 2022 is the lineup’s latest and final model.
Google TV Streamer is more capable than Chromecast but costlier too
While Google Chromecast is put to rest, the Google TV Streamer will continue to carry its legacy. Said to be “built for the new era of entertainment and smart home needs”, it features a processor that’s 22% faster than the Google Chromecast with Google TV, and also boasts more storage and RAM.
Capable of streaming at 4K HDR, the Google TV Streamer also comes with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support. Additionally, it works as a smart home hub for Google Home and Matter devices too.
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), Google has also equipped the TV Streamer with its Gemini AI suite. In fact, when in ambient mode, you can use Gemini to create a screensaver art using generative AI on your TV via voice command.
Google Cast is still here, allowing users to cast media from their phones. Google TV Streamer can be added to speaker groups to control music in the house directly from the TV.
Internationally, Google TV Streamer can now be pre-ordered in markets such as the USA at USD 99.99 (about RM 448) and will be made available starting 24th September 2024. However, no info has been announced regarding its availability in Malaysia just yet.
The Google TV Streamer is no doubt a big upgrade over the Chromecast. However, it now costs much more than the Chromecast with Google TV which can beared a starting price of USD 29.99 (about RM 134), giving people the capability of streaming content to their TVs at an affordable price.
