The Chromecast, a lineup of digital media players from Google that has been celebrated by its users for its small form factor, practical interface, and relatively cheap price, is being discontinued after 11 long years, according to a new blog post that Google has shared regarding the Google TV Streamer, a replacement that, while offering an AI-powered, next-generation personalized streaming and smart home experience, will cost $99.99—a number that would make it twice as expensive as existing Chromecast devices. The Google TV Streamer is joined by a new Nest Learning Thermostat, a fourth-generation product that Google says is its smartest and most beautiful thermostat yet, coming with a redesigned Nest Temperature Sensor (2nd gen) in the box.
Product links:
Google writes:
- “Google TV Streamer…replaces Chromecast, bringing its best features to our next-generation 4K TV streaming device — but as a faster, more premium version.”
- “Google TV Streamer offers an improved processor, double the memory and 32GB of storage for faster app load times and smoother navigation than previous generation Chromecast.”
- “And with 4K HDR with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos, every detail, sound and image feels like a cinematic experience.”
- “…Google TV Streamer uses Google AI and your preferences to curate content suggestions across all of your subscriptions, organized conveniently in one place.”
- “And thanks to Gemini technology on Google TV, you can now get full summaries, reviews and season-by-season breakdowns of content, so finding your next marathon-watch just got easier.”
Some promos for Google’s latest devices:
Google on why it’s replacing Chromecast:
…technology has evolved dramatically. Streaming and smart TVs abound. We invested heavily in embedding Google Cast technology into millions of TV devices, including Android TV. Android TV has expanded to 220 million devices worldwide and we are continuing to bring Google Cast to other TV devices, like LG TVs. Thousands of apps support casting, making it easier than ever to watch your content from your phone and tablet on the big screen. So we are taking the next step in evolving how streaming TV devices can add even more capabilities to your smart TV, built on top of the same Chromecast technology.