Google stops selling the Chromecast with Google TV, but I have no intention of replacing mine.
The new is not always better.
Google has decided to stop selling the Chromecast with Google TV, a device that was launched in September 2020. This adds to the list of hardware products that are no longer available, such as Google Daydream and Nexus Q. The withdrawal of this gadget from the official Google store was highlighted by several media outlets, with both versions, 4K and HD, no longer for sale. The HD model was introduced in 2022, two years after the original was released.
Although it is still possible to find this device through third-party sellers, Google has shifted its focus towards the Google TV Streamer, introduced in August 2024. This new device is offered as the standard Google TV model, priced at $99 / £99 / AU$159.
For those who have been using the Chromecast with Google TV, such as the 4K model, it may be difficult to consider a change at this time. Many users may choose to continue using their current device until it stops working, which could take several years.
The Chromecast with Google TV marked a significant evolution compared to previous Chromecasts, where the user experience depended entirely on devices like phones or tablets. With the arrival of the Chromecast with Google TV, a remote control was introduced that facilitated interaction, along with internal storage and a software interface that made it an independent device.
On the other hand, the Google TV Streamer, while not bulky, requires a flat surface for placement, whereas the previous Chromecast connects directly to an HDMI port. Additionally, the new device has a higher cost and storage capacity that many users do not need.
Both devices use Google TV, which has been recognized as one of the most prominent and versatile television software platforms, so there is no significant advancement in that regard. Many users will continue to enjoy their current Chromecasts until they decide it is necessary to make a change.
