Google Ends Chromecast: A logical move with a notable concern
Key Points:
- Google has discontinued the Chromecast in favor of more advanced streaming devices.
- While logical, this decision might leave budget TV owners without an affordable upgrade option.
- The gap left by Chromecast could be quickly filled by competitors like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick.
With the recent release of the Google TV Streamer, Google has officially ended the production of its popular Chromecast device. This move seems reasonable, considering how much the smart TV landscape has evolved. However, it does raise some questions about accessibility for users with lower-end TVs.
When the Chromecast launched in 2013, it offered a simple and affordable way to stream content on your TV without needing a smart TV. You didn’t need a remote or apps—just your phone. This was a game-changer at a time when smart TVs were rare and expensive.
Over the years, as smart TVs became more common, the need for an inexpensive streaming dongle decreased. Even when Google introduced the Chromecast with Google TV in 2020, smart TVs had already become a standard feature in most households. Today, most TVs are equipped with built-in apps and streaming capabilities, which diminishes the necessity for a separate device like Chromecast.
Google’s current focus is on enhancing the TV viewing experience with more powerful streaming devices that can double as smart home hubs. Devices like Nvidia Shield TV and Apple TV offer superior performance compared to many smart TVs. Google aims to target this premium segment, rather than providing a basic solution like Chromecast.
However, while this shift makes sense on paper, it might not address the needs of everyone. High-end smart TVs, like the Hisense U7G, do perform well enough to negate the need for a Chromecast. But what about those who can’t afford these premium options? Low-end smart TVs, especially those under $300, can be slow and frustrating to use. For these users, a $30 or $50 streaming dongle like the Chromecast offered a significant improvement in usability and experience.
A recent poll from 9to5Google revealed that nearly half of respondents use the apps built into their TV, while around 25% still rely on devices like Chromecast or Fire TV Stick. Only 20% reported using high-end streaming devices. This suggests that a substantial number of users might be affected by Google’s decision to discontinue the Chromecast.
As the remaining stock of Chromecast dwindles, there could be a noticeable gap in the market, particularly for users who need an affordable streaming upgrade. Competitors like Amazon’s Fire TV Stick are likely to fill this void quickly, potentially capturing the segment of the market that Google is leaving behind.
So, while Google’s reasoning for ending the Chromecast is understandable, the decision may leave some users without a cost-effective option to enhance their TV experience. How this shift will impact the market remains to be seen, but some users may feel the loss of Chromecast more than others.