Connect with us

Google

Google Ends Chromecast: A logical move with a notable concern

Published

on

Google

Key Points:

  1. Google has discontinued the Chromecast in favor of more advanced streaming devices.
  2. While logical, this decision might leave budget TV owners without an affordable upgrade option.
  3. 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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Android

Android 16 adds small but useful changes to status bar and terminal features

Published

on

Android 16

Google is working on Android 16, and while big changes are still under wraps, some small updates have already been noticed. These tweaks may not seem major, but they can improve how users interact with their devices.

One of the changes spotted in the Android 16 Developer Preview is the return of the status bar clock to the left side of the screen. This layout used to be common before Android 9, but later Android versions placed the clock on the right. Now, with the new preview, the clock moves back to the left, which could make room for more icons and make the status bar easier to read—especially on phones with notches or punch-hole cameras. However, this change might not be final, as Android is still being tested.

Another interesting update is in the Android terminal tool. A new feature allows users to resize disk partitions without needing a full system reboot. This could be very helpful for developers and advanced users who need to change storage settings quickly. Instead of restarting the device, the system now supports live resizing in many cases, which saves time and effort.

Overall, Android 16 is shaping up with some practical improvements that focus on convenience and better user experience, even in the smaller details.

Source/Via

Continue Reading

Google

YouTube Music adds new feature to keep song volume steady

Published

on

YouTube Music

YouTube Music is rolling out a new feature called “Stable volume” to make your listening experience better. This option helps keep the sound level the same across all songs, so you won’t have to turn the volume up or down when switching tracks.

Sometimes, songs are louder or softer depending on how they were made. This new feature fixes that by adjusting each track so that all music plays at a similar volume. It’s especially useful when you’re using headphones or listening in the car.

You can find this option in the YouTube Music app by going to Settings > Playback & restrictions, where you’ll see a switch for “Stable volume.” It works for both free and Premium users, and it’s now appearing on Android devices (version 7.07 or later). iOS support may come soon, but it’s not available yet.

This is a welcome update, as many streaming apps like Spotify and Apple Music already have similar volume balancing tools. It helps make playlists and albums sound smoother and more enjoyable without constant volume changes.

So far, the feature is being released in stages, so you might not see it right away, but it should show up soon for everyone.

Continue Reading

Android

Android 16 beta adds battery health info, Pixel Fold gets better at detecting opens and closes

Published

on

Android 16

Google has released the Android 16 Beta 1 update for Pixel phones, and it brings some helpful new features. One of the key additions is battery health information, which is now available in the settings. Pixel users can now see the battery’s manufacturing date, charge cycles, and overall health score. This can help people understand how well their battery is holding up over time. While this feature is currently hidden under developer options, it might be fully added in a future update.

At the same time, Google is also working to improve the Pixel Fold. With Android 16 Beta 1, there’s a new system that better detects when the phone is opened or closed. This new method uses the hinge angle to more accurately understand the device’s position. Unlike older systems that could be affected by software bugs or slow response times, this new one seems to be more reliable and faster.

These changes are important for people who use foldable phones like the Pixel Fold, as better hinge detection can lead to smoother app transitions and fewer bugs. And for all Pixel users, having detailed battery info can help with managing phone performance and deciding when it’s time for a battery replacement.

Overall, Android 16 Beta 1 focuses on giving users more control and smoother experiences, especially for those with foldables.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 I AM Judge