Google “killed” this hardware product after more than 10 years and over 100 million units sold

Google is ending its production Chromecast streaming device after more than a decade on the market and more than 100 million units sold worldwide. The tech giant will let existing supplies run out and replace the Chromecast line with a new Google TV Streamer.
Chromecast, first introduced in 2013, allowed users to easily stream content from their phones and computers to their TVs. A small, inexpensive adapter that plugged directly into the TV’s HDMI port, it quickly became one of Google’s most popular hardware products.
“Technology has advanced dramatically since the original Chromecast was introduced” Majd BakrVP of Engineering, Health & Home at Google wrote in a blog post. Google says its investment in embedding Google Cast technology into millions of TV and Android TV devices is the reason for the evolution beyond Chromecast.

Over its 11-year history, the Chromecast line has spanned multiple generations and variants, including the Chromecast Audio and Chromecast Ultra.
“We’re taking the next step in TV streaming devices that can add even more functionality to your smart TV, based on the same Chromecast technology,” Bakr wrote, introducing the Google TV Streamer.

Unlike previous Chromecasts that came with a dongle, the Google TV Streamer is more of a streaming and smart home device. It has a processor that’s 22% faster than Chromecast with Google TV, and it also supports Thread and Matter smart home standards.
While Google will no longer produce new Chromecast devices, it plans to continue providing software and security updates to newer models for now. The latest Chromecast with Google TV is set to release in 2022.