Streaming Devices | What About Technology?

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (WHAT IS TECHNOLOGY?) — Google announced it will discontinue its popular Chromecast streaming device next month and replace it with a more expensive model.

Google says Chromecast devices are only available while supplies last. They replace the dongle with a set-top box called the Google TV Streamer.

Now, many of these users will have to upgrade or switch to another device. Here are the differences between Google, Roku, and Amazon FireStick:

Roku is the most popular streaming device. The layout is easy to use and has more channels and apps than most. But the interface isn’t the easiest to navigate. Each channel or streaming service is a separate tile that you have to select to see what’s on, and it’s a bit slower.

If you mostly watch Amazon Prime, FireStick is a good choice with 4K and HDR support. Oh, and Alexa, which will find what you’re looking for when you ask.

Some people find the interface a bit cluttered with ads. Amazon always has the Fire Stick on sale, so you can get one for around $30 or less.

Google’s interface is the preferred choice for watching most of what’s live and streaming, and it presents content you might like based on what you’ve watched before. There’s a Live TV tab that shows hundreds of free shows and movies. And it displays content from your subscriptions, making it easier to find something to watch. Google TV’s new streaming interface should remain fairly similar to Chromecast.

These Chromecast devices will continue to work, and if you want one of these dongles, you should act fast. Google says they’re only available while supplies last. The new device is available for pre-order and will ship in late September.

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