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An Expected Discontinuation
The phasing out of the Chromecast is not exactly a shock. Since the launch of the Google TV Streamer, Google had made it clear that the older models would be sold until they ran out of stock. This has now happened: on the Google Store, both the HD and 4K versions are listed as Not available
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While you might still find them through some third-party retailers, these are mainly just clearing out their last units. If you’re interested in grabbing one of the last models available, you might need to act quickly.
End of Sales, Not Support
The cessation of sales does not mean that Google is completely abandoning its older devices. The company has confirmed that the Chromecast with Google TV will indeed receive the Android 14 update—though no specific date has been announced yet.
Regarding security, updates are assured until September 2025 for both the HD and 4K models. This ensures a minimum level of support for those planning to keep their devices a bit longer.
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Google TV Streamer Takes Over
With the Google TV Streamer, Google transitions to a more powerful, albeit more expensive, device. Priced at 119 euros, which is double the cost of a Chromecast 4K, this new device adopts a more traditional set-top box format, moving away from the compact design of the older dongles.
It features a MediaTek processor, 4 GB of RAM, and supports the Thread network. The goal is clear: to provide better performance and ensure a longer lifespan.
A Logical Evolution Amid Smart TV Advances
Google’s decision to phase out its dongles doesn’t come without reason. The company believes that today’s smart TVs already incorporate features similar to those of the Chromecast. Given this market evolution, the Google TV Streamer represents a strategic repositioning, focusing on enhanced performance rather than accessibility at a low cost.