Google has confirmed that it is discontinuing the Chromecast line in a move away from cheap streaming dongles.

The confirmation came this week as Google introduced the new, more premium Google TV Streamer box, which is more comparable to Apple TV and Nvidia Shield.

- "After 11 years and over 100 million devices sold, we're ending production of Chromecast, which will now only be available while supplies last," said Majd Bakar, VP of Engineering, Health & Home, Google.

This includes all Chromecast devices, including the 4K and HD versions of Chromecast with Google TV.


A decade of Chromecast
The original Chromecast dongle was launched in 2013 and revolutionized the TV market at a time when TVs lacked the apps that smartphones had. In 2016, Google launched the first 4K-compatible Chromecast Ultra.

In 2020, Google launched a new type of Chromecast with Google TV that introduced a TV user interface and a remote control. It later added a cheaper HD version of the Chromecast with Google TV.


 Chromecast over the years. Illustration: FlatpanelsHD

Goodbye Chromecast
Now it is time to bid the Chromecast farewell, and in its announcement, Google explains why:

- "Since then, technology has evolved dramatically. Streaming and smart TVs abound. We invested heavily in embedding Google Cast technology into millions of TV devices, including Android TV. Android TV has expanded to 220 million devices worldwide and we are continuing to bring Google Cast to other TV devices, like LG TVs," said Majd Bakar. "So we are taking the next step in evolving how streaming TV devices can add even more capabilities to your smart TV, built on top of the same Chromecast technology."

Google confirmed that the existing Chromecast devices will continue to receive software and security updates.

You can learn more about the Google TV Streamer here.