Key Takeaways
1. Google has ceased selling the Chromecast with Google TV, focusing on the Google TV Streamer as its primary streaming device.
2. The Chromecast with Google TV was launched in 2020 as a 4K streaming dongle, followed by a cheaper 1080p version in 2022.
3. The new Google TV Streamer, introduced in 2022, offers improved specifications, including 32GB of storage, better RAM, and an ethernet port.
4. There are many alternative streaming devices available in the market from brands like Amazon, Roku, and Walmart’s Onn.
5. The TiVo Stream 4K is a notable competitor, offering a dongle-like design and a limited-time discount, but it runs on an older Android TV version.
Google has stopped selling the Chromecast with Google TV streaming devices on its online shop, leaving the Google TV Streamer as the only streaming device available from the company.
Chromecast with Google TV Launch
The Chromecast with Google TV was introduced in 2020 as a 4K streaming dongle that operated on a fresh version of Android TV called Google TV. This device was set at a price of $49.99 and came in several colors along with matching voice remotes.
New Cheaper Model
In 2022, Google released a more affordable version, which only supported streaming at 1080p. This variant was named the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) and was priced at $29.99. It shared the same design as the 4K version but was sold in just one color.
Introduction of Google TV Streamer
Last year, Google unveiled the Google TV Streamer, a $100 streaming device that moved away from the dongle style of the Chromecast with Google TV. This 4K streaming device can sit on a TV shelf like the Apple TV 4K and addressed many complaints users had about the Chromecast with Google TV series, such as better storage (32GB compared to 8GB), increased RAM, and a quicker processor.
Additionally, it includes an ethernet port for wired internet and acts as a smart home hub since it has a built-in Thread border router and supports Matter. Its remote is similar to that of the Chromecast with Google TV and comes in two colors.
Alternatives in the Market
Not many people will feel the absence of the Chromecast with Google TV streamers, as there are plenty of streaming devices on the market, including options from Amazon, Roku, and Walmart’s Onn. If you’re on the hunt for an affordable 4K streamer that operates on Android TV, Amazon currently has one on sale.
One alternative is the TiVo Stream 4K, which features a dongle-like design and, as the name suggests, is capable of streaming in 4K. Launched in 2020 to compete with the Chromecast with Google TV, it originally cost $49.99, but for a limited time, you can snag it for just $24.99 on Amazon. While this is a 50% discount from its launch price, it actually represents a 38% reduction from its list price of $39.99 on Amazon.
Performance and Features
This device runs on Android TV rather than the newer Google TV and has only 2GB of RAM and a paltry 8GB of storage, although additional storage can be added through the USB-C port. The USB-C port can also be utilized for an ethernet adapter. It features a voice remote with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Live TV, and Google Assistant, and this remote can also control your TV’s power, volume, and input through HDMI CEC.
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