© Deepaull/Pixabay
11 years after launching the very first version of the Chromecast, Google is putting an end to its HDMI key. On August 6, the Mountain View firm unveiled a new product called Google TV Streamer that replaces the Chromecast. It is a less compact but more powerful TV box that, according to the firm's explanations, “is designed to offer you the best possible entertainment and smart home experience.” The Streamer is also better positioned to compete with the Apple TV.
As for the Chromecast, Google has explained that it will be discontinuing its production. The company will, however, continue to sell its HDMI dongle, while supplies last. In any case, while the Chromecast, one of Google’s most popular hardware products, is going away, here are some facts about this product that you may not have known.
1 – Here’s how the idea came about
When Google launched the Chromecast in 2013, it was presented as an easy way to stream content (from a smartphone) to a TV screen. In fact, the Chromecast was very practical for those who still had televisions that were not “Smart”, since it allowed, in a way, to transform these screens into SmartTVs. Other users who bought the Chromecast were simply not satisfied with the interface of their SmartTVs, or the catalog of available applications. And even today, the Chromecast is a way to use the Netflix application on SmartTVs that are no longer supported by this app.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000In any case, if you are wondering who had the idea to develop this little dongle, we have the answer. According to a 2019 article by Fast Company, the idea for Chromecast came from Majd Nakar, a Google engineer who noticed that his wife, instead of using her game console interface to stream content, was using a laptop. A decade ago, many of us did this, either because we didn’t have a SmartTV or because we weren’t happy with the ergonomics of the televisions of the time.
2 – Google didn’t expect it to be such a success
Since its launch, the Chromecast has been a hit. In its 2019 article, Fast Company states that three hours after its announcement, the product was already out of stock. The magazine also quotes a Google employee who indicates that even at Google, the success of the Chromecast was surprising.
3 – 100 million keys sold
In any case, the Chromecast was a huge success for Google, whose hardware division sometimes has difficulty attracting the crowds. In all, 100 million keys were sold during these 11 years.
4 – The original version worked for 10 years
Otherwise, the first version of the Chromecast had exceptional longevity for an electronic product. Launched in July 2013, this HDMI key benefited from software support until May 2023.
5 – Technology integrated into hundreds of millions of TVs
In any case, if the Chromecast disappears, its technology is still there. Indeed, after launching the first Chromecast, Google began to offer its technology and streaming experience to television and box manufacturers. Google Cast technology is notably embedded in Android TV, which is used by more than 220 million devices. And this technology is also supported by other products, such as LG televisions.
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