Google Buries Chromecast: 5 Things You (Maybe) Didn't Know About This Revolutionary Product

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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 Chromecast in 2013, it was presented as a simple way to stream content (from a smartphone) to a television screen. Moreover, 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 purchased the Chromecast simply weren't happy with the interface of their SmartTVs, or the catalog of apps available. And even today, Chromecast is a way to use the Netflix application on SmartTVs which are no longer supported by this app.

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In any case, if you are wondering who had the idea to develop this little dongle, we have the answer. According to an article published in 2019 by Fast Company, the idea for the Chromecast came from Majd Nakar, a Google engineer who noticed that his wife, instead of using the interface of her gaming console to watch streaming content , was using a laptop. 10 years ago, many of us did this, either because we didn't have a SmartTV, or because we weren't satisfied with the ergonomics of televisions at the time.

2 – Google did not expect such success

Chromecast was a huge success from the moment it was launched. Fast Company reported in its 2019 article that the product was already out of stock within three hours of its announcement. The magazine also quoted a Google employee who said that even at Google, the Chromecast's success came as a surprise.

3 – 100 million sticks sold

In any case, Chromecast was a huge success for Google, whose hardware division sometimes struggles to attract the masses. In all, 100 million sticks were sold over the course of 11 years.

4 – The original version worked for 10 years

Otherwise, the first version of the Chromecast had an 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, like LG TVs.

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