7 memorable moments in Chromecast's history

Aug 06, 2024

[[read-time]] min read

Take a look back at Chromecast’s evolution over the past 11 years — and learn about the future of streaming TV with Google.

Majd Bakar

VP of Engineering, Health & Home

General summary

Chromecast, the popular streaming device, is bidding farewell after 11 years and over 100 million devices sold. Chromecast revolutionized TV streaming by offering an easy and affordable way to cast online content onto TVs. As technology advanced, Google invested in embedding Chromecast technology into millions of TV devices, including Android TV, making streaming more accessible than ever. To mark this transition, Google is introducing Google TV Streamer, a premium device designed for the modern era of entertainment and smart home needs.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Bullet points

Chromecast, with over 100 million devices sold, is ending production after 11 years.
- Chromecast revolutionized streaming by offering an affordable and simple way to cast online content onto TVs.
- Technology advancements and the rise of smart TVs with built-in streaming capabilities have changed the landscape.
- Google is introducing Google TV Streamer, a more advanced device for entertainment and smart home needs.
- Chromecast's legacy is celebrated with a look back at some of its memorable moments.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Basic explainer

Chromecast, a device that lets you watch online content on your TV, is ending production after 11 years.

Chromecast was a simple and affordable way to stream content from your phone or tablet to your TV.

Since then, streaming and smart TVs have become more common, and Chromecast technology has been built into millions of TV devices.

Google is introducing Google TV Streamer, a new device that builds on Chromecast technology and offers more features for entertainment and smart home needs.

Summaries were generated by Google AI. Generative AI is experimental.

Explore other styles:

Illustration of three people sitting in front of a TV. Four iterations of Chromecast devices surround them in bubbles.

After 11 years and over 100 million devices sold, we're ending production of Chromecast, which will now only be available while supplies last. The time has now come to evolve the smart TV streaming device category — primed for the new area of AI, entertainment and smart homes. With this, there are no changes to our support policy for existing Chromecast devices, with continued software and security updates to the latest devices.

When we launched Chromecast, most TVs had few (if any) apps, streaming was unreliable and complicated and connecting your TV to your phone, tablet or laptop was clunky and hard. Chromecast was our answer to this problem, a simple and affordable way to cast your favorite online content right on your TV screen. It was as easy as plugging in the device and hitting play. Chromecast’s small dongle form factor made it easy to hide behind a TV, and the affordable price made it accessible to millions and the perfect gift for many.

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. Thousands of apps support casting, making it easier than ever to watch your content from your phone and tablet on the big screen. 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.

Today, we’re introducing Google TV Streamer, a more premium device built for the new era of entertainment and smart home needs. With Google TV Streamer, you can not only indulge your entertainment needs, but also have a hub for your whole smart home.

Still, Google TV Streamer wouldn't exist without Chromecast paving the way. To honor the end of this era, here is a trip down memory lane of some of Chromecast's biggest moments.

2013: This tiny device brought the experience of casting content from your phone to the biggest screen in your house. Chromecast (1st gen) was a small, portable stick that plugged right into the HDMI port of your TV. You could then use your phone, tablet or computer to wirelessly cast content from apps like YouTube.
2015: The second-generation Chromecast had a new dongle design, plus new color options (yellow and red, in addition to black). Switching to a dongle made it easier to tuck Chromecast behind your TV. And with a magnetized back and HDMI plug, it attached perfectly to TVs and wall mounts.
2015: We launched Chromecast Audio, a streaming music player, which could plug directly into speakers or home theater systems for easy audio streaming. It transformed any speaker into a modern streaming audio system. It also featured a headphone jack and grooved design to resemble a vinyl record.
2016: Chromecast Ultra was the first Chromecast device to provide 4K streaming and an ethernet port for uninterrupted viewing. It was also the first to support Dolby Vision.
2018: The third generation of Chromecast leveled up with smoother playback support and 15% faster speeds than its predecessor. We also added support for Dolby Digital PlusTM and fully integrated Chromecast with Nest smart speakers, so you could control your TV with a quick “Hey Google.”
2020: Chromecast with Google TV (4K) came onto the scene to organize all your entertainment in one place with tailored recommendations, a personal watchlist and the ability to search across all your apps at once using your voice. We also introduced our most-requested feature: a voice remote.
2022: We launched Chromecast with Google TV (HD), built with affordability in mind, to bring the Google TV experience — including access to over 10,000 apps in 1080p — to even more people.