GOOGLE has put the final nail in the coffin of its popular Amazon Fire Stick rival.
More than 100million Chromecast devices have been sold in the last 12 years.
Chromecast is the main rival to Amazon’s Fire Stick[/caption]
The Google TV Streamer replaces the Chromecast[/caption]
But the tech giant announced last year that it was planning to discontinue the gadget.
Now, stock of the most recent model of Chromecast with Google TV appears to have completely run dry meaning it will now be confined to the dreaded “Google Graveyard”.
The firm has released a premium replacement device called the Google TV Streamer but it costs more than the Chromecasts.
Google TV Streamer retails for £99 and packs a number of enhancements, including extra storage space, improved performance so the device runs faster and smart hub features.
And unlike the Chromecast dongle form, the Google TV Streamer sits as a set-top box.
But five months after launching, the device is still missing one key app.
Brits still can’t access the BBC iPlayer app.
The broadcaster says the app is missing due to “a technical issue which we are working on with Google”.
“The BBC iPlayer app will be available to install on the 2024 Google TV Streamer in the near future,” the BBC’s support page explains.
Fortunately, telly lovers can finally access the Channel 4 app after a launch late 2024.
Although Chromecast is consigned to history, existing devices will continue to work for sometime yet.
Security updates are expected to run until September 2025, according to Android Police.
GOOGLE GRAVEYARD – DEAD GADGETS REVEALED
Google has earned a reputation for killing off features and projects, sometimes before their official release. Here are just a few examples over the years:
VPN by Google One – the virtual private network service encrypted users’ data and network activity and allowed them to mask their IP address. (2020-2024)
Google Podcasts – the podcast hosting platform doubled as an Android podcast listening app. (2018-2024)
Google Stadia – the cloud gaming service allowed users to stream gameplay through web browsers, TV, mobile apps, and Chromecast. (2019-2023)
YouTube Originals – the Google-owned company shuttered the program, which produced original content including scripted series, educational videos, and more. (2016-2022)
Google Hangouts – the cross-platform instant messaging service posed as a challenger to Microsoft’s Skype. (2013-2022)
YouTube Go – the app was aimed at making YouTube more accessible on mobile devices in emerging markets, with features like downloading video on Wi-Fi to view later. (2017-2022)
Google Duo – the video calling app allowed users to call anyone from their contact list. (2016-2022)
Cameos on Google – the tool allowed public figures to record video responses to the most common questions asked about them, which would display in Google Search results. (2018-2022)
Backup and Sync – the desktop software tool for Windows and macOS enabled users to sync files from Google Drive to their local machine. (2017-2021)
Google My Maps – the Android application allowed users to create custom maps for personal use or sharing on their mobile device. (2014-2021)
Image credit: Getty
