AllYouCanTech

In 2013, Google introduced the initial Chromecast – a device that captured considerable attention. Priced at $35, this small HDMI stick enabled any “dumb” TV to stream Netflix and YouTube. The appeal lay in what it avoided. Google wasn’t trying to create the ultimate entertainment system or usurp cable TV. It aimed merely to address a single frustrating issue: sending media from your mobile device to a large screen without wires or complex setups. It performed adequately for several years. However, as time went on, users began raising their expectations.

They wanted to browse Netflix for shows and films directly on their TVs rather than solely on their phones — a capability that Chromecast lacked at the time. They desired voice commands, menus, and the ability to explore catalogs. Convenience became paramount. Roku recognized this early on; likewise, Amazon with the Fire TV and Apple with its TV box. Even Google’s own Android TV platform began heavily emphasizing the full-interface experience. The original Chromecast? It increasingly felt somewhat… restricted. While Google maintained the brand’s presence with the Chromecast Ultra and later the Chromecast with Google TV, the basic “just casting” version couldn’t meet the evolving demands of users. Ultimately, Google phased out the standalone Chromecast lineup entirely, integrating it with Google TV — a decision we’ll delve into further below.