Google reveals an Amazon Fire Stick rival with AI integration – but fans cry it’s ‘killing’ the beloved device

GOOGLE has unveiled a rival to the Amazon Fire TV Stick – but customers are criticizing the company for “killing” yet another beloved creation.

After more than a decade of making Chromecast, Googlefirst streaming device, it seems the chapter has come to an end.

The technology giant announced in a post on Tuesday that would halt production of the device.

“The time has come to evolve the smart TV streaming device category – ready for the new arena of AI, entertainment and smart TV. houses“, wrote the company.

As News came the launch of the Google TV Streamer, a $99.99 streaming box called a successor to the Chromecast.

The company promises better integration with Google TV, the leading streaming service offering more than 800 free channels, as well as subscriptions like Netflix, Hulu and Max.

The aptly named Google TV Streamer will be available for purchase starting September 24th, but the company is offering a preview.

The device has characteristics aims to simplify more than just the streaming experience.

A press of a remote button starts the Google Home dashboard, offering easy access to smart home devices and cameras.

It’s clear the company has left room for artificial intelligence as it continues its push to integrate Twins AI in every new release.

The virtual assistant can provide “thorough summaries, breakdowns, and season-by-season content breakdowns.”

There is also the option to use generative AI to create screensavers that appear when the TV is idle.

Those who don’t want to join the AI ​​craze can show off their Google Photos, transforming the device into a personalized photo frame.

The streaming box is designed to be placed underneath a television and comes in two colors: white and slate gray, available exclusively online.

The company promises better streaming quality and faster processing speeds to overcome common Chromecast pitfalls.

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However, some customers are frustrated that Google has abandoned the beloved device in favor of a newer model.

The tech giant has a bitter reputation among its fans for “killing” products, including those with a loyal following.

Fans criticized the News on X, formerly Twitter.

“Chromecast was perfect. Now we’ll be stuck with a device that needs to be replaced every few years because it loses OS and app support,” said one fan.

“Nooooo, I connect these things to everything. They are so convenient,” lamented another fan.

Some fans were in disbelief. “They can’t do this,” one wrote, seemingly at a loss for words.

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The Chromecast isn’t the first product Google has thrown onto the discard pile this year.

Speaking of Google TV, the company revealed last month that users will no longer be able to purchase programs directly through the service.

The company also recently announced that links produced through its now-defunct link shortening service, goo.gl, will stop working in 2025.

In June, Google One VPN came to a grim end. The virtual private network provided users with an extra layer of security by encrypting their internet traffic.