Chromecast Audio is no more. Google has officially killed the wee dongle that makes speakers Wi-Fi compatible. Before its cancellation, the device was the most affordable out of Google's Chromecast lineup.
A Reddit user was the first to discover this, reporting that the Chromecast Audio they placed over the holidays was canceled.
Google Chromecast Canceled
A Google representative reached out shortly thereafter to explain that the order was canceled because the Chromecast Audio had been discontinued, meaning no more stock would be coming in. Google itself has since confirmed that the device is indeed being discontinued. Existing owners shouldn't worry, however — the device should still receive support moving forward, said Google.
This should perhaps come as no surprise. The device being marked down from $35 to $15 in the United States several months past was probably in itself a hint that Google was simply clearing up unsold stock, as 9to5Mac notes.
Asked why it had to cancel the device, Google explained that it simply lost a proper place in as the company's product portfolio broadens.
"Our product portfolio continues to evolve, and now we have a variety of products for users to enjoy audio," said the company. "We will continue to offer assistance for Chromecast Audio devices, so users can continue to enjoy their music, podcasts and more."
You Can Still Get It
Although the Chromecast Audio has been pulled from Google's lineup, it's still available for purchase on Google Stores in most countries. For those lucky enough to be living in an area where it's still in stock, it's probably best to buy one. Odds are it'll disappear sooner rather than later.
Few would probably miss the Chromecast Audio. Its functionalities are essentially present on most smart devices these days, anyway. That and the fact that smart speakers continue to rigorously penetrate people's households, rendering the device an unnecessary purchase. Still, its cancellation is a shame. The device was simple, straightforward, and most importantly — cheap. It added Wi-Fi streaming to any kind of speaker with an auxiliary jack, allowing people to cast their favorite playlists on their otherwise non-smart audio speakers.
Do you have a Chromecast Audio? Do you think it's a device that still makes sense to have in this day and age? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
