Google's video streaming strategy has backfired

Google discontinued its sub-$50 Chromecast devices in 2024, exiting the budget streaming market and now only offers a $100 Google TV Streamer. Walmart's Onn brand filled this gap with Android TV streamers starting at $15, but PCWorld reports these devices now face stock shortages and price increases up to $60. This strategy backfired as Google lacks affordable options to compete with Roku and Amazon Fire TV sticks in the budget market. Google hasn't offered a streaming device for under $50 since it discontinued the Chromecast with Google TV in 2024. That's turning out to be a problem.