Google is discontinuing the Chromecast Audio

Since its release in September 2015, the Chromecast Audio has been a quick and easy way to add smart functionality to standard speakers. Unfortunately, after being on the market for just over three years, Google is discontinuing the product. 

A U.K. customer (who shared their story on Reddit) purchased a Chromecast Audio over the holidays only to have their order canceled. When asked why this happened, customer service informed them that Google was killing the product so the purchase couldn’t be fulfilled. 

When asked about this claim, Google confirmed to 9to5Google that it would be discontinuing the Chromecast Audio:

Our product portfolio continues to evolve, and now we have a variety of products for users to enjoy audio. We have therefore stopped manufacturing our Chromecast Audio products. We will continue to offer assistance for Chromecast Audio devices, so users can continue to enjoy their music, podcasts and more.

This turn of events is a shame, mainly because the Chromecast Audio made it so easy to control music on a variety of speakers from a Google Home. But because most modern speakers released these days include Assistant or Alexa integration, the search giant didn’t see a reason to continue manufacturing the inexpensive accessory.  

Going forward, the closest replacement for the accessory is the Amazon Echo Input. This $35 device attaches to regular speakers via a 3.5mm audio cable or Bluetooth and adds Alexa. 

 The Chromecast Audio is still listed as available on the Google Store for $15 if you want to try and buy one. After that, you’ll have to find used models at secondhand stores as places like Best Buy stopped selling it some time ago.