Key Points:
- “Chromecast built-in” is rebranded to “Google Cast.”
- The rebrand aims to emphasize the “Google” name in the technology.
- Functionality remains unchanged despite the new branding.
At the 2024 I/O event, Google announced a significant branding update: “Chromecast built-in” has been rebranded to “Google Cast.” This move reverses the decision made in 2016 to phase out the original “Google Cast” brand in favor of “Chromecast built-in,” a change initially driven by the widespread consumer recognition of the Chromecast dongles.
As recently as January, during CES 2024, LG unveiled its new line of webOS-powered televisions featuring “Chromecast built-in.” Google’s on-stage announcement highlighted the benefits: “LG TV users will be able to start a video on their phone or Chrome browser and, with just a tap of the Cast icon, enjoy it on the best screen in their house.”
This branding was also present on the Pixel Tablet with its Charging Speaker Dock. However, the shift was made clear at I/O 2024 when Google introduced Cast support for Android Automotive, stating, “Google Cast (formerly Chromecast built-in) is coming to cars.”
The updated branding is now reflected on official channels like Android.com, with redirection from chromecast.com/built-in, and detailed in a Google Support article emphasizing multi-screen TV and audio experiences.
The rebranding to “Google Cast” integrates the “Google” name more prominently, suggesting a strategic move to align the casting technology with the broader Google ecosystem. Despite the name change, the casting functionality remains unchanged, though new product packaging will feature the updated branding. This change hints at a future where “Chromecast” may be reserved exclusively for first-party Google products, potentially phasing out the cumbersome “with Google TV” tag.
