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Google Cast name replaced with the Chromecast built-in branding.
If you’re confused about the current name of the Google’s media streaming devices, then you’re not the only one. The company most popular hardware product, the Chromecast and other apps part of the media ecosystem was rebranded under the Cast name. Now, Google seems to have decided to revert back to their old brand name.
Google has begun in the last few weeks to gradually shift from the Google cast branding back to Chromecast. This change not only applies to their direct line of hardware and software products, but to that of associated third-party products from Toshiba and Vizio as well. More specifically, Google has started to increasingly refer to their media streaming technology ecosystem as “Chromecast built-in.” Of course, this change also applied to marketing and public relations affairs. Most notably, Google recently renamed its Twitter account from @googlecast to @chromecast.
However, a number of associated Google sites, among which even the Android TV page, still mention the Google Cast branding. The name was associated for a long time with the Chromecast APIs for various developers. The initial rebranding from Chromecast to Google Cast of the whole ecosystem took place in March 2016. In a Google blog post, the company stated that the new brand name better reflects the fact that the Google cast technology is supported by various devices including Chromecast, TVs, speakers, and other displays.
The return to the original branding is bound to create a new wave of confusion among users, a fact which was made many industry experts question why the change of heart from Google. The company did not make any official announcement, but a spokesperson for the company told Engadget that the Chromecast branding allows users identify the devices and technology that they are already familiar with and come to appreciate. Additionally, the official switch of the entire ecosystem of hardware and software won’t place until 2017.
With this recent change, it seems that Google has to improve on its branding skills, especially since the mother company is now officially called Alphabet. However, for many users, even those familiar with the company’s change in structure, still call it Google.
Are you Google Cast/Chromecast user? What do you think about this new Chromecast built-in rebranding?
Image source: Wikimedia
