Google’s video streaming box strategy has backfired

Relying on Walmart to sell cheap Google TV streaming dongles was a miscalculation.

Jared Newman | May 6, 2026

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.

For the past couple years, Google has effectively left Walmart in charge of churning out low-cost Google TV streamers under its in-house Onn brand. Now Walmart is struggling to keep those devices in stock and is raising prices on new ones.

Hold up!

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