Skip to main content

Chromecast domination: The streamer beats out Roku, Apple TV in Q3

Chromecast 2015
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
Roku may take the top spot when it comes to the most commonly used non-gaming streaming devices, but it’s Chromecast that topped sales worldwide in Q3. The most recent Global Connected TV Device Vendor Share report released by Strategy Analytics estimates that Google’s device claimed a 35 percent market share during the quarter, with Apple TV following at 20 percent and Roku and Amazon Fire TV each claiming 16 percent.

Connected TV devices have continued to perform well, even as smart TVs  become more common. During Q3, over 52.7 million were sold, which marks an 18 percent increase from Q3 2014, according to the report. “Despite the growing penetration of integrated smart TVs, digital media streamers such as Chromecast and Fire TV continue to prove popular with consumers thanks to their low cost and effectiveness at bridging the gap between the Internet and the TV screen,” said David Watkins, service director for connected home devices service, in a press release.

Although the report shows that digital media streamers continued to grow in popularity, Watkins predicted that they will ultimately be replaced by other forms of technology. He argued that “the long-term viability of such devices will be threatened by advancements in smart TV technology.”

In the meantime, Q3 marks the fifth straight quarter that Chromecast has stayed on top of the digital media streamer market. The numbers do, however, encompass a period prior to Amazon’s decision to pull the device from its massive online marketplace. It will be interesting to see how Chromecast fares moving forward.

Additionally, as Variety points out, Amazon, Apple, Roku, and Google all recently introduced revamped devices, the sales of which are not reflected in the Q3 data either. It remains to be seen how consumers will respond to the new digital media streamer options, especially now that holiday shopping in full swing.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
Google’s new Chromecast is cheaper, tops out at HD resolution
Chromecast with Google TV.

Google, as had been rumored, today announced a newer, cheaper Chromecast with Google TV, and one that tops out at HD resolution and does not support better 4K UHD resolution.

The new $30 dongle looks and acts just like the $50 model, only this one is limited to 1080p and 60 frames per second. It still supports HDR, however, that's limited to HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, and it lacks Dolby Vision.

Read more
Google Chromecast tips and tricks to make you a master caster
Apple TV app on Chromecast with Google TV

Looking to up your streaming game? While smart TVs have a myriad of built-in apps and other features to keep you entertained for hours, adding a Google Chromecast to the mix really amps things up. Whether you're running a standard "casting" model or the all-new Chromecast with Google TV, Chromecast allows you to cast content from your phone or computer to your TV screen. The latest Google TV features a fully navigable app menu similar to Roku and Apple TV, along with a handy voice remote. But that's only the surface layer.

Once you understand the basics, there are loads more that you can get out of your Chromecast. Whether you want to put your computer screen on your TV or experience 3D VR, this device has you covered. Our guide to Google Chromecast tips and tricks is here to give you all the info on how to take advantage of these lesser-known capabilities so you can become a Chromecast master.

Read more
New Siri remote for Apple TV could be easier to find with an embedded AirTag
The Siri Remote in someone's hand.

Buried deep inside the code for Apple's latest mobile software -- iOS 16 -- is a reference to "SiriRemote4" and "WirelessRemoteFirmware.4," according to MacRumors, which noted the discovery made by a contributor at AppleDB, an online database of Apple software and devices. Given that all previous Siri remotes (the two original touchpad editions, plus the newest silver model) have been accounted for through other references like "SiriRemote3," the conclusion is that Apple is readying a fourth generation of this device.

Why is the the reference in a beta of iOS, when the Apple TV runs tvOS? On the one hand, it could simply be that Apple needs to keep its mobile remote functionality (which is now embedded in an iPhone's Control Center) up to date with whatever features a new remote might offer. Or, it could be because Apple is planning to add a feature to the next Apple TV remote that would require (or at least benefit from) an iPhone. And that feature could be a detailed Find My function, courtesy of Apple's AirTag technology.

Read more