Why You Can Trust CNET Google's new Chromecast dongle plays hard to get
Google's new $35 streaming hardware is now listed only as "coming soon" on the company's online store. But there will be other places to buy the device.
Initial orders of Google's brand new Chromecast wireless video-streaming dongle are now gone, though some users are still having luck getting one.
The $35 dongle, which plugs into the HDMI port of televisions and lets users stream content from multiple device platforms, is now listed as "coming soon" with no option to order it from Google's online store. Shortly after sales went up, it was listed to ship between August 2 and August 7, down from the 1-2 days for initial orders.
The device's availability has fluctuated throughout the early hours it was on sale. It was listed as available for some users who were logged in with their Google account, though appeared as unable to be purchased to others.
The Chromecast was one of two pieces of hardware announced by Google on Wednesday. The company also debuted the second version of its Nexus 7 tablet, which is made by Asus and will ship with Android 4.3. Early buyers of the Chromecast hardware get 3 months of Netflix for free, an offer Google said would be limited.
Google has a history of selling out some of its hardware, though it's typically been phones and tablets, which carry a higher price tag. Last year's Nexus 4 phone and Nexus 7 tablet both sold out, leaving would-be buyers out luck.
Google's Play Store isn't the only place to pick up the Chromecast stick. Amazon and Best Buy will also sell the currently U.S.-only hardware later on Wednesday. Google also said it hopes the technology will be built into upcoming TVs, set-top boxes, and other devices.
Updates, 10:46 a.m. and 11:21 a.m. PT: Notes that some users are still finding luck buying the Chromecast on Google's store.
Update at 12:23 p.m. PT:And it's back to showing up as "coming soon" on Google's store.
Update at 1:35 p.m. PT: The Chromecast dongle is now available on Amazon, with free 2-day shipping for Amazon Prime subscribers, and also now Best Buy with free shipping.
Update at 2:58 p.m. PT: And just when you thought the updates were done, there's more! Amazon's now listing the Chromecast hardware as "temporarily out of stock." It's still in stock and available at Best Buy and through Google Play Store. Google's ship time is currently by August 7.
