What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Google’s “turn a display into a computer” idea was the Asus Chromebit, a small ChromeOS computer announced in 2015 that plugged into a screen. It did not convert a TV’s built-in software into ChromeOS. Google’s current TV product, Google TV, is an Android TV OS-based entertainment experience, not a Chromebook for televisions.
What was Google’s TV-to-computer plan?
The closest match is the Asus Chromebit. On March 31, 2015, Google described it as a “full computer” smaller than a candy bar and said that plugging it into a display could turn that display into a computer. Google planned a summer release for less than $100. Google’s announcement framed it as a way to use a display as a computer screen, not to replace the television’s internal operating system.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
In a November 2, 2015 post, Google SVP Hiroshi Lockheimer described the Chromebit as an $85 device expected to be available in the next couple of weeks. Google highlighted uses such as replacing an inexpensive desktop or turning a business billboard into a digital sign. These were announcement-era prices and launch expectations, not current buying guidance. Google’s March announcement and November post establish what Google announced, but do not document the product’s complete retail history or a definitive discontinuation date.
Did Google make a Chromebook for TVs?
Not in the sense of turning a television into a Chromebook. Chromebit was itself a compact ChromeOS computer; a connected TV or other display served as its screen. The distinction matters: the device added computer capability through an external computer, rather than installing ChromeOS on the TV.
#1 Best Overall
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
The wording “Google’s plan to turn TVs into Chromebooks” is therefore best understood as a reference to Chromebit’s display-connected-computer concept, not the name of a separate Google TV plan. Google’s announcements describe the device and intended use, but do not use that exact plan name.
What happened to Chromebit?
The available Google announcements establish that Chromebit was real and describe its intended launch and uses. They do not establish its full sales history, total sales, market reception, or a final discontinuation date. It would be misleading to give a specific end date or claim a particular reason it disappeared on the basis of those announcements alone.
Rank #2
- The Google TV Streamer (4K) delivers your favorite entertainment quickly, easily, and personalized to you[1,2]
- HDMI 2.1 cable required (sold separately)
- See movies and TV shows from all your services right from your home screen[2]; and find new things to watch with tailored recommendations for everyone in your home based on their interests and viewing habits
- Watch live TV and access over 800 free channels from Pluto TV, Tubi, and more[3]; if you find an interesting show or movie on your TV, mobile app, or Google search, you can easily add it to your watchlist, so it’s ready when you are[2]
- Up to 4K HDR with Dolby Vision delivers captivating, true-to-life detail[4]; and you can connect speakers that support Dolby Atmos for more immersive 3D sound
Did Google plan to replace ChromeOS with Android?
In November 2015, amid speculation that ChromeOS might be folded into Android, Lockheimer wrote: “While we’ve been working on ways to bring together the best of both operating systems, there’s no plan to phase out Chrome OS.” His post addressed ChromeOS’s future, not a plan to put it inside televisions.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →On June 12, 2024, Google said it would develop ChromeOS using large parts of the Android stack, including the Android Linux kernel and Android frameworks. Google described the work as a way to accelerate AI innovation, simplify engineering, and improve how devices work together. It also said the changes would not be ready for consumers for quite some time, while regular ChromeOS updates and innovation would continue in the meantime. Google’s 2024 announcement describes a platform-engineering direction, not a TV-to-Chromebook product.
Rank #3
- Watch the entertainment you love with Chromecast with Google TV, including live TV in up to 4K HDR; discover over 700,000 movies and TV episodes, plus millions of songs
- Get fast streaming, and enjoy a crystal clear picture up to 4K and brighter colors with HDR
- Your home screen displays movies and TV shows from all your services in one place with Chromecast 4K; get personal recommendations based on your subscriptions, viewing habits, and content you own
- Press the Google Assistant button on the remote and use voice search to find specific shows, youtube tv streaming, or search by mood, genre, actress, and more; control the volume, switch inputs, play music, and get answers, hands-free
- Chromecast is easy to install and compatible with almost any TV that has an HDMI port; to get started, just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming
What does Google TV do now?
Google describes Google TV as a user experience built into selected televisions and streaming devices, powered by Android TV OS. You can get it on a compatible smart TV or add it to an existing television with a streaming device. It is a TV entertainment experience, not a ChromeOS desktop. Google TV explains the platform options.
Google TV Streamer (4K)
Google’s current Google TV Streamer (4K) listing describes a streaming player. The listing showed a price of $99.99 when accessed on October 4, 2026; the price can change. Google says the device requires a television with HDMI and an HDMI 2.1 cable, which is sold separately. It adds streaming functions, not Chromebit-style computer capability. See the Google Store listing for current details.
Rank #4
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
Basic TV mode
Google’s support page says Basic TV mode is available only on televisions that come with Google TV built in. In that mode, certain features are limited, including installing apps, accessing services that require a Google Account, and casting from another device. Those restrictions concern how Google TV works; they do not indicate that the television can run ChromeOS. Google’s Basic TV support page lists the limits.
Recommended Free Tools
Can you turn your TV into a Chromebook today?
Google’s announcements do not establish a current Chromebit successor that turns a TV into a ChromeOS computer. A Google TV Streamer can add Google TV streaming to a compatible HDMI television, but it does not recreate the computing function Google described for Chromebit. The two devices answer different needs: Chromebit was a small computer for a display; Google TV hardware is for television entertainment.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
