Dongle deal demise: Chromecast-Netflix promotion ends following ‘overwhelming demand’

By Trevor Mogg July 26, 2013

Google Chromecast streaming video — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Since Google launched its Chromecast gadget Wednesday it seems every man and his dog, along with his cat and his goldfish, wants to get hold of the device.

The dongle, which lets people stream video, photos and music from their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop to their living room TV, has created a real stir since it was unveiled at a special event hosted by Google’s Sundar Pichai in San Francisco earlier this week.

With its $35 price tag and a special offer of a free three-month subscription for Netflix’s video streaming service, consumers wasted little time in jumping online to order the device.

Ah, yes, about that Netflix deal – it’s done. Finito.

“Due to overwhelming demand for Chromecast devices since launch, the 3-month Netflix promotion (which was available in limited quantities) is no longer available,” Google told the LA Times on Thursday.

Now, if you’re someone who ordered the dongle before the end of the Netflix deal and you’ve yet to receive Google’s gadget, fear not. According to the LA Times, Google has stated that anyone in this position can still redeem their Netflix promotion code for three free months of the service.

Chromecast is being sold via the Google Play store, Amazon, and Best Buy….or was. At the time of writing, Google Play is showing a shipping time of three to four weeks, while both Amazon and Best Buy list it as sold out with no information offered as to when its stock might be replenished. However, for those itching to get their hands on the Mountain View company’s new device, there is hope – the LA Times says it’ll be available at Best Buy stores from this Sunday, though we guess you’ll have to get there early to ensure you don’t leave the store dongleless.

Meanwhile, if this whole Google Chromecast thingymajiggly has somehow passed you by and you want in, hop over to here for an informative overview from DT’s Jennifer Bergen.

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