Google quietly ends support for decade-old Chromecast
Almost ten years after the $35 streaming stick’s launch in 2013, Google has discontinued support for the original Chromecast.
A support page that lists the firmware versions for each Chromecast model indicates that the end of support occurred at the end of April.
Google support pages noted, “Support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended. These devices no longer receive software or security updates, and Google does not provide technical support for them. Users may notice a degradation in performance.”
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A little, a surprisingly well-liked gadget the size of a key, the first Chromecast allowed you to stream video from your phone, tablet, or laptop to your TV via an HDMI connector. In an era when many consumers had not yet made the switch to smart TVs, it was an affordable workaround for putting video streaming apps onto your TV, costing only $35.
Although Google has officially stopped supporting the first-generation Chromecast, the gadget hasn’t exactly received regular updates. According to reports, the device’s most recent update, which was also the first to be provided for it in more than three years, was made available last November.
Over the years, Google created a number of other Chromecasts, including a 4K variant in 2016. The 2020 Chromecast with Google TV, however, brought its own controller into the mix. The streaming stick marked a significant change in the Chromecast series because it featured its own UI instead of only receiving video from your smartphone.
The original Chromecast was released in 2013 and offered a simple and affordable way to stream content to a TV. It plugged into the HDMI port of a television and connected to the user’s Wi-Fi network. By using compatible apps on their mobile device or computer, users could cast or mirror content onto the TV screen.
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Over the years, Google has released several iterations of Chromecast, including the Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast with Google TV, and Chromecast (3rd generation). These newer models offered additional features like 4K Ultra HD resolution, a dedicated remote control, and a built-in user interface for navigating content.
Chromecast devices work with a wide range of streaming services and apps, including Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and many others. They have gained popularity due to their simplicity, affordability, and compatibility with various devices and platforms.
Chromecast was once a popular choice for streaming media content due to its affordability, simplicity, and cross-platform compatibility.
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