Google announced the original Chromecast all the way back in 2013. The device is currently already in its third iteration, which launched back in October last year. Now, it looks like the company is pulling the plug on the first version of the streaming device.
9to5Google spotted on the Google Support page the newest firmware versions available for each version of the Chromecast. The first-generation device makes use of version 1.36.157768, while nearly all other versions that came after currently uses version 1.40.156414. The fact that it’s still on an old firmware version may be an indication that it’s not getting further major updates.
Despite this, it would appear that Google will still be providing bug fixes and security patches to the original Chromecast. In a statement to 9to5Google, the search giant said:
Chromecast recently celebrated its 6th birthday. We’re thrilled that some of our earliest adopters are still enjoying the first-generation device, and we continue to update it with bug and security fixes.
For what it’s worth, those who are using the first generation Chromecast can continue to do so without worries. That said, if you absolutely must have the latest features brought by the current-generation Chromecast, as well as the newer firmware versions, getting a hardware update may be the best thing to do.
(Source: Google via 9to5Google)
