The original Chromecast became an instant hit after it launched in 2013. After six years, Google is winding down support for the device, according to a report by 9to5Google.

No more major updates
Since the original Chromecast, Google has introduced several upgraded dongles, including one with support for 4K HDR. Over the same period, it has added new features such as multiroom capabilities to the dongles via software updates.


Original Chromecast (left), Chromecast 2 (center), Chromecast Ultra (right)

9to5Google noticed that the original Chromecast is starting to fall behind the newer hardware, running an outdated version - roughly one year older - of the embedded Chrome browser. So they asked Google about it.

- "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," said Google.

The original Chromecast will continue to work and Google will continue to provide bug and security fixes. However, major future updates will be reserved for the newer Chromecasts.

- Source:  9to5Google