Google added us all to the Chromecast lower back in 2013, allowing us to, without problems and cheaply play movies and greater on our TV, using our phones. Since then, the employer has released the 4K Chromecast Ultra, the audio-handiest Chromecast Audio, and two hardware refreshes in 2015 and 2018. It seems that, after six years of service, Google is beginning to wind down its help for the unique, first-technology Chromecast by using discontinuing important updates.
As the call would advise, on the coronary heart of each Chromecast is the Google Chrome browser, which connects to the internet to flow the page or video you requested for. Like every different platform, this underlying Chrome browser wishes to be up to date, and this is executed thru everyday firmware updates.
If you take a quick gander on the Google Support web page detailing the newest firmware version available for every Chromecast device, you’ll probably note that the original Chromecast is on a much decrease update than the alternative devices. While all the other Chromecast hardware is on version 1.Forty.156414, the first Gen Chromecast is all of the manners returned on model 1.36.157768. Looking at the “Preview Program” variations of Chromecast firmware paints an even worse photo.
Remaining on an older firmware model could all confirm that the authentic Chromecast will not see any new feature updates that can arrive on its more recent siblings. We requested Google to confirm whether the original Chromecast might stay up to date, and they had this to percentage.
Chromecast currently celebrated its 6th birthday. We’re thrilled that many of our earliest adopters are still taking part in the first-generation device, and we continue to update it with bug and security fixes.
Using data from WhatIsMyBrowser.Com, we recognize that the center portion of the Chromecast firmware model number more or less indicates which model of Chrome is used. For instance, 1.36 is based totally on Chrome 70, at the same time as 1.Forty — four variations better — makes use of Chrome seventy-four.
Based on this, it seems that updates for the unique Chromecast will in all likelihood remain based on Chrome 70, that’s already drawing near 12 months vintage, going ahead. Google might also, in reality, patch any necessary protection fixes into the older model of Chrome whilst updating to hold the original Chromecast jogging thoroughly and without main security problems just like the one we saw closing 12 months.
Owners of the original Chromecast can take comfort inside the reality that, regardless of no longer receiving the most important updates anymore, Google gave no indication that it would quit to paintings any time soon. To stay up to date, even though, you should simply don’t forget to get a more modern version to take gain of factors like 1080p resolution and the ability to be a part of a speaker organization.