Google Discontinues First-Generation Chromecast Models After a Decade of Service

It’s the 10th anniversary of Chromecast.

In celebrating this, Google has decided to discontinue support for first-generation Chromecast devices.

Google says on its support page,

“Support for Chromecast (1st gen) has ended, which means 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”

With this statement, Google confirmed that there will be no further software or security updates for the first-generation Chromecast. Users are expected to notice a decline in performance as a result.

However, this discontinuation only affects the first-generation Chromecast, while subsequent generations, including the second and third generations, Chromecast Ultra, Chromecast Audio, Cast for Android TV, and Chromecast with Google TV (offering 4K and HD streaming), will continue to receive updates and technical support.

For users considering an upgrade from the first-generation Chromecast, Google offers various options.

The HD model, priced at $29.99, supports streaming content up to 1080p HDR and includes features such as voice remote with Google Assistant, smart home control, and casting capabilities.

Alternatively, the 4K HDR version, priced at $49.99, is available in three colors but requires a 4K compatible TV for optimal use.

In response to this decision, here’s what users say:

Fair enough, can’t criticize the support for this product. It’s had a great run.”—Fred

I don’t have any more of these in action, but they were great when new. I still have one second generation CC on one TV in my home that’s still 1080p though. Both of my 4K TV’s have the CCWGTV. Funnily enough, in my office I just recently replaced a set of bookshelf speakers and a CC Audio with a pair of Nest Speakers while they were on sale.“—Benjamin Haube

It’s so funny that the Google TV devices are a bigger headache for casting content to from your phone despite being more powerful and more expensive. For example you can cast content to it and it just leaves that page for no reason or makes you choose a profile before being able to see cast content.“—Colin