Skip to main content

First-gen Chromecast still secure, but new features from Google are unlikely

chromecast
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first-generation Chromecast is now 6 years old. During that time, Google has dutifully kept it up-to-date with both security patches and new features. Now, however, it appears that the small HDMI dongle is headed for retirement, albeit slowly. Originally spotted by 9to5Google, the current list of Chromecast devices shows a discrepancy between firmware versions, with the first-gen device conspicuously lagging behind more recent versions. This discovery has led some to believe that no new major updates will be made available for the product going forward.

Not that this means you need to stop using your first-gen Chromecast if it still meets your needs. When asked by 9to5Google to comment on the state of first-gen Chromecast updates, Google responded by saying, “Chromecast recently celebrated its sixth 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.” That response would appear to confirm two things: New features are unlikely, and that for the time being, the device will continue to be perfectly safe and secure (or as secure as possible) to use.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though Google abandoned the audio-only Chromecast in early 2019, the current video versions of the streaming devices continue to be very popular, with around 25 million of the devices in use in the U.S. according to Strategy Analytics. Until the end of 2017, growth among all the major streaming platforms, such as Apple TV, Sony PlayStation, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast/Android TV followed a fairly similar trajectory, with modest but visible increases each year. In 2018, however, the Roku platform began to accelerate its adoption and has been on a tear ever since. It now dominates the U.S. streaming market with well over 50 million devices in use, a number that is much higher than the PlayStation at just over 30 million, which is in the No. 2 spot.

One reason for Roku’s sudden spike in sales is that two of its leading competitors, the Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV, were locked in a corporate standoff that kept Amazon Prime Videos from playing on Chromecast, and YouTube from playing on Fire TV. Though this feud has now been resolved, Roku used the fight to gain a much larger toe-hold among consumers and that commanding lead may be tough to overcome.

Still, Chromecast has some impressive features, some of which remain unique like the ability to stream Chrome browser tabs from desktops and laptops to the big screen. The Chromecast Ultra is the least-expensive streaming device that supports both 4K and HDR, which keeps it a compelling choice for those who want a no-frills way to access UltraHD content.

Editors' Recommendations

Simon Cohen
Contributing Editor, A/V
Simon Cohen covers a variety of consumer technologies, but has a special interest in audio and video products, like spatial…
A cheaper 1080p Chromecast with Google TV just makes sense
Chromecast with Google TV remote.

Over the past few days, rumors have begun to swirl that Google intends to launch a new version of its Chromecast with Google TV streaming media dongle. And according to a report from Protocol, which cites "a source with close knowledge of the company’s plans," this new model will be aimed at folks who don't need or want 4K resolution, which would make it a more affordable, 1080p (Full HD) device.

Given that Google's main competitors in the streaming device space -- Amazon and Roku -- both sell inexpensive 1080p models, it makes a lot of sense that Google would want to make a product for these same buyers. As Protocol notes, a cheaper Chromecast with Google TV would also help the company penetrate emerging markets where people simply don't have as much money to spend on gadgets, like India.
Specifications
Google still sells a 1080p version of its original Chromecast dongle for $30, but that device isn't based on the newer Google TV software and doesn't ship with its own remote. Given that this Chromecast is now more than three years old, it would make sense to retire it in favor of a similarly-priced Google TV-powered unit.

Read more
Google Chrome has a secret feature to make it match Windows 11’s new design
Google Chrome opened on a laptop.

One of the signature features of Windows 11 is the new rounded corners and glass-like mica effects. Usually only found in Microsoft and select third-party Windows apps, these design elements are now making their way into Google Chrome but are still hidden secret behind a flag in Chrome's settings.

Once the secret flag is enabled, Chrome on Windows 11 fits in better with the rest of the new operating system. Right-click menus in Chrome change from squared off to more rounded, and also pick up the modern mica effect. In addition, Chrome's pop-out settings menu changes to a more rounded shape, fitting better with native Windows elements like the Start Menu and Quick Actions pop-out.

Read more
Google is bringing new Pixel 6 features to older Pixel devices
Bezel comparison of the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro.

The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro come with a slew of features that include new hardware, new cameras, a Google Tensor chip, and more. Some of these are based on the new Tensor chip and require the SoC to function, while the rest are based on the software. The latter set of software-based features can be ported to previous-gen Pixel devices. And Google is now working on introducing such features to the older Pixel smartphones.

"As with all Pixel features, we aim to bring as many features as possible to older Pixels where technically possible — though it might take some time to develop and offer a different experience," a Google representative told Android Authority. However, there is no firm date for rollout to older Pixels at this point in time.

Read more