It seems like just yesterday when we at KnowTechie reviewed one of our first-ever gadgets, the first-generation Google Chromecast. Well, time flies, and after nearly a decade-long run, the tech giant is waving goodbye to its pioneer dongle. Yep, the initial Chromecast model is officially no longer receiving software updates or security patches, with the last update rolling out on April 27. Now you might be wondering what this means for your old Chromecast buddy. Without new updates, performance could drop faster than your jaw during a mind-bending episode of Black Mirror. The original Chromecast dongle is as old as this website: 9 years .stk-9e78d46{background-color:rgba(155,81,224,0.8) !important;border-radius:11px !important;overflow:hidden !important;box-shadow:0 5px 30px -10px rgba(18,63,82,0.3) !important}.stk-9e78d46:before{background-color:#9b51e0 !important}.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper{width:53% !important;height:341px !important;–stk-gradient-overlay:0.1 !important}.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper img{transform:scale(1.16) !important;object-fit:scale-down !important}.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper img,.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper::after,.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper::before{mask-image:url(‘data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+’) !important;-webkit-mask-image:url(‘data:image/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAxMDAgMTAwIj48Y2lyY2xlIGN4PSI1MCIgY3k9IjUwIiByPSI1MCI+PC9jaXJjbGU+PC9zdmc+’) !important}.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper::after{background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b51e0 0%,rgba(155,81,224,0) 100%) !important}.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper:hover::before{background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b51e0 0%,rgba(155,81,224,0) 100%) !important}:where(.stk-hover-parent:hover,.stk-hover-parent.stk–is-hovered) .stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper::after{background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b51e0 0%,rgba(155,81,224,0) 100%) !important}:where(.stk-block-accordion.stk–is-open) .stk-9e78d46,.stk-9e78d46.stk–is-open .stk-img-wrapper::after{background-image:linear-gradient(90deg,#9b51e0 0%,rgba(155,81,224,0) 100%) !important}@media screen and (max-width:767px){.stk-9e78d46 .stk-img-wrapper{width:100% !important;height:225px !important}} But let’s face it, it’s an aging device, and you might already be grappling with performance hiccups. In fact, there are users who’ve noticed a considerable drop in speed on their devices over the years. Time for a fresh start, maybe? Well, this is your perfect excuse to treat yourself to an upgrade. The third-gen Chromecast from 2018 offers access to the best streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney, and Paramount Plus, and a whole mess of others. It’s a real box-office star with prices dancing around $40/£32/$60 AUD. Or, why not explore a deal-sweetener? The updated Chromecast…Google says goodbye to first-gen Chromecast