If you still rely on the original $35 Chromecast for streaming to a TV, then don't expect it to get any better in terms of features. Google has decided it's time to restrict updates to the oldest, but still very useful Chromecast.

As 9To5Google reports, the Chromecast relies on the Chrome browser to handle the streaming and display of content. That browser is updated through firmware revisions on a regular basis. But for the original Chromecast, the firmware updates are no longer keeping pace with those of the second-generation hardware onwards.

The first generation is on firmware version 1.36.159268, where as the second- and third-gen, Ultra, and Audio (now discontinued) are all using firmware version 1.42.168007. Google confirmed this is because updates are now limited for the original Chromecast, stating:

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.

So while your six-year-old Chromecast isn't going to stop working, it won't be receiving any major updates and is already limited to an older version of Chrome (Chrome 70), while newer Chromecasts are using Chrome 74.

The first Chromecast relied on a Marvell Armada 1500 system-on-a-chip using an ARM Cortex-A9 processor, 512MB of DDR3L RAM, and 2GB of storage. It can handle 1080p content at 30fps, or 720p at 60fps. Wi-Fi is limited to 802.11 b/g/n and power supplied, as it is on all Chromecast models, by a Micro-USB power adapter or USB port. The hardware was discontinued on Sept. 29, 2015.

The best (Google) alternative to the original Chromecast is the third-generation Chromecast which still only costs $35, but can handle 1080p content at 60fps. If you want 4K visuals, then the $69 Chromecast Ultra is available as an alternative.