It wasn’t the most popular product, but surely other people remember the Chromecast, right? Well, if you’re one of the few who keep fond memories about the device, it’s time to say goodbye. Google has quietly terminated support for the first-generation Chromecast.

Released almost a decade ago, the original Chromecast blossomed in a world that wasn’t ready for smart TVs. The HDMI-based dongle allowed users to broadcast media from their smartphones and tablets onto their television sets. In a nutshell, it was an easy way to turn an older TV into a smart device for an affordable price.

Back in April (or a few months shy of the device’s tenth birthday), Google officially ended support for the first-generation dongle. A short announcement (spotted by 9to5Google) simply states that the device will no longer receive any software updates, and Google will no longer service them. Its last firmware version shipped in November last year. Google also notes that users who continue to use the original dongle might “notice a degradation in performance.”

Unfortunately, that’s just the way the technology goes. The issue it sought to solve — that is, the continued existence of older TVs without smart capabilities — is largely obsolete. Most TVs today have smart features built in, eliminating the necessity for a smart dongle.

However, for those who still have less intelligent sets, Google still sells a newer version of the Chromecast built with Google TV. Instead of controlling the screen with another smartphone, the newer version of the Chromecast packs in the software itself.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel can soon double as a dashcam

In the world of technology, where innovation and creativity collide, we often hear stories of remarkable individuals who break barriers and shatter glass ceilings. Maria Elenita Tady, affectionately known as Elen by her friends, stands proudly as a shining example for women in tech.

A strong woman who has not only thrived in the tech industry but has also dedicated herself to empowering others. As a Partner Business Manager for Hewlett Packard (HP) Philippines and the chair of Women’s Impact Network PH, Elen embodies the spirit of resilience, growth, and mentorship.

Maria Elenita “Elen” Tady, Partner Business Manager for HP Philippines and chair of Women’s Impact Network PH.

Elen’s story is one of passion and determination. While studying computer science at her university, she knew which company she wanted to join eventually. She joined HP first as an intern, later becoming a full-time employee. Now a Partner Business Manager, she exudes confidence and takes immense pride in her work.

Her constant smile and happy demeanor reflect the joy she finds in her professional journey. This is particularly true when talking about the vibrant community they have fostered at the company. Elen’s infectious enthusiasm inspires those around her and creates an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to achieve their best.

Elen with HP country managing director, Ian Reyes (middle), and leads from the Commercial and Retail Channel, Market Development, Print Category, and Enterprise Account teams during the HP Reach in Cebu last year (October 2022).

A supportive environment for women in tech

While the tech industry has historically been male-dominated, Elen shares a different narrative. At HP, she has found an empowering and inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters growth for all its employees. Her constant happiness and positive outlook are a testament to the supportive culture within the company. She has never felt discriminated against for being a female. On the contrary, she feels empowered by HP’s commitment to providing equal opportunities and a platform for women to thrive. The strong community and camaraderie at the company have been instrumental in shaping her journey, enabling her to reach new heights and inspire others along the way.

Throughout her career, Elen has been fortunate to have female mentors who played a pivotal role in her success. These trailblazers have not only shared their wisdom and expertise. They also instilled in her the confidence to take pride in her work and embrace challenges with a smile.

Elen at the recently concluded HP Amplified Product Solutions and Showcase (March 2023).

“Lady managers have really opened the door for me,” Elen shared. “The one-on-one coaching that you usually get, the small talks that you have with them have all been so helpful. It’s good to work with females, right?”

Their guidance, combined with Elen’s indomitable spirit, has strengthened her belief in the power of female camaraderie and mentorship. As the Chairwoman of Women’s Impact Network PH, Elen is passionate about creating a space where women can connect, learn, and empower each other. A space for continuing the legacy of support and mentorship that has shaped her own journey.

Members of the Women’s Impact Network PH gather for an engaging and informative women’s month celebration at the HP office. The one standing is WIN PH co-chair Anabel Gan. Talking on-screen is HP Philippines’ country HR, Rena Marin (March 2023).

“Women’s Impact Network is not just for women – we have male allies in the group as well,” Elen said. “One of the projects we worked on is to have a series of trainings for women to encourage them to take on leadership roles.” It’s an important move that supports the company’s feminist ideals. At HP Philippines, women make up more than half of the local team. In the last year, the list of the company’s new hires was also dominated by women – an impressive 66%.

Celebrating women all-year-round

Writing about women in tech and highlighting their accomplishments should not be limited to a month designated for the fairer sex. Elen’s story serves as a reminder that these narratives deserve recognition and celebration throughout the year. Women like Elen are making significant contributions to the tech industry every day. Their stories deserve to be shared and celebrated. By highlighting their achievements and experiences, we promote diversity, encourage inclusivity, and inspire future generations to pursue their passions without limitations.

Apart from work, Elen also loves to travel.This is her in one of her trips to Osaka, Japan.

Elen’s passion for empowering women in the tech industry extends beyond her role at HP. She firmly believes that fostering diversity and gender equality is crucial for creating a future where women can thrive in any field they choose. She serves as an inspiration to aspiring women in tech, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly. By shining a spotlight on women like Elen, we ensure that their achievements and stories are not only celebrated but also serve as a catalyst for change and progress. Through her dedication and advocacy, Elen is shaping a future where women in tech can break barriers, seize opportunities, and create their own success stories.

All-in-one delivery app Pick.a.roo has announced its strategic partnership with Amazon Web Services.

In a nutshell, the collaboration will help the app elevate its customer service experience further, with the help of AWS’ advanced machine learning and AI capabilities.

Pick.a.roo already offers a handful of delivery services to its customers, allowing them to order the following with just a few taps:

• Food and groceries
• Medicine
• Gadgets
• Pet essentials
• Appliances
• Baby care

Through the integration of advanced technologies, Pick.a.roo aims to create even more personalized experiences for its customers.

To jumpstart the partnership, the app will be launching new exciting features in the coming weeks.

Pick.a.roo is a premium all-in-one lifestyle delivery app. It offers a convenient and stress-free shopping experience. The app has a diverse selection of brands across various categories.