Google’s first Chromecast It was a success. With 10 million units Sold in 2014, it stood out as a simple solution for streaming TV and movies from the Internet to a TV. Published at a time when dumb televisions were more common, the first-generation Chromecast has a simplicity not found in streaming devices today. Press “Cast” on an app, select a TV with Chromecast, and start watching. By foregoing extras like a user interface or ads, the device remains active in some homes today, despite Google ends support for $35 device in 2023.
However, this week it looked like those days were over. numerous people reported that your original Chromecast had suddenly stopped streaming from popular apps including Chrome, YouTube and Paramount+. This raised concerns that the original Chromecast was really dead now. TO Reddit thread started by someone who claimed that two first generation Chromecasts suddenly stopped working at the same time includes several responses from people who Google is suspected of blocking the devices. to force updates.
But Sahana Mysore, senior product manager for Google Home, told Ars Technica today that Google did not remove the devices, saying:
Earlier this week, a technical issue temporarily interrupted streaming for some Google Chromecast Gen 1 users. Our team quickly identified the root cause and resolved the issue.
All devices should be working now, according to Mysore. Last night some people online have reported that your Chromecasts are working again.
Ars asked what exactly the glitch was and will update this article if we learn more.
Another point of stress for owners of older Chromecasts this week is a report today that Google has support ended for each Chromecast except the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) starting in 2022. However, at the time of writing, the support page still lists all Chromecasts except the first-generation Chromecast as “currently receiving critical security updates.”
