【AI前沿】First-generation Chromecast users stressed by devices suddenly failing

Dont ditch your dongles yetFirst-generation Chromecast users stressed by devices suddenly failingGoogle tells Ars it fixed the first-gen Chromecast bug.Scharon Harding–May 22, 2026 5:42 pm|12Thirteen years later, this is still some people’s preferred streaming device.Credit:GettyThirteen years later, this is still some people’s preferred streaming device.Credit:GettyText settingsStory textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidthStandardWideLinksStandardOrange Subscribers onlyLearn moreMinimize to navGoogle’s first Chromecastwas a hit. With10 million unitssold in 2014, it excelled as an easy solution for streaming TV and movies from the Internet to a TV. Released at a time whendumb TVswere more common, the first-generation Chromecast has a simplicity you don’t find in streaming devices these days. Press “Cast” in an app, select a TV with a Chromecast, and start watching. Foregoing extras like a UI or ads, the device remains active in some homes today, despiteGoogle ending support for the $35 devicein 2023.However, this week it seemed like those days were over. Numerous peoplereportedthat their original Chromecast hadsuddenly stoppedcasting from popular apps, including Chrome, YouTube, and Paramount+. This brought concern that the original Chromecast wasreally deadnow. AReddit threadstarted by someone who claimed to have two first-gen Chromecasts suddenly stop working at the same time includes various responses from people whosuspected that Google bricked the devicesin order to force upgrades.But Sahana Mysore, senior product manager for Google Home, told Ars Technica today that Google didn’t kill the devices, saying:Earlier this week, a technical issue temporarily disrupted casting for some Gen 1 Google Chromecast users. Our team quickly identified the root cause and resolved the issue.All of the devices should be working now, per Mysore. As of last night, some people onlinehave reportedthat their Chromecasts are working again.Ars asked what exactly the technical issue was and will update this article if we learn more.Another point of stress for owners of older Chromecasts this week is areporttoday that Google hasended supportfor every Chromecastexcept forthe Chromecast with Google TV (HD) from 2022. However, as of this writing, thesupport pagestill lists all Chromecasts except the first-gen Chromecast as “currently receiving critical security updates.”Scharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She’s been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Tom’s Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK.12 Comments