One of Google’s first true hit pieces of hardware, 2013’s Chromecast, is starting to stop working for some users are more reports of failing streams surface.
The first-gen Chromecast was released in 2013 with the simple pitch of being able to cast content from apps on your phone or other devices to your TV. No remote or other apps required, just a quick tap. It proved to be a hit, with the $35 device spawning two direct sequels and Google Cast tech that remains widely used today. But updates for that first-gen device ended in 2023. Google didn’t directly cut off functionality, but warned users that they “may notice a degradation in performance.”
Over the past few weeks, we’ve noticed more and more isolated reports of failing Chromecast operations on first-gen devices, but a new Reddit thread makes it clear something has changed.
The post’s author says that two of their first-gen Chromecast models have stopped working in various apps, and there are a lot of similar stories in the replies. One user notes that some apps, like Disney+ and Spotify, still work, while apps like YouTube, HBO Max, and others won’t even show the first-gen Chromecast as a streaming target. But this all seems to vary from person to person. The only connecting thread is that, as of the last few days, first-gen Chromecast devices are failing much more frequently.
