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Google\u2019s first Chromecast<\/a> was a hit. With 10 million units<\/a> sold in 2014, it excelled as an easy solution for streaming TV and movies from the Internet to a TV. Released at a time when dumb TVs<\/a> were more common, the first-generation Chromecast has a simplicity you don\u2019t find in streaming devices these days. Press \u201cCast\u201d 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, despite Google ending support for the $35 device<\/a> in 2023.<\/p>\n However, this week it seemed like those days were over. Numerous people reported<\/a> that their original Chromecast had suddenly stopped<\/a> casting from popular apps, including Chrome, YouTube, and Paramount+. This brought concern that the original Chromecast was really dead <\/a><\/em>now<\/a>. A Reddit thread<\/a> started by someone who claimed to have two first-gen Chromecasts suddenly stop working at the same time includes various responses from people who suspected that Google bricked the devices<\/a> in order to force upgrades.<\/p>\n But Sahana Mysore, senior product manager for Google Home, told Ars Technica today that Google didn\u2019t kill the devices, saying:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n All of the devices should be working now, per Mysore.\u00a0As of last night, some people online have reported<\/a> that their Chromecasts are working again.<\/p>\n Ars asked what exactly the technical issue was and will update this article if we learn more.<\/p>\n Another point of stress for owners of older Chromecasts this week is a report<\/a> today that Google has ended support<\/a> for every Chromecast except for<\/a> the Chromecast with Google TV (HD) from 2022. However, as of this writing, the support page<\/a> still lists all Chromecasts except the first-gen Chromecast as \u201ccurrently receiving critical security updates.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n