Google distributes fix for broken Chromecasts

An update for defective Chromecasts should make Google's streaming sticks work again. Google points this out in a support entry. The fix is already being distributed and should arrive on all affected devices in the coming days, a Google employee writes there.

The second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio have been unable to stream content for several days. Both devices went on sale in 2015. Screenshots on social media showed various error messages. The tenor: the certificate for authentication has expired because the firmware is too old. Users can no longer connect to the Chromecast, rendering the device practically unusable.

No intention on Google's part

Many users feared that Google had deliberately switched off the older devices. However, the company quickly confirmed that this was a mistake. Simply deactivating the Chromecast would not fit the picture anyway: The even older first generation remains operational, although it is already no longer receiving software updates. The second Chromecast generation, on the other hand, is still officially supported by Google.

Before Google confirmed the problem with the second-generation Chromecasts, numerous users had already looked for solutions to the Chromecast problem on their own. These unofficial solutions usually involved resetting the device to factory settings first. This is now becoming a disadvantage for those affected: In the support post, Google writes that there is still the error that affected Chromecasts can no longer be set up after the factory reset. Google also wants to resolve this "as soon as possible".

Google no longer sells Chromecast devices, but only the much larger Google TV streamer. Google no longer sells the "Chromecast with Google TV" itself, but remaining stocks can still be found at retailers.

(dahe)