Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought.

Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought.

      Users were concerned that Google had discreetly discontinued the original Chromecast, but the company claims a solution is now available.

      For a short period, it seemed as if Google had indeed decided to end support for the original Chromecast, following numerous reports from Gen 1 users who experienced casting issues and apps that wouldn’t connect in recent days. Given that the small streaming device is over a decade old, it wouldn’t have been entirely surprising, but thankfully, Google has announced that the problem has been addressed, allowing the aging Chromecast to live on for now.

      Google assures that your old Chromecast is safe for the time being.

      According to updates provided on Reddit, the company has resolved the casting functionality issue, although some users are still facing ongoing problems even after performing factory resets.

      This situation immediately reminded long-time Chromecast users of the notorious “Untrusted Device” outage from the previous year, where second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio devices abruptly stopped working due to expired security certificates. At that time, Google had to quickly implement a server-side fix while advising users against performing factory resets during troubleshooting efforts.

      The original Chromecast lasting this long is somewhat surprising.

      To be frank, the original Chromecast wasn’t meant to endure this long. Launched by Google in 2013 for $35, it’s remarkable that people are still using it daily in 2026, especially considering it has less processing power than a contemporary smartwatch.

      However, the original Chromecast did quietly transform the streaming industry. Prior to its inception, converting a regular television into a smart streaming device was either costly or cumbersome, and Google’s tiny $35 dongle helped pave the way for affordable streaming devices long before Fire TV sticks and smart TV platforms became mainstream. The fact that many were concerned over a ten-year-old Chromecast outage highlights the remarkable impact that gadget had.

      Varun is an experienced technology journalist and editor with over eight years in consumer tech media. His work covers…

      Why I have mixed feelings about portable monitors, despite wanting one

      Having a second screen while traveling seems practical until it feels like recreating an office in public.

      Lately, I’ve been traveling more, which has led me to engage in the worst kind of pre-trip calculations: convincing myself that I can pack less by taking more accessories. Before one significant trip, I pondered what I could bring that would eliminate the need for my laptop. A tablet? A keyboard? A small hub? Then, unexpectedly, the idea of a portable monitor came to mind.

      That’s a slightly irrational thought. A portable monitor is essentially half a laptop, missing the part that makes it functional by itself. Yet, the category is increasingly appealing. You can now find slim USB-C displays, touchscreen versions, 4K travel screens, and magnetic setups designed for remote work.

      Anker’s Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds utilize AI to enhance the weakest aspect of wireless earbuds.

      The Liberty 5 Pro series emphasizes practical AI features.

      Anker has introduced two new earbuds in its audio lineup named the Soundcore Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max. The standard Liberty 5 made a strong impression in our review, where we commended Soundcore for getting most of the essentials right, although pricing kept it vulnerable to cheaper competitors. Now, Anker is steering the Liberty 5 line toward a more AI-centric approach, with the Thus AI chip enabling clearer calls, improved noise cancellation, voice commands, translation, transcripts, and meeting summaries.

      JBL has created breathtaking transparent earbuds that look like they belong in The Matrix.

      JBL's special edition transparent emerald earbuds embody the cyberpunk aesthetic.

      JBL's Soundgear Clips had already showcased a fun, transparent gadget appeal. However, the new color elevates them further. The company has launched a new Emerald Green Special Edition of its Soundgear Clips open-ear earbuds in China, making it the sixth color option available. This addition joins the existing Blue Ghost, Black Ghost, White Ghost, Purple Ghost, and Copper Ghost versions. The clear design evokes a Matrix-like atmosphere.

Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought. Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought.

Other articles

Apple Preview is perhaps the most undervalued application on Mac. Here are seven features you might not be aware of that it offers. Apple Preview is perhaps the most undervalued application on Mac. Here are seven features you might not be aware of that it offers. Apple Preview has subtly evolved into one of the most robust applications on your Mac. From modifying PDFs to eliminating image backgrounds, here are 7 features it offers that may surprise you. 3 MacBook games that deliver a more impactful experience than many films and don't require advanced gaming skills. 3 MacBook games that deliver a more impactful experience than many films and don't require advanced gaming skills. If you own a MacBook and have never considered yourself a gamer, these three narrative-focused games are simple to start, emotionally impactful, and surprisingly memorable. The Apple Watch is now 11 years old and is starting to lose its appeal. Competitors without screens are gaining traction in the next phase of the market. The Apple Watch is now 11 years old and is starting to lose its appeal. Competitors without screens are gaining traction in the next phase of the market. Whoop, Oura, and Google's Fitbit Air are transforming wearables with a focus on AI coaching and passive tracking. Meanwhile, Apple's Health app seems to lack momentum. This "ordinary" USB cable has a hidden desire to function as a hacking tool. This "ordinary" USB cable has a hidden desire to function as a hacking tool. A new Kickstarter initiative named Hacknect conceals a Wi-Fi-enabled hacking and automation platform within what seems to be a regular USB cable. India's SolarSquare is securing $60 million at a valuation of $500 million. It has provided energy to 50,000 households. India's SolarSquare is securing $60 million at a valuation of $500 million. It has provided energy to 50,000 households. B Capital and Lightspeed are jointly leading the Series C round, resulting in the startup's valuation being doubled in just 18 months. India has now become the third-largest producer of solar energy in the world. 3 MacBook games that are more impactful than many films and don’t require gaming skills. 3 MacBook games that are more impactful than many films and don’t require gaming skills. If you own a MacBook and have never considered yourself a gamer, these three narrative-driven games are simple to dive into, emotionally impactful, and unexpectedly memorable.

Google is not discontinuing your old and aging Chromecast, contrary to what you might have thought.

Google has announced that the casting problems impacting older Chromecast devices have been fixed, alleviating users' concerns that the company had silently discontinued support for the aging hardware.