Casting Chaos: A Tangle with Chromecast
Potential Reasons to Ponder Before Installing the Newest Chromecast Update
The Chromecast brand is currently in hot water, with the second-generation Chromecast and Chromecast Audio experiencing a mysterious problem that practically renders them useless. Unsurprisingly, users are less than thrilled about it. In response, Google has advised against factory resetting the devices, instead promising a full-fledged fix in the works.
Meanwhile, Google dropped an update for Chromecast with Google TV, a device they no longer sell, but felt compelled to deliver an Android 14 update. According to the release notes, this update introduces the 'Find My Remote' and 'Customizable Button' features for the Google TV Streamer Voice Remote, proving beneficial to users. Additionally, security patch updates are now available through January of this year, along with system stability improvements and enhancements.
At first glance, this update may seem minor, but its benefits are indeed notable. However, some users argue that Google may have overestimated the stability claims. A user on the 9to5Google forums reported that the update broke their local media implementation, with their device now drawing too little power despite a setup that should provide ample input and functioned smoothly with Android 12 before. Others claim the update broke USB drive detection, with their drives consistently showing as "safely ejected" and unreadable. One user vehemently decides to steer clear of the update due to the detrimental reports from fellow users.
A post on r/AndroidTV further highlights these complaints, with users experiencing crashes while adjusting the 'Display and Sound' settings. Another user encounters difficulties casting from their desktop Chrome browser following the update.
It's a dicey situation for Chromecast with Google TV users. On one hand, they now have an extra couple months of security updates at their disposal, which is always a good reason to install the updates when they're available. On the other hand, the update takes down essential features that many frequently use their Chromecast with Google TV for, such as casting, USB drives, and local media playback. As the update is quite new, there may even be additional bugs waiting to be discovered.
Time for an Update?
Given the current state of affairs, it might be wiser to wait before installing the update until Google resolves these issues. If you feel a strong urge to update, or if you're reading this at a time when Google has rolled out a new update, you can initiate it through the settings: Settings > System > About > System.
- Despite the update for Chromecast with Google TV introducing customizable features and extended security patch updates, it seemed to have caused issues with local media playback, USB drive detection, and casting from desktop Chrome browsers for some users.
- Users on various forums have reported problems with the Chromecast with Google TV update, including crashes while adjusting display and sound settings, and its impact on essential functions like casting, USB drives, and local media playback.
- In the face of these issues with the Chromecast with Google TV update, it may be wise to avoid installing it until Google addresses these problems, or to wait for a potential new update that resolves these issues.
