Google has resolved a setup issue affecting its first-generation Chromecast devices, following complaints from users who found their devices disappearing from the Google Home app. The update also addresses related functionality problems. These issues arose after Google announced in May that it would no longer provide support for its oldest Chromecast models. Users began facing setup difficulties when their devices vanished from the app on Android phones, causing confusion and concern about whether Google was discontinuing support for the original Chromecast. The problems were linked to an update for the Google Home app, which made it more difficult to set up Chromecast devices. This led to speculation that Google might be phasing out its first-generation streaming device. Similar issues were also reported by owners of the 2015 Chromecast model and the Google Home Mini speakers, affecting both their functionality and setup process. At first, users had to find their own solutions, such as factory resetting the devices, using older versions of the app, or even wiping their entire Google Home ecosystem to restore functionality. According to the Google Nest Community on Reddit, the issue has now been resolved. A statement advised users to factory reset their devices or update the Google Home app to version 4.26 before trying to set up their Chromecast again. While the situation was challenging for first-gen Chromecast owners, the fix indicates that Google is not abandoning its oldest streaming device, even though the first Chromecast was removed from store shelves in early 2025. This situation is not unique to Google. Other tech companies have faced criticism for allegedly "bricking" older devices—rendering them unusable—to push users toward newer models. Amazon faced similar backlash when a user sued the company over performance issues with Fire TV sticks several years after purchase. The user claimed Amazon was using software updates to limit device lifespan without clear disclosure. Google now advises users to reach out to the Nest community if they continue to experience issues after applying the fix.