According to several specialized media, users of old Chromecasts can no longer connect to their Google account on the new YouTube application. An approach ” intentional “, Confirms the Mountain View firm.
It was obvious that with the release of Chromecast with Google TV, the old Chromecasts, marketed since 2014, were not going to last. However, it seems that their end is closer than expected.
Unable to log in to your Google account
Indeed, almost seven months ago, Google launched a new YouTube experience for its old Chromecasts. The latter allows for example to navigate in the application using a remote control or to use his telephone to choose videos, in addition to the old system which required to select a video on another device.
However, several users have noticed that they can no longer access their Google account on the app. As a result, they can no longer see their personalized recommendations based on their viewing history or browse their playlists and categories. In addition, they are forced to view advertisements even if they have a premium account, since they can no longer connect to it.
Google seems to want to put an end to its old Chromecasts
Alerted on Twitter, the Mountain View firm did indeed confirm that this came from a deliberate move on its part: “ Thanks for the screenshots. After verification, it is intentional. Connecting directly to YouTube on older Chromecast devices is no longer supported. You can control your broadcast sessions from your phone when you’re signed in. To watch the videos, continue to use your mobile device writes Google.
Owners of an older generation Chromecast will now have a very limited experience with their device. Clearly, Google seems to want to put an end to its product in order to highlight its successor. A process that started some time ago.
As explained 9to5Mac, Google discontinued the only 4K-capable Chromecast, the Chromecast Ultra, just as the Chromecast was launching with Google TV. While the company has continued to sell the third-generation Chromecast, a Google TV-powered replacement is also on the way for that device.
Sources: 9to5Mac, Android Police
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