Google Chromecast Brick: An Expired Certificate Causes Havoc
2025-03-14
Millions of older Google Chromecast devices suddenly stopped working due to an expired device authentication certificate. This isn't a simple software glitch; it involves complex digital signatures and certificate chains. While Google acknowledged the issue and promised a fix, the repair process could take weeks, potentially requiring coordination across multiple teams to update apps. Experts estimate Google might need over a month to build and test a new Chromecast update to renew expired certificates or coordinate multiple teams to release new app versions. The incident highlights shortcomings in Google's device security and maintenance, raising concerns about product lifecycles and security updates.
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