Google Chromecast has been a success for many with its ability to stream movies and videos (and stream song tracks) from mobile devices over a Wi-Fi network to the “big screen,” but the more experimental users discovered that Chromecast has yet another “quiet” benefit: it can serve as a mobile hotspot for Android devices in the absence of a Wi-Fi network (and thus, save cellular data consumption). Users could once stream content from their Android devices to their TV by way of the Android mobile hotspot which Chromecast seems to have quietly supported.
Unfortunately, Google has discovered that Chromecast users are taking advantage of this unapproved benefit and has blocked the Android mobile hotspot capability in the new Google Play Services 11.0.55 update.
A Google moderator has said that the Android mobile hotspot capability was never a “feature” within Chromecast because it was never approved by Google, and it appears as though this mobile hotspot capability was essentially providing free internet when mobile hotspot is a paid feature within cellular data plans with carriers that require monthly payment.
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From Google’s perspective, the search engine giant and Android owner doesn’t want to send the message that it endorses illegal activity (getting free mobile hotspot access without a cellular or Wi-Fi plan is illegal), so it was only a matter of time before this capability was scrapped.
Grieved Chromecast users can always downgrade to the previous Google Play Services update, but with security risks being what they are nowadays, it isn’t recommended.
Via: Android Police
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