Google has launched a new version of its YouTube application for Android devices, YouTube 2.1. The update is noteworthy not only because of the improvements it brings, but also because YouTube app updates will be delivered separately from Android OS releases going forward.
Version 2.0 of the YouTube app for Android was recently released with the Nexus S and the new version of Android, dubbed Gingerbread. Google claims it has listened to user feedback and updated the app according to key requests from users.
The app now sports a new, full-screen UI, which can be pulled up simply by rotating the phone into landscape mode, and which lets users pause and resume playback by tapping on the screen. Also, it’s much easier to interact with videos during playback; users can read the video description, browse through related videos, as well as rate, flag and comment on videos without having to interrupt playback.
Finally, users can now see all of their subscription updates on the home screen of the application when signed in on YouTube.
The app works on devices running Android 2.2 and higher. It’s now available for free in the Android market, and will be shipped with many upcoming Android 2.3 devices, such as the Nexus S.
Check out the introductory video to the YouTube 2.0 Android app (which is quite similar to the latest version) below.
More About: android, Google, Mobile 2.0, smartphone, video, youtube
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