YouTube launching new app design on set-top boxes, consoles

By Mike Flacy Published August 14, 2014

youtube-for-tv — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Attempting to overhaul the user experience when browsing videos on the big screen, the YouTube development team has launched a redesigned interface on the Xbox One with other set-top boxes, smart televisions and various streaming devices to follow shortly. According to details within a post on the official YouTube blog, the redesign is extremely similar to the mobile interface on iOS and Android devices. Likely attempting to link the two user experiences into a single, common design, anyone that’s familiar with the mobile interface should be right at home using the new interface on the big screen.

Of course, subscribed playlists and channels are much more prevalent in this design. Assuming the viewer is signed into their Google account, the “What to Watch” section of the application will list all of their subscriptions and recommended videos.

youtube-app-interface — Image used with permission by copyright holder

This could be ideal for anyone with a specific hobby, basically allowing users to queue up multiple videos. For example, someone that likes to work out could have a playlist of training videos ready to go. Someone that likes to cook could have a set of instructional videos, displayed on a small HDTV in the kitchen, ready in order to make new dishes for a large meal.

Recommended Videos

The design is based in HTML5, thus anyone interested in the new design can check it out here. Users can pair a mobile device with the new interface in order to search and choose videos with a smartphone or tablet acting as an advanced remote control.

Interestingly, this shift to a mobile influenced interface within the YouTube app has arrived prior to the launch of Android TV. Expected to have many similarities to other set-top box interfaces currently available, Google has yet to officially announce an arrival date of Android TV. The current splash page for Android TV only offers the option of signing up for email updates when the service arrives.

Topics

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Audio / Video

Android users finally get YouTube TV parity with iPhone

YouTube TV multiview options on an Android phone.

YouTube TV is the biggest live-streaming service in the U.S., and multiview — the ability to watch more than one thing at a time — is a big reason why. And after having spent a couple months on iPhones and iPads, it's now finally available on Android phones and tablets.

You don't have to do anything more than make sure your app is updated. The feature itself is included in the monthly subscription and doesn't cost any extra.

Audio / Video

YouTube just massively angered Apple fans by adding a feature

A preview video of "Iceland Nature Drone Film" on YouTube, as seen on an Apple TV 4K.

The YouTube app on Apple TV will show a preview of a nature video after the app sits idle for four-and-a-half minutes. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Let’s say you happen to be an app developer that develops an app for the world’s biggest online video platform — YouTube. And you’re tasked with developing the app for what we consider to be the best streaming hardware you can buy — Apple TV.

Audio / Video

The 5 best YouTube TV alternatives in 2024

best youtube tv alternatives alternative 5

YouTube TV is among the most popular live TV streaming services in the U.S., with more than 8 million subscribers as of early 2024. That's about a twice as many as Hulu With Live TV, and far more than that of Sling TV. But that doesn't mean that you won't at some point decide to test the waters elsewhere, especially given its March 2023 price increase. The good news about these streaming services is that it's as easy to pause or cancel them as it is to sign up for them in the first place. The question is what to try next.

There's a lot of overlap between the services, but not every service has the same channels or options as YouTube TV. Or maybe you're looking to spend less, and pare things back accordingly. YouTube TV costs $73 a month, and some of its closest competitors also hit that price point. Others are less expensive. That's not to say that you'll be able to replace YouTube TV at the same price. And the list of YouTubeTV tips and tricks is a strong selling point. It's hard to beat unlimited DVR, six profiles per account, and the ease of account management that comes with everything being tied into the Google ecosystem. You might have to pay more for the same channels. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take a look.