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

By Mike Flacy 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.

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.

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