We all must have gotten irritated at least once while watching YouTube TV and not being able to switch between apps. But no more! We have got big news related to YouTube TV for Android users. After the main YouTube app, now YouTube TV has taken a step ahead by rolling out an updated mini-player that is both functional and resizable giving out a flexible experience.
Old vs. New Miniplayer:
Previously, the YouTube TV miniplayer was functional but far from exciting. It docked at the bottom of the screen, showing a wide but narrow crop of the video you were watching. While the program name and progress bar were overlaid on the mini-player, the controls—play/pause, for example- felt limited. Expanding the video required an extra tap or swipe, which could be inconvenient if you were in the middle of something.
This setup mirrored the older mini-player design from the main YouTube app and current controls in YouTube Music. While it got the job done, it lacked flexibility.
The new mini-player changes the game entirely. It’s now a picture-in-picture (PiP) window that’s fully integrated into the YouTube TV app. This means it’s no longer tied to a fixed position on the screen. Instead, you can move it around, resize it, and interact with it more freely.
Key Features of YouTube TV for Android
Here’s what makes this new mini-player in YouTube TV for Android so exciting:
1. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Style
The mini player now functions as an in-app PiP window, similar to what you might see in the main YouTube app. This makes multitasking a breeze, whether you’re browsing for other shows or checking out app features.
2. Enhanced Controls
Play/pause sits prominently at the centre of the mini-player. To either side, you’ll find 15-second rewind and forward buttons, giving you more control over playback. Need to close the video quickly? There’s a dedicated close button in the corner for that.
3. Resizing and Moving
One of the standout features is the ability to resize the mini-player. You can pinch-to-zoom to adjust its size and make it span the full width of your screen. It’s much more usable than the previous version, which was limited to a narrow sliver at the bottom.
4. Flexible Multitasking
The PiP-style design lets you move the window around to any corner of the screen. This flexibility makes it easy to watch your favourite show while exploring other parts of the app.
How to Enable the New Miniplayer in YouTube TV?
If you’re ready to experience the new mini-player in YouTube TV for Android, here’s how you can enable it:
- Go to your channel by clicking on the “You” option at the bottom right of the YouTube TV app.
- After clicking on it, you will get a settings option at the top right
- Click on it and then choose “General” from the list
- In the general settings menu, you will get the option to switch on or off the picture in picture mode (Pip mode)
- Switch it on and now you can use the multiplayer mode of the Youtube TV App for Android.
While this feature is out to the public, only a few members of YouTube TV can see the option. Soon other users will also get the option. So if you can’t see the pip mode in your setting. Don’t worry just wait for a while and you will get it.
Why This Update Matters
The new mini-player is more than just a cosmetic upgrade. It reflects Google’s commitment to unifying the user experience across its apps. Earlier this year, the main YouTube app received a similar update, allowing users to resize and reposition the PiP window. The YouTube TV update brings this functionality to a wider audience.
This change is especially significant for multitaskers. Whether you’re catching up on the news, watching a live game, or streaming your favourite show, the ability to browse the app without pausing your video makes for a smoother experience.
What About Bugs and User Feedback?
The revamped mini-player hasn’t been free of criticism. When Google introduced the new design in the main YouTube app, users reported issues like disappearing controls and performance glitches. Some found the new layout distracting or unnecessary.
Despite this, Google is pressing forward. By bringing the new mini-player to YouTube TV, the company seems eager to refine the feature and address any lingering bugs. If you encounter any issues, reporting them can help improve the experience for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The new resizable mini player YouTube TV for Android is an upgrade that allows practicality, is flexible, and is designed with multitasking in mind. Whether you’re rewinding to catch a key moment, resizing the player for better visibility, or simply enjoying the freedom to browse while watching, this update has you covered.
If you haven’t already, update your app and give the new mini-player a try. It might just change how you watch and navigate YouTube TV.
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