YouTube is introducing a transformative mini-player experience for its Android TV application, expanding on the advanced picture-in-picture functionality previously implemented in its primary mobile app. The updated interface provides users with visual customisation, enabling window resizing and unrestricted screen positioning.
Unlike the earlier iteration, which confined the video window to a static lower-screen location, the news design offers enhanced flexibility and interactive viewing options.
The updated mini-player is now included in YouTube TV version 8.47.0 for Android and mirrors the controls found in the YouTube app’s PiP interface, reports AndroidPolice. These include:
- Playback navigation: Buttons to skip forward or rewind by 15 seconds.
- Play/Pause control: A central button for quick pause or resume functionality.
- Expansion option: A button enlarges the PiP window for a closer view.
The update may involve a server-side rollout, meaning some users might not see the new PiP interface immediately after updating their app.
This feature follows Google’s introduction of background playback on YouTube TV, which allows users to listen to shows while using other apps or engaging in conversations. While these updates aim to enhance multitasking capabilities, Google’s recent experiments with the mini player on the main YouTube app have faced significant backlash.
Many users criticised the revamped mini-player for being buggy, citing issues such as controls disappearing for a ransom and overall performance degradation. Some even found the news interface distracting, prompting Google to reconsider its approach.
Despite these setbacks, Google’s decision to push the redesigned mini-player to YouTube TV indicates that It remains committed to refining the experience. By testing the feature on a different platform, the company might gather additional feedback to resolve persistent issues before potentially reintroducing it on the main YouTube app.
YouTube TV users could benefit from the revamped mini-player, especially those who frequently multitask. Its customisable design and improved navigation options make watching content on the go easier without being tethered to a full-screen view.
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