YouTube TV users on Android phones and tablets are getting a welcome upgrade to the app’s mini-player. Following in the footsteps of the main YouTube app, YouTube TV now features a picture-in-picture (PiP) style mini-player, offering a more versatile and user-friendly viewing as first spotted by 9to5Google.
Previously, the YouTube TV mini-player was a static bar docked at the bottom of the screen, displaying a cropped view of the video with limited controls. This design, while functional, felt outdated to some compared to the more modern PiP experience offered in other apps.
With the latest update (version 8.47.0), the mini-player is now a floating window that can be resized, moved around the screen, and even expanded to full-width with a simple pinch-to-zoom gesture. This provides much greater flexibility for users who want to browse the app or multitask while watching their favorite shows.
Here’s what’s new:
- Resizable Window: The mini-player can be adjusted to different sizes to suit your preference.
- Movable: The window can be dragged and placed anywhere on the screen.
- Pinch-to-Zoom: Expand the mini-player to fill the entire width of the screen.
- Enhanced Controls: The mini-player includes play/pause, 15-second rewind/skip, and a close button.
This update brings the YouTube TV mini-player in line with the experience offered in the main YouTube app, creating a more consistent and intuitive experience across both platforms.
“We’re always looking for ways to improve the YouTube TV experience,” said a YouTube spokesperson. “The new mini-player provides a more modern and flexible way to watch your favorite shows while using other apps or browsing your device.”
The updated mini-player is rolling out now to Android users, providing a welcome enhancement for those who enjoy multitasking or simply prefer a less intrusive viewing experience.