Today saw the surprise (yet anticipated) reappearance of the Microsoft YouTube app for Windows Phone. This time the app evidently has the consent of Google, who took issue with some of the features in the app and had asked Microsoft to pull the original. The bold move by Microsoft though has evidently paid off—Google has finally agreed to what looks like most of Microsoft’s requests for the app.
Our readership requested a video tour of the app and since we’re here to serve, we have obliged. Granted, we’ve only had the app for less than 60 minutes, but we can show you the basic functionality and even a few changes from the previous 3.0 release.
The good news is the majority of the previous features, including account management and high quality streaming are still on board. In fact, we now have the ability to upload via Wi-Fi or even over cellular, which is a great feature. Videos with ads though will display a pre-roll commercial, something that was missing from the original release that surely irked Google. Likewise, users have lost the ability to download videos for offline viewing.
Overall though, the majority of Windows Phone users, including those on 7.x who can join in, should be pleased. And since this app was released with Google’s approval (though not endorsement), it means we can expect updates when necessary.
Another feather in the cap for the Windows Phone platform, even if it took some cajoling.
Windows Phone users can download the official YouTube app (v3.2) from the Store by following this link, scanning the QR code below or swiping to the right in our app.
