YouTube unveils TV app
October 31, 2017
YouTube has unveiled its new YouTube TV app, built for TV devices.
Writing in the YouTube blog, Okalo Ikhena, YouTube TV Product Manager, notes that since the launch of YouTube TV in April, users have streamed live sports, local and national news, and can’t-miss shows on their phones, tablets and computers. “We know you love watching TV content on, well, your TV. In fact, over half the time spent watching YouTube TV is consumed through Chromecast on the big screen. And members who stream with a Chromecast are highly engaged, watching over four hours a day on the weekends with football season back in full swing,” he observes.
“So today we’re excited to unveil the new YouTube TV app built for TV devices. In the next few days, you’ll be able to stream live TV through the new YouTube TV app on Android TV devices including NVIDIA SHIELD and TVs with Android TV built-in, such as Sony, as well as on the Xbox One family of devices (Xbox One, Xbox One S, and soon Xbox One X),” he advises.
“In the coming weeks we’ll be launching the new app on Smart TVs, such as LG, Samsung, Sony, along with Apple TV. We also recently expanded our TV device support by launching voice commands with Google Home paired with Chromecast. If you love the simplicity of finding your favourite content on the mobile app, you’ll be happy to know you’ll still find our signature tabs on the TV app as well–home, live and library. Finding, playing, and recording your favourite live TV is as simple as before,” he says.
New on the TV app:
- Control your live TV experience with your TV’s remote control or game controller.
- For a more cinematic look, we made the background dark on your TVs.
- A new Live guide made for your big screen, so you can get a sneak-peek at what’s airing soon.
- Never miss the action with our background playback experience built for your big screen.
- Easily pick up where you left off on another device when you get home.
YouTube TV is now available in all top 50 metro areas, covering over two-thirds of the US. “We’re expanding quickly, so visit tv.youtube.com and sign up to be notified when we launch in your market,” he advises.