YouTube

YouTube may be in the process of starting its own music service, however the Google-owned company will soon be making the jump to radio as well. Yep, you read that correctly. Earlier today, Mountain View’s video streaming platform announced that it has made a deal with SiriusXM that will bring tracks from some of its featured up-and-coming recording artist to a weekly show aptly named YouTube 15.

Google bringing off-network ultrasonic-controlled device pairing to Chromecast

Mark Hearn Jun 26 2014 - 10:57 am PT

Google is developing new ways to connect your mobile devices to its Chromecast and one of these alternative methods will be through ultrasonic sounds. The company recently announced support for off-network casting during its I/O developer conference in San Francisco and Chromecast engineering manager John Affaki said during a presentation that Google was looking to refine the platform’s social experience.

New video from Google shows how all of today’s announcements will work together

Chance Miller Jun 25 2014 - 3:43 pm PT

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d36cIFCJvQs

Google announced a variety of new services and products today at Google I/O, including the “L” version of Android, Android Auto, Android TV, Google Fit, and Android Wear. In an effort to help us all digest this onslaught of news, Google this evening posted a 2-minute video on YouTube showing how all of those services can seamlessly work together to make your life easier.

The video, seen above, shows a man performing daily routine, but with all of Google’s new services. He’s using an Android “L” smartphone paired with an Android Wear watch, paired with a car with Android Auto, paired with Android TV. And, of course, an obligatory cute dog. The video makes it look like it all works pretty seamlessly together. But unfortunately, we’re still quite aways away from this becoming reality.

Google talks Chromecast: Casting without WiFi connection, new Backdrop feature with news, weather, photos, and mirroring

Zac Hall Jun 25 2014 - 10:55 am PT

Not only did Google discuss Android TV at Google I/O, the company also discussed its Chromecast HDMI stick that connects content from your smartphone, computer, or tablet to your TV. Rishi Chandra, Google’s Director of Product Management Chromecast, noted that the Chromecast “consistently outsells all other streaming devices combined” at Best Buy and similar retailers. He pointed out that Chromecast tops Amazon in a several countries as well. Since its launch last year, usage has jumped 40% with the majority if views coming from YouTube. A new dedicated site at chromecast.com/apps will now present a list of compatible apps.

Using “the cloud”, Chromecast users can now share content from devices to a Chromecast-connected television without being on the same WiFi connection. A new feature called Backdrop coming later this year will present information like news, weather, and photos on a blank Chromecast to make it useful to have connected to your TV even when you’re not sending content from a device. The Chromecast will also support mirroring from Android on supported devices from HTC, LG, Samsung, and Nexus devices.
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YouTube

YouTube rolling out new and improved messaging & comments system this week

Jordan Kahn Jun 25 2014 - 6:34 am PT

YouTube has announced a new messaging system and improved comments coming to YouTube this week that it said will make life much easier for creators interacting with their fans.

Whether you’re Epic Rap Battles of History and swimming in feedback from fans, or you’re just starting up your channel, you can now connect with your fans faster and more easily through new messaging and commenting features rolling out this week. It’s part of our goal to give you everything you need to connect with fans around the world

Google shared a bit of what to expect from the new messaging system including threaded conversations that make it easier to keep track of ongoing conversations and a new “Send message” button on the “about” tab of channels. YouTube also noted “Your new messages section includes spam detection to filter out unwanted messages. Laterz trolls.”

The new messaging system will replace your old Inbox, but YouTube will continue to let you read and download messages from the old comment system over the next few months. Also arriving this week is a much improved comment system:

Fine-tune filtering: You can choose to view just comments from your subscribers, check for popular comments across your channel, or review comments for a specific video.
Easier comment review: Want to review comments that need approval? Find and check them all from one place on the comments page.
Search and ye shall find: Looking for comments on a specific topic? There’s now a search box to help you find comments that include the keywords or hashtags you’re looking for

You can expect these new features to roll out to all this week with the old inbox disabled for everything other than viewing emails as of yesterday.

Google will reportedly block indie record labels from YouTube if they don’t sign up for its new subscription service

Mark Hearn Jun 17 2014 - 9:25 am PT

YouTube is currently working on its own paid music streaming service that will let users watch videos and listen to tunes without ads. As intriguing as this may sound, it could come at the expense of the outlet’s relationship with several indie bands. Historically, the Google-owned video streaming platform has been a major springboard for independent record labels looking to gain mainstream exposure, but this could soon change. According to Financial Times, YouTube will start blocking videos from record labels that haven’t signed licensing deals with the company’s subscription-based service.

Google appears to be testing 480p and 1080p resolutions for Android’s YouTube app

Mark Hearn Jun 13 2014 - 1:44 pm PT

Smartphone and tablet displays are only getting better, however not all mobile video software is capable of taking advantage of high-res content. For example, Android’s YouTube app gives users the option to display videos in either 360p or 720p, but this appears to be changing. People are reportedly starting to see playback options in 480p and 1080p resolutions.

Venkat Panchapakesan named YouTube’s head of engineering

Mark Hearn Jun 11 2014 - 10:08 am PT

Venkat Panchapakesan has been named YouTube’s new head of engineering, according to Re/code. An internal hire, Panchapakesan is shifting from his role as head engineer at Google’s apps division. He’ll be taking over for former product head, Shishir Mehrotra who vacated his position earlier in year and went on to become an adviser for the company.

Sony says direct upload to YouTube launching on PS4 later this year

Stephen Hall Jun 9 2014 - 7:15 pm PT

At Sony’s E3 press event tonight, the company announced that the PS4 will be receiving the ability to upload game footage directly to YouTube later this year. While the console was previously capable of uploading directly to Facebook (and thereby indirectly to YouTube via a video downloader), the ability to upload to Google’s service directly has been a long-requested feature.
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YouTube will start dropping suspended accounts from channel subscriber counts on June 16th

Mark Hearn Jun 9 2014 - 3:37 pm PT

Today, YouTube announced that it’s deploying a new process to improve the accuracy of subscriber accounts on user channels. On June 16th, Google’s video sharing platform will start pruning suspended accounts from channel subscription counts. Although this will cause a drop in subscribers for some YouTubers, it shouldn’t have any type of impact on their video views, because suspended accounts aren’t active.

Report: Google in talks to acquire music streaming service Songza for $15 million

Chance Miller Jun 6 2014 - 11:04 am PT

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Hot on the heels of Apple buying Beats Music, the NY Post is reporting that Google is in talks to acquire the music streaming company Songza. According to the report, Google is currently offering Songza $15 million. That seems on the low side when compared to the $3 billion Apple paid for Beats, although only $500 million of that was for the smaller Beats streaming service. The NY Post also correctly reported on the Beats acquisition before it happened.

YouTube for Android update finally adds ability to manually choose a streaming quality

Chance Miller Jun 4 2014 - 7:18 pm PT

Google this evening released a minor update to the YouTube for Android app, bumping it to version 5.7. The update doesn’t add much, but does finally add one long awaited feature. With YouTube 5.7, you can now manually choose the quality in which you want a video to playback.

In previous versions of the app, you could only toggle between HD and HQ. Now, you can choose from 144p, 240p, 360p, and 720p. 1080p support appears to still be missing. The auto option will presumably choose the best stream based on your internet connection at the time of playback. To bring up the quality toggle, click the action button on the upper right corner of a video, then click the settings gear icon.

The update is rolling out slowly to Android devices, so it may take a little while to hit your device. In the mean time, keep an eye on the Play Store.

Satirical Conan video suggests Google’s self-driving car has a few bugs

Ben Lovejoy Jun 4 2014 - 3:55 am PT

[protected-iframe id=”e03354dba6c1b69417ffc4c258ab9702-22427743-8994189″ info=”http://teamcoco.com/embed/v/82656″ width=”640″ height=”415″ frameborder=”0″]

After Google demonstrated a prototype of a purpose-built self-driving car, Conan made a few edits …

Google wanted to show what an autonomous car might look like without any manual driving controls, and to see what people made of it. What Conan made of it was this one-minute amusing video.

The reality, of course, is that Google’s self-driving cars have clocked up 700,000 accident-free miles without anyone having had to use the emergency stop button.

The DMV is looking at the issue of how driving infringements by autonomous vehicles might be handled, and California is close to issuing the cars with driver’s licences.

YouTube celebrates its 9th anniversary with a star-studded karaoke party

Mark Hearn May 29 2014 - 7:45 am PT

Google’s video sharing medium recently celebrated its ninth anniversary and as a look back its rich history Mountain View has shared some interesting statistics about its impact on music. Over 120,000 videos have been inspired by the song Let it Go from Disney’s Frozen and half a million posts have been connected to Psy’s Gangnam Style. While these numbers are indeed impressive, they come up short when compared to the 1.5 million Harlem Shake-themed videos plastered across the web.

Nintendo to launch YouTube affiliate program for content creators

Mark Hearn May 27 2014 - 12:48 pm PT

After a long battle with YouTubers, Nintendo is ready to compromise. The house that Mario built is ready to play nice with content creators and will soon launch a YouTube affiliate program. According to a pair of tweets from the official Nintendo of Japan Twitter account, the company will share revenue with content producers who make approved gameplay videos under its new YouTube-friendly setup. Nintendo has yet to announce any further details, such as content requirements or when the program will go live, so everyone may not be welcomed. However, it’ll also be interesting to see how this new initiative coincides with the upcoming release of Mario Kart 8, which just so happens to have a YouTube upload feature built directly into the game.

YouTube’s music streaming service reportedly delayed further due to negotiations with indie labels

Chance Miller May 25 2014 - 5:47 pm PT

We’ve been hearing rumors of a YouTube streaming music service for what feels like forever, but according to a report out of the New York Times, the service has hit yet another snag. A report last month claimed that the service was delayed because YouTube and Google were approaching it with a “get it right” attitude and wanted to make the first version of the product as good as its competitors like Spotify and Rdio. This report, however, claims that YouTube has run into licensing troubles with independent music labels.

YouTube

YouTube plans new app for creators, fan donation feature, crowdsourced captions, more

Jordan Kahn May 23 2014 - 10:15 am PT

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jR8XBZRkkao&feature=youtu.be]

YouTube announced today that it will be releasing regular “Creator Preview” videos letting creators know about upcoming features so they can provide feedback ahead of time. In the first Creator Preview, the company announced that it’s working on a separate mobile app just for creators in addition to a few other interesting new features:
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YouTube reportedly reaches deal to acquire Twitch game streaming platform for $1 billion

Mike Beasley May 18 2014 - 4:03 pm PT

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Update: The Wall Street Journal reports the talks are at an early stage and a deal is not yet imminent.

Variety reports that Google has reached a deal to acquire the video game streaming platform Twitch for $1 billion. The move could provide YouTube with the resources to bolster its current live streaming platform, which doesn’t seem to be all that popular among its users. The entire amount will be offered in cash, according to the report.

Twitch has the distinct benefit of being the only live streaming platform built directly into both Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PlayStation 4 consoles. A YouTube buyout would essentially bring all of those next-gen streaming customers to YouTube’s platform, along with the countless users already streaming PC games.

Google Search results now include NBA video recaps, other leagues on the way

Jordan Kahn May 9 2014 - 7:01 am PT

The next time you’re looking for a score or recap of a recent NBA game, you’ll find a much smoother experience directly from the Google Search page. Google noted last night that it’s starting to display high-quality video clips from NBA games next to sports scores for related queries (as pictured above).

The new embedded videos play directly on the Google Search page without sending the user to YouTube and appear to becoming directly from the NBA’s official YouTube channel. You can check out an example of the new feature here.

Google says that it plans on adding other leagues in addition to the NBA in the future.

YouTube

Watch Google’s Matt Cutts in this parody ‘Spam Around The World’ music video

Jordan Kahn Apr 17 2014 - 6:01 am PT

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WEbQs8HVLs#t=77]

If you’re interested in staying up to date with the latest in search and spam at Google, Matt Cutts is definitely the guy to follow. He publishes a ton of great videos to the Google Webmaster YouTube Channel explaining what Google is doing behind the scenes with search and spam, and for some reason is also the subject of a lot of amazing parody music videos online. SearchEngineLand points us to this latest ’Spam Around The World’ parody just posted by HighPosition that remixes a number of Matt’s past webmaster videos.

YouTube for Android updated with UI tweaks, ability to Cast live streams to Chromecast

Chance Miller Apr 16 2014 - 4:05 pm PT

Google’s Update Wednesday continues today with an update to YouTube for Android. The update bumps the app to version 5.6.31 from 5.5.27 and includes a couple of significant changes. The biggest new feature is the ability to cast live videos from the YouTube app to your Chromecast. The process works just as it does on the desktop and the quality is fantastic. Of course, this would have been very useful during the live streams from the Coachella music festival last weekend, but there’s still the second weekend with which to use it. This will also be incredibly useful for watching live streams from Google I/O on the big screen.

The Watch Later interface has also been updated to fit in with the rest of the app’s interface, as opposed to the image-heavy interface in the previous version. You can now see at least four videos without scrolling, while you were previously limited to two on the same screen.

The update is rolling out now, albeit very slowly. If you’d like to bypass Google’s staged rollout, head over to Android Police where they have the APK available for download. If not, keep an eye on the Play Store for it to hit your device.

Oppo’s Find 7a UHD capabilities shown off in cinematic camera demo

Dom Esposito Apr 14 2014 - 11:49 am PT

Oppo’s latest flagship smartphones are packing some serious specifications. Internally, the Find 7/Find 7a are not much different than Samsung’s Galaxy S5 or the HTC One (M8), but Oppo has made an effort to beat the pricing of both devices. YouTube creator Danny Winget has put together a camera test demonstrating the exceptional UHD video recording capabilities of the Find 7/Find 7a’s camera. The results look incredible and it’s actually hard to believe that this footage came straight from a smartphone.

Video: Hands-on with Amazon’s Fire TV set-top box

Dom Esposito Apr 9 2014 - 9:46 am PT

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhKZ0fQhbeg]

Amazon recently surprised us with its Fire TV set-top box, offering a native solution for customers to stream movies, music, and even play games. Fire TV will only set you back $99, and in my opinion, it’s just what Amazon needed. Instead of relying on third-party streaming solutions, Amazon now has the power to take its media services in a new direction. Take a look at our overview video above to see Fire TV in action.

Google to launch TV and outdoor ads for YouTube featuring popular video creators

Mike Beasley Apr 8 2014 - 9:30 pm PT