YouTube unveils Comments Page to answer for user complaints

 

YouTube received flak for requiring users to have Google+ accounts to comment on videos and when they moved the comment notifications to Google+ notification page. Google’s video streaming service seemed to have listened to its large user base and introduced at Comments Page to help video creators manage, view and respond to comments in one place.

At the moment, the users will be required to click on the video page and reply to the comments there. But the company intends to allow for inline replying and expanding all replies on the Comments Page soon.

Source: YouTube Creator Blog

Google to introduce 4K video format that uses less bandwidth

Google has begun collaborating with hardware manufacturers to introduce a new video format that will allow you to play 4K content from YouTube on your TVs, smartphone and PCs while it consumes half the bandwidth needed by current high-definition videos. PCWorld reports VP9 format allows for videos to be shown at 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution. Television makers that plan to back the new format include LG, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, Samsung, Philips, Sharp and Panasonic. Nvidia and Qualcomm also plan to create new graphics chips and processors to support VP9.

“Starting in 2014, you’ll see products from major mobile, PC and TV partners that are using a new, more efficient video format called VP9 that gives you HD quality at half the bandwidth,” Francisco Varela, global director of platform partnerships at Google, wrote in an email to PCWorld.

YouTube lands on Roku 3, available in Canada and 3 other countries

The wait is now over for an official YouTube app on your Roku 3. The channel has debut on the streaming player for users in Canada, US, UK, and Ireland. It allows you to enjoy your favorite viral clips and stream up to 1080p resolution videos. If you own an older Roku box, the app will be come to your machine soon.

YouTube streaming music service might come out in Q1 2014

Looks like we’ll have to wait until the first quarter of next year before we catch a glimpse of YouTube’s take on Spotify. All Things D reported that YouTube wants to work on the product more despite having the necessary licensing deals done. The Verge cited some of the rumoured features including background playback, offline syncing and “no ads on millions of songs.” It will supposedly come with a free version or a premium version that would cost around US$10.