YouTube has released a Windows Mobile application designed to let users locate and play back videos on their smartphones. The free "YouTube Mobile" is faster than previous third-party players, and automatically optimizes video for playback via 3G or WiFi connections, the company says.
HTC's Touch Diamond (Click image for further information)
Unlike the OS X operating system used by Apple's iPhone, Windows Mobile does not come with a player for YouTube video, but users have been able to enjoy YouTube content via third-party software. For example, HTC developed its own YouTube player and has offered it on a variety of phones. When it launched the Touch Diamond (right) last year, for example, the manufacturer touted "the best YouTube experience on any device." Similarly, the $30 Kinoma Play application can also locate and play YouTube content.
However, YouTube claims its free YouTube Mobile application supports more Windows Mobile devices than others, and is "up to 90 percent faster" starting up, searching, and loading videos. According to a posting on the YouTube blog, the app also gives "better video quality that's automatically optimized to your WiFi or 3G network."
YouTube Mobile switches into landscape mode automatically (Click either to enlarge)
As shown in the picture at the top of our story, the application allows searching for videos, and, if you get several results for the same search, they're depicted via a carousel-like interface. When a video is being played, YouTube Mobile automatically flips a phone's display into portrait orientation, as shown in the photos above.
In its present state of evolution, however, YouTube Mobile apparently does not let users log into their TouTube accounts, moderate comments, or upload videos. According to YouTube's blog posting, "More cool features and app improvements are on the way, and the app will alert you as updates become available and allow you to upgrade with a single click."
A demonstration of YouTube Mobile Source: YouTube (click to play)
Availability
To download YouTube Mobile for Windows Mobile phones, visit http://m.youtube.com from a mobile device.
