Friday 24 May 2013

Microsoft and Google finally work out the YouTube App issue for Windows Phone: Working together on one!

   It's not often that we feel sorry for Microsoft and we have a feeling some others amongst you might share that feeling, but with the troubles they're having getting people to make apps for their Windows Phone platforms, we do feel a little bad. There was a whole situation which came to a head during the week where Microsoft were essentially forced to announce an unofficial YouTube app which played without any ads or anything!

   Obviously that wasn't exactly what Google wanted to hear, because that means no ad money for them and it was a little bit naughty because they knew they weren't meant to do that, the usual procedure is to link people to the mobile web version of YouTube, but by releasing the app Microsoft forced Google's hand. Google complained and outlined the changes which had to be made to the app and Microsoft implemented some changes to show that they were willing to collaborate.

   That's why from today the pair will be working together on an official YouTube app for Windows Phone! Google have said:
"Microsoft and YouTube are working together to update the new YouTube for Windows Phone app to enable compliance with YouTube’s API terms of service, including enabling ads, in the coming weeks."
   To be fair to Microsoft have said all along that they're happy to put ads into the app they've made assuming they're provided with an official API and with the week that's been it seems that Google gave Microsoft permission and all is now rosy in the battle of the tech giants.

   In the meantime though Microsoft will "replace the existing YouTube app in Windows Phone Store with the previous version during this time," which sucks a little bit for Windows Phone users, but it is good to know that there is finally something official on the way!
Via TheVerge.

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