The world is a better place now that broadband internet is available everywhere, data prices are falling, and nearly every smartphone on the market can surf the web adequately. Guys, there’s no sarcasm in these words – and the latest Google news proves it! Earlier this year, Google announced the retirement of Chrome’s Lite mode, stating that “in recent years, we’ve seen a decrease in cost for mobile data in many countries, and we’ve shipped many improvements to Chrome to further minimise data usage and improve web page loading.”
When we launched YouTube Go in 2016, it was designed for viewers in locations where connectivity, data prices, and low-end devices prevented us from delivering the best experience in the main YouTube app. Google says that it’s working on additional user controls that help to decrease mobile data usage for viewers with limited data, so any fringe cases can be addressed. YouTube Go lacks several features compared to the main app, including the ability to comment, post, create content, and use dark themes.
Now Google is preparing to pull the plug on another “lightweight” app – YouTube Go. “Today, we are announcing that YouTube Go will be sunsetted beginning in August,” reads part of the official announcement on Google’s support pages. Again, the reasoning behind the retirement of this app lies in the fact that entry-level devices have become so powerful that they can run the main YouTube app well enough, and connectivity and data prices are not a critical issue anymore.
There are, however, some question marks around the transition to the main YouTube app. Some users have raised concerns about functionalities that are not present on the current free version of YouTube, the ability to download videos and watch them later, and also the option to disable YouTube shorts in your feed. Tell us what you think. Have you ever used YouTube Go, and if so – what will you miss about it when it’s gone?
News Summary:
- YouTube Go…