It wasn’t that long ago when we brought you the news that YouTube was planning on bringing their services to PlayStation Vita owners through the simple download of an official app. Considering the insane popularity which YouTube enjoys and the fact that it is the number one video viewing website in the world, an official app for the Vita was always going to go down a storm with those handheld owners who want to transcend the device’s gaming capabilities.
If you count yourself amongst those who have been waiting for the launch, then raise your arms in the air and rejoice as Sony has announced that the YouTube Vita app will be available as a free of charge download later on today and could already be available in your territory. Taking full advantage of Sony’s handheld high-definition screen as well as the fact that it comes with 3G streaming functionality, the YouTube app joins the list of other high-profile apps that are expanding the portfolio of software available for the Vita.
So, you own a Vita. You love YouTube. What will this native experience bring you? First and foremost, millions of already uploaded videos will be available for immediate streaming and viewing on the device, taking advantage of the much loved OLED display that takes center stage. As is usually the case with YouTube apps, using the software is extremely simple and doesn’t involve any difficult learning curves. Users will also have the added advantage of being able to view any selected videos in either small-screen or full-screen modes, a choice that determines the on-screen interface options.
Apart from the viewing mode options, the development team has integrated a recommended videos feature that displays YouTube’s recommended media for the user, allowing the much needed search options and presenting the end-user with the ability to look back at a historical timeline of what has been watched. Account sign-in is obviously supported, with the added functionality of being able to quickly add videos to a list of favorites that will be available on any device that the account is viewed from.
For those who have previously been using the PlayStation Vita’s built-in browser to view YouTube videos through the website, the release of this app will be a godsend. With millions of videos available immediately, coupled together with the fact that it is a free of charge download and supports video playback up to 720p, it definitely is a win-win situation for users and service providers alike.
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