A few months ago, Google started informing users that the YouTube app would be removed on April 20. The app will also stop functioning on the second-generation Apple TV, older game consoles, and Google TV devices in early May.
YouTube removed on older devices
A full list of affected devices has not been released but we know that it will affect most Smart TV sold in 2012 or earlier, including TVs from Sony, Samsung, Panasonic and LG. Older Blu-ray players and home cinema systems with smart features will also be affected. Some older game consoles will also be affected.
The app has already stopped functioning on most devices but others have started featuring a “Device support” video from Google/YouTube in the app. Owners of the second-generation Apple TV are notified that it will stop working in early May, and all iOS devices older than iOS7 see the same video.
YouTube will also be removed from Google’s own devices such as the Google TV devices running version 1 or 2. Google TV has been discontinued in favor of Android TV.
The reason for the change is that YouTube is updating its API to version 3 and moving to a HTML5 video player instead of one based on Flash. YouTube is also changing its video encoding format from H.264 and VP8 to the more efficient VP9.
Have you been affected? And if so, on what device?
