YouTube TV and NBCUniversal have agreed to a “short extension” that will keep more than a dozen channels on the streaming platform while talks continue.
Earlier this week, YouTube said it was on the verge of losing NBCU content over a carriage dispute. The deadline was September 30. The companies are now saying they have agreed to a short extension, one that will keep NBCU’s content on YouTube TV while negations continue.
NBCU gave a statement to Protocol outlining the decision.
Google has officially ended support for Android 2.3.7 and lower, leaving potentially millions of devices without access to key apps.
Google warned in early August that it would block Android 2.3.7 and older from accessing popular apps and services, such as Gmail, YouTube, Maps and more.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our users safe, Google will no longer allow sign-in on Android devices that run Android 2.3.7 or lower starting September 27, 2021. If you sign into your device after September 27, you may get username or password errors when you try to use Google products and services like Gmail, YouTube, and Maps.”
The cutoff goes into effect today. Although the percentage of devices running the older OS is extremely low, when factoring in the billions of Android devices, it still accounts for potentially millions of impacted users.
Youtube has been making moves for years to restrict the ability for 3rd parties to download video from their service. However, there are still methods available that work. Additionally, many of these options will allow you to download from several different sites including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube alternatives like Bitchute or Odysee, etc.
Official Way To Download YouTube Videos
Youtube Premium offers the capability to download most videos via mobile but unfortunately that doesn’t extend to the desktop version.
Websites To Download YouTube Videos
9convert – Multiple video and audio only download options available.
Video Solo – MP4 and WebM downloads available in multiple resolutions as well as audio only downloads in MP3 and the ability to include subtitles.
YMate – Not as many features as Video Solo but has a simple interface that works as intended
Plugins For Downloading Youtube Videos
AddonCrop – Feature rich plugin with many different format and resolution options. However, it’s limited to converting videos less than 180 minutes.
DownloadYoutubeChrome – Google blocks this extension by default but you can follow the instructions on their website to bypass the restrictions.
Desktop App For Downloading Youtube Videos
jDownloader – This application is the cream of the crop when it comes to downloading videos online. It will allow you to download videos on almost any website. You’ll also be able to select any resolution available for the particular video you’re attempting to download.
Google is escalating its conflict with Roku, adding YouTube TV streaming to the standard YouTube app.
Roku pulled the YouTube TV streaming app at the end of April, following a dispute with Google over contract terms. Roku was not asking for any additional money, only asking that Google respect its data practices, not require more expensive hardware and not engage in anticompetitive behavior. When an agreement could not be reached, Roku pulled the YouTube TV app from its platform.
It appears Google is determined to go around Roku, rather than working with them, and has bundled the streaming service with the standard YouTube app. The company detailed its plans in a blog post.
Today, we’re introducing a new feature that gives you access to YouTube TV from within the YouTube app, making it easier to enjoy all the content you love. Existing members can easily access YouTube TV by clicking on “Go to YouTube TV” in the main YouTube app. This update will be available to all YouTube TV members on Roku over the next few days, and we will expand to as many devices as we can over time.
The company says it is continuing to negotiate with Roku, and that this measure is simply a way to ensure its customers continue to have access to its content. Similarly, Google says it is working to make sure Roku’s devices meet its technical specifications.
In the event no agreement is reached, it appears Google is working on a long-term solution.
We’re also in discussions with other partners to secure free streaming devices in case YouTube TV members face any access issues on Roku.