CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google. ZDNET's key takeaways YouTube is introducing new features for Premium users. Better audio and improved playback controls are on the way. A new AI Labs hub is also rolling out. YouTube has announced a number of additions for Premium users, and not only will new features improve audio and playback controls, but subscribers will also get special access to the company's latest AI experiments through a new Labs hub. In addition, the company also announced that all iOS users are getting new options to enjoy Shorts. New additions for YouTube Premium users Here's a look at what's new: High-quality audio: YouTube said Premium subscribers now have enhanced audio while watching official/premium music videos and art tracks on Android or iOS devices. Previously, this audio was only available in the YouTube Music App and as an opt-in experiment on YouTube. Faster playback speeds: You now have the ability to fine-tune your playback speed up to 4x in 0.05 increments on more devices. Before, this was only available on Android and iOS devices through youtube.com/new, but now it's available on the web. Jump ahead: Last year, YouTube rolled out an AI-powered "Jump Ahead" feature that lets you skip to the good parts automatically. This is already available on Android, iOS, and web browsers, but now it's available on smart TVs and gaming consoles, too. In a separate announcement, YouTube introduced Labs, a home for AI experiments. In Labs, YouTube said, a limited number of US-based participants will have the opportunity to test early prototype features and help shape them before they launch. The first experiment, YouTube said, is an AI music host that's designed to share relevant stories, trivia, and commentary about your favorite music on the YouTube Music app. You can sign up at www.youtube.com/new Also: YouTube reveals new AI tools for Shorts creators - see what you can do now If you're not a subscriber, YouTube Premium gets you additional benefits like ad-free and offline viewing, background play, and more for $13.99 a month. New Shorts features for all users YouTube also announced that it's expanding how you can watch Shorts, adding smart downloads that automatically download your favorite Shorts based on your previous watch history so you'll always have something to watch and a Shorts picture-in-picture feature that keeps your Shorts playing in a small window while you scroll through other content on your device. Both of these were previously available on Android and as an opt-in experiment on iOS, but are now fully available on iOS. Want to follow my work? Add ZDNET as a trusted source on Google.