Why This Matters
YouTube is introducing an app for Android Auto that allows users to control audio playback of videos, but it does not support watching videos while driving. This move enhances audio control for podcasts, lectures, and music, especially for premium subscribers who can play content in the background. The update highlights ongoing restrictions in in-car entertainment, balancing user convenience with safety and platform limitations.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube's Android Auto app only supports audio control, not video playback.
- Background playback requires a YouTube Premium subscription.
- The update improves audio management but maintains safety restrictions on video watching while driving.
Thomas Trutschel / Contributor/ Photothek via Getty Images
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ZDNET's key takeaways
A YouTube app is coming to Android Auto.
You can't actually watch any videos, though.
The app only lets you control the audio of a video that's playing.
A YouTube app is coming to your car, but don't plan on watching any videos.
Over the past several days, users have noticed a YouTube app appearing on Android Auto. But it doesn't actually let you watch YouTube.
What's the point then?
... continue reading
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