YouTube Spreads to More Consumer Electronics
YouTube announced yesterday yet another way to access its videos on a TV: through the Sony Playstaion 3 (PS3) and Nintendo Wii. The service is now in beta but there are many other devices that can access complete versions today. YouTube has made several deals with set-top box manufacturers and TV manufacturers, releasing its first TV application on AppleTV in June 2007. Other devices that now boast this service are:
- iPhone
- Sony Bravia TVs via its wireless module
- TiVo
- HP MediaSmart TV
- VuNow by Verismo Networks
- D-Link Media Lounge / Active TV
YouTube seems to really be living up to their goal to “accelerate an industry evolution towards open television access to Web video.” The list above proves the openness of the team to collaborate with all types of consumer devices to extend its reach and accessibility.
Furthermore, the iterations I have seen of the various UI’s are very consistent with what people are familiar with from its traditional web implementation. Search is key, but the browse experience is still preserved around those familiar categories such as most popular and most viewed. Below are various snapshots of the YouTube interface across several of these devices:
YouTube on the iPhone
YouTube on TiVo
YouTube on AppleTV
YouTube on VuNow
This movement is not just being seen in websites like YouTube, but extends broadly, with Netflix spreading across the stream as well, and Blockbuster trying to keep pace. CES each year has been touting this message, with it coming across loud and clear this year. TV is certainly changing and YouTube is heading the way.
UPDATE: See photos and read more analysis on Wired.
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