Microsoft updates YouTube app to disable downloads, but still not showing ads

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Microsoft has made some concessions to Google’s concerns about the Windows Phone YouTube app, but has stopped short of complying with its demand that Microsoft remove the app from the Windows Phone Store.

Microsoft is pushing out a new version (don’t update!”) which will disable downloads and obey publisher’s restrictions on whether an app should be available on mobile or not.

The app will however still not display ads, as that would require Google’s cooperation.

Microsoft sent ZDNet this statement:

“Microsoft updated the Windows Phone YouTube app to address the restricted video and offline video access concerns voiced by Google last week. We have been in contact with Google and continue to believe that our two companies can work together to hone an app that benefits our mutual customers, partners and content providers. We’re earning new customers every day, with IDC reporting recently that Windows Phone posted the largest year-over-year gain among leading operating systems. We look forward to working with Google to maintain a great YouTube experience for the growing number of people who rely on both of our respective products.”

We will have to see if the changes placate Google, but given that Google’s main thrust was the missing ads I think this is just another step in the chess game between Microsoft and Google. Moreover, the war on adblockers continues on other platforms – many users have complained about AdBlock not working on Twitch.

What do our readers think? Let us know below.

More about the topics: google, microsoft, windows phone, youtube

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