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YouTube app for Android finally adds 60fps option for everyone and it’s wonderful [VIDEO]

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YouTube 60fps app update

It’s finally here. After launching 60fps 4K videos back in March for Chrome on the desktop, we had a feeling it was just a matter of time before the higher frame rate eventually made its way to mobile apps. That time is now, with the folks at YouTube officially announcing that 60fps video playback is now finally possible in their Android and iOS apps.

YouTube app Android 60fps

Also known as HFR (high frame rate), the resulting video is something that almost looks surreal, especially on our mobile devices. While the verdict is still out on whether or not this improves the cinema experience, it’s flipping awesome for watching anything that has to do with video games. Providing they’ve been uploaded in 60fps, of course. To be clear, this update doesn’t enable 60fps 4K videos, that’s something we probably wont see for a long while and besides, most desktops can barely handle it without melting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgyGr6Lv7ls

Watch this video in the YouTube app on your Android device

Users will find that when watching a video in the YouTube app where 60fps is available (the above video for example), it should default to the higher frame rate on HD, providing you have a fast connection. In other words, don’t worry about having to change any settings to enable it. If you can stream HD, you’ll be streaming the higher frame rate. If for whatever reason it doesn’t, you can always press the 3-dot menu button followed by the little gear icon to change the quality.

We’re not sure what the impact on battery life will be, but we watched a few trailers on our Nexus 6 and it seemed to work without a hitch. No slow downs, judder, or any overheating. Just silky, smooth video. Check it out for yourself.

[Twitter]

 

Chris Chavez
I've been obsessed with consumer technology for about as long as I can remember, be it video games, photography, or mobile devices. If you can plug it in, I have to own it. Preparing for the day when Android finally becomes self-aware and I get to welcome our new robot overlords.

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6 Comments

  1. It’s not even watchable until it’s 600fps and 16K on our 9″ 4K phone screens.

  2. Hmmmm… I’ve had this for at least 2 months now

    1. I had it before HD content was cool.

  3. It’s not so much the battery life but the data use that can worry users on limited data plans.

    Edit: and wow what a difference.

  4. Pretty sure that progressive source to progressive playback involves no judder – by definition.

  5. Will make viewing videos on my phone a bit better.

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