It wasn’t too long ago when Microsoft developed and published a YouTube app of their own to get the attention of Google – who’d failed to provide the Windows Phone with an official YouTube app. Yes, some feelings were hurt, but now the two have reached an agreement and will be co-developing a better YouTube app for the Windows Phone.
It’s one of the most used apps between Android and iPhone users. Microsoft wasn’t happy to see their phone being left out in the cold, so they took matters into their own hands and created a YouTube app of their own. YouTube was outraged, claiming the app was not within the compliance standard of their terms of agreement.
The Conflict and Resolution
The conflict between Microsoft and Google over the YouTube app for Windows Phone was a significant one. Microsoft’s decision to create their own app was driven by the frustration of being excluded from one of the most popular services on mobile devices. The app they developed, however, did not comply with YouTube’s API terms of service, particularly in terms of ad support and other features that YouTube mandates for third-party apps. This led to a public spat between the two tech giants.
The official joint statement says, “Microsoft and YouTube are working together to update the new YouTube for Windows Phone app to enable compliance with YouTube’s API terms of service, including enabling ads, in the coming weeks. Microsoft will replace the existing YouTube app in Windows Phone Store with the previous version during this time.”
This resolution was a significant step forward, as it showed a willingness from both companies to collaborate and ensure that Windows Phone users would not be left out. The inclusion of ads was a critical point for YouTube, as it aligns with their revenue model and ensures that content creators are compensated for their work.
Implications for Windows Phone Users
So congratulations Windows Phone users! You can now join the rest of us as we look up hilarious videos on our phones to kill unprecedented amounts of time at work. This development means that Windows Phone users will have access to a fully functional YouTube app that meets all of YouTube’s standards. This includes not only the ability to watch videos but also to interact with them in the same way that users on other platforms can.
The collaboration between Microsoft and Google also sets a precedent for future cooperation between the two companies. It shows that even when there are significant disagreements, it is possible to find a middle ground that benefits users. This is particularly important in the tech industry, where interoperability and access to services across different platforms are crucial for user satisfaction.
Moreover, this move could potentially lead to more Google services being made available on Windows Phone in the future. If the YouTube app proves to be successful, it might encourage Google to consider developing other apps for the platform, thereby enhancing the overall user experience for Windows Phone users.
The agreement between Microsoft and Google to co-develop a YouTube app for Windows Phone is a win for users. It ensures that they have access to one of the most popular apps in the world, and it demonstrates that cooperation between tech giants is possible, even when there are significant challenges to overcome. This development is a positive step forward and could pave the way for more collaborative efforts in the future.
Source – Engadget
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