Xiaomi’s Decision to Remove Free Background YouTube Feature: Explained
Impacted Devices: Xiaomi Smartphones with HyperOS and MIUI
Amidst evolving dynamics in the streaming landscape, Xiaomi has made a significant announcement regarding the removal of a widely utilized feature that allowed users to play YouTube videos in the background. Unlike YouTube Premium subscribers who enjoy ad-free streaming and the ability to play videos in picture-in-picture (PiP) mode or as audio-only in the background, Xiaomi users previously had access to similar functionality at no additional cost. However, the company’s decision to eliminate this feature reflects a broader trend of platforms tightening control over their content distribution channels.
The move, communicated via a post on a Xiaomi Telegram channel, outlines the removal of two key features: Play video sound with screen off in the Video toolbox and Turn-off screen in the Game toolbox. These features, which facilitated background playback of YouTube content, are set to be phased out through over-the-air updates. While Xiaomi refrains from explicitly stating the rationale behind this decision, the post attributes it to “compliance requirements,” indicating a response to regulatory or contractual obligations.
YouTube’s ongoing efforts to safeguard its revenue streams and uphold the value proposition of its premium subscription services may have influenced Xiaomi’s course of action. By aligning with YouTube’s policies and guidelines, Xiaomi aims to maintain a harmonious relationship with the streaming platform while ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Despite the inconvenience posed by the removal of these features, Xiaomi users may find solace in the broader context of platform governance and content distribution dynamics.
As the streaming landscape continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences and regulatory frameworks, it remains imperative for technology companies like Xiaomi to navigate these complexities with prudence and foresight.
By prioritizing compliance and adherence to industry standards, Xiaomi endeavors to uphold user trust and confidence while fostering collaborative partnerships with leading content providers such as YouTube. Ultimately, this strategic alignment reflects Xiaomi’s commitment to delivering a seamless and user-centric experience across its product ecosystem.
Xiaomi has announced that it is removing a popular feature which allowed users to run YouTube videos in the background. YouTube Premium users, who pay for ad-free streaming, can play YouTube videos over other applications in a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode or just the audio in the background without the video. However, this Xiaomi feature allowed users to gain the same functionality for free. This move comes at a time when YouTube is cracking down on several third-party apps and features which presumably affect their paying user count.
The firm announced via a Telegram channel post that it will remove the Play video sound with screen off feature in the Video toolbox and the Turn-off screen feature in the Game toolbox via over-the-air updates. Although Xiaomi does not specify what compelled it to remove these popular features, the post states that the move is “due to compliance requirements.”
