Microsoft has updated its YouTube app designed for the Windows Phone 8. This is in compliance with the letter sent to it by Google, owner of the video sharing website, which had pointed out certain violations of the YouTube terms of service.
Google sent the cease-and-desist notice to Microsoft on May 15, detailing the violations committed by the YouTube app created by Microsoft. These violations include the capability of the app to download videos from YouTube and not displaying advertisements. Google requested Microsoft to pull out or block the app from the latter's online store by May 22.
In response, Microsoft released an update to its YouTube app for the Windows Phone 4 pm EDT, Wednesday. The latest version of the app has disabled video downloads but it still does not display advertisements.
"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," a Microsoft representative told ZDNet.
"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," the statement clarified.
Microsoft released its own version of the YouTube app on May 7. The app showcased a design that gave users an easy access to the videos making most of the touch support of the operating system. The app also allowed users to pin videos, channels, and playlists as Live Tile onto the Start. Sharing videos on social networks or via text and email was also a basic feature.
Earlier reports documented how Google was not keen on developing apps for the Windows Phone and other Windows 8 devices. Google has maintained this stance for other brands like Apple and Blackberry. The company suggested that users of such platforms can go to the YouTube mobile website if they want to access videos on the said site.
Google, however, assisted Microsoft for the YouTube app used for the Xbox since the latter has a good share in the game console market.
While Google does not provide the necessary interfaces for Microsoft to develop a YouTube app, the latter was also criticized by the search giant for not providing access to its messaging platform. The YouTube app developed by Microsoft used an existing YouTube API available to the public.
It is still not clear if Google will take legal steps to make Microsoft fully comply with the terms of service of YouTube.
