Having the ability to watch high-definition video content on demand usually requires a fast and reliable Internet connection but YouTube is currently trying to circumvent that issue as it’s looking to expand its user base. Given how the most popular video platform on the Internet is already used by pretty much everyone in the developed world, the Google-owned company has turned to developing countries where good Internet connectivity isn’t as widespread. While Google itself is currently putting a lot of effort into making public Wi-Fi hotspots more readily available, YouTube decided to take a different approach as it has just announced YouTube Go, an offline video viewer designed as an alternative to the standard YouTube app for people with more limited connectivity.
The app basically works just like the regular YouTube one with the exception of boasting a video downloader. When online, you can download videos to your device and even choose the resolution in which to save them. In addition to that, this piece of mobile software also supports local sharing solutions so that users can send videos to each other without using data. Speaking in Delhi, the company’s representatives revealed that the app was based on the Smart Offline feature which was introduced to users in India this June. Still, it wasn’t explained why did YouTube now opt for a standalone app over an update to its existing one.
Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai revealed that his countrymen will have the opportunity to test YouTube Go before the rest of the world will be able to download it. If you happen to be located in India and are willing to share your email address and phone number with YouTube, you can already sign up to be a part of the YouTube Go’s soft launch by following the source link below. The India Times reports that this limited beta period is expected to begin in the coming weeks. Expected but not confirmed as the company’s representatives are yet to reveal their official rollout plans. In case you want to have a first look at the upcoming app, the GIF below gives you precisely that.