In 2012, YouTube introduced a HTML5-based video player to replace its Flash-based video player. This transition has been ongoing for several years, and has caused Sony, among others, to remove the YouTube Flash video player.
Google has now announced that support for YouTube’s Flash video player will now end and encourages use of the HTML5 version as this app has many new features and other improvements that are not available on the older Flash app.
TV models from 2012 or earlier, are likely to have the Flash version of the YouTube app. Besides Smart TVs, it will also affect other devices that have been using the Flash player.
Google says that the YouTube app will continue to be functional on Smart TVs from 2013 and onward as well as on PlayStation 3 and 4, Xbox 360 and One, and Wii U.
Google is also suggesting that people affected should buy a Chromecast or a media player based on Android TV. Non-Google devices such as Apple TV, Roku or Amazon Fire TV will not be affected.
YouTube Flash Player No Longer Supported
Analyst Comment
The comment from Google just proves the old saying that “your SmartTV becomes your StupidTV two years later”. (BR)
