Xiaomi Removes Feature That Let Users Run YouTube Videos in the Background for Free: Here’s Why

Xiaomi has introduced that it’s eradicating a well-liked function which allowed customers to run YouTube movies within the background. YouTube Premium customers, who pay for ad-free streaming, can play YouTube movies over different purposes in a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode or simply the audio within the background with out the video. Nonetheless, this Xiaomi function allowed customers to achieve the identical performance at no cost. This transfer comes at a time when YouTube is cracking down on a number of third-party apps and options which presumably have an effect on their paying consumer depend.

The agency introduced by way of a Telegram channel submit that it’ll take away the Play video sound with display off function within the Video toolbox and the Flip-off display function within the Recreation toolbox by way of over-the-air updates. Though Xiaomi doesn’t specify what compelled it to take away these in style options, the submit states that the transfer is “on account of compliance necessities.”

Notably, the motion comes months after YouTube has been making an attempt to push extra individuals in the direction of subscribing to YouTube Premium. It has tried to curb using advert blockers by slowing down video playback pace for customers with advert blockers and making skipping adverts considerably tougher.

Xiaomi confirmed that this determination will have an effect on all smartphones working MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14, and the newly launched HyperOS, together with Xiaomi 14,  Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Professional, and Xiaomi 12T. Notably, Xiaomi launched the function to assist video playback with out the display being lively with its MIUI 12 replace in 2021.

A latest report claimed that YouTube could also be rolling out PiP mode for non-Premium customers outdoors the US. However the firm has not confirmed any such strikes. Paying YouTube Premium subscribers utilizing the Xiaomi fashions affected by the native function removing, ought to nonetheless be capable of use YouTube movies on PiP or background participant mode.