YouTube TV is testing surround sound (5.1) audio on Google TV, Android TV, and Roku devices.
YouTube says if the testing goes well on these initial devices, the feature will come to gaming consoles. “We know 5.1 audio is important to many of you, so we wanted to share an update,” YouTube TV’s tweet begins.
“We’re currently testing 5.1 audio on Google TV, Android TV, and Roku. If everything runs smoothly, we can expect 5.1 audio to launch on those devices next.”
“We’re still working internally with partners to enable 5.1 on Apple TV, Fire TV, and game consoles,” the tweet thread continues. “We don’t like keeping you waiting, but we’re excited for you to hear 5.1 audio soon.”
YouTube TV currently supports 5.1 surround sound on select Samsung, LG, and Vizio TVs. It also works on traditional Chromecast devices and a speaker system that supports 5.1 audio. YouTube TV has slowly been fulfilling its promise of rolling out surround sound to its users last year.
Meanwhile, for iPhone and iPad users, YouTube TV is finally rolling out its picture-in-picture mode. “We’re happy to share that picture-in-picture is now rolling out to iOS 15+ devices. Simply select a video to watch and swipe up from the bottom of the screen to return to the device’s homepage. The video can scale down and move across your screen,” the tweet reads.
Google has been testing PiP content for YouTube Premium subscribers. But the feature may become standard across the YouTube experience. YouTube has also recently expanded its ad-supported movies and TV shows, though it’s not advertising that fact.
“YouTube is personalized to users, so instead of seeing the entire library at once in the links, users see personalized selections for them,” a YouTube spokesperson confirmed. “Once users begin watching or when new titles cycle in or out, the makeup of the selection in the shelves will change.”