YouTube is finally allowing users to get the most out of iOS 9's multitasking functionalities while using its app for the iPad Pro. Google updated its YouTube app on Tuesday, adding support for Slide Over and Split View features.
Slide Over and Split View are two multitasking features released with iOS 9 only for the iPad that make the tablet feel more like a desktop by increasing productivity.
Slide Over enables users to pull up a "tray" on the right-hand side of the iPad screen to get a quick task done without exiting the app the user is currently working in. For example, this means that users can now jot something down in Notes while watching a YouTube video.
Split View is the feature that is crucial to being able to multitask because it allows users to have two apps open at the same time. Users now will be able to get their work emails done — or browse Facebook — while also watching music videos or their favorite YouTube star.
(Photo : Apple) An example of Split View.
These two multitasking features, along with a third called Picture in Picture, were released with iOS 9 last September for the iPad. But not all apps have support.
To be able to use Slide Over and Split View, the other apps the user wants to run while using YouTube have to also support the features.
Picture in Picture, which allows users to continue watching a video in a thumbnail while they go to the iPad's home screen or run an app behind it, was not included in the YouTube update. Google also moved home tabs into the navigation bar for the iPad when in landscape mode as part of the update.
Slide Over will work on any model of the iPad, including older devices like the iPad Air and Mini 2, but Split View will only work on the iPad Pro, Air 2 and Mini 4.
The YouTube app is available to download on the iPad for free.
Apple just unveiled the 9.7-inch iPad Pro during its press event on Monday, which it notes offers the lowest reflectivity while still being the brightest tablet. This sounds ideal for watching YouTube videos while on the go. The new iPad Pro will be available for $599 for the 32 GB and $749 for the 128 GB versions. The tablets hit stores on March 31.
Source: Apple Insider
Photo: Rego Korosi | Flickr
