A small update from YouTube TV for Android today shows Google changing the name of the app to “YT TV”. In addition, the Android / Google TV app icon has also been changed slightly.
Update 1/19/21: Google reversed its December rollback with version 5.01.2. Launched widely by the Play Store today, the app is again listed as “YT TV”. Of course, end users prefer the shortened application name.
Update 12/2: Version 4.48.2 is being released by the Play Store today and reverts the name of the home screen to the “YouTube TV” complete. It is not clear why Google abandoned “YT TV” after almost two months. As such, the drawer position has returned and YT Music has become the last app again.
Original 10/5: Version 4.40 for Android (phones and tablets) changes the application name from “YouTube TV” to “YT TV”. This change is reflected in the home screens and app launchers, but not in the app’s info page or Play Store list.
The abbreviation corresponds to “YT Music” and “YT TV” moves to the right of the audio streaming application. For most people, YouTube TV is now the last item in their app drawer organized in alphabetical order, although this can present some challenges when searching, depending on your device’s launcher.
Based on the font size set, “YouTube TV” may have been truncated to “YouTube…” before. Today’s change means that this is no longer the case for most – if not all – users. This new version is still being released on the Play Store.
Meanwhile, in front of Android TV / Google TV, another update shows the change to the YouTube TV app card. Previously, it was the red YouTube play button followed by “TV” against a white background. This is also how the mark on the app appears.
Now it’s the icon and “YouTube TV” behind a black card, with both extending from end to end. The background change distinguishes you from YouTube and the YouTube Music shortcut. One benefit is that it stands out in the app carousel, although Chromecast users with Google TV will always have access to it in the new “Live” tab.
There is also now a red tone / glow when selected. This change must be widely implemented today.
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