YouTube Mobile Gets a Kick Start

It’s well known that the mobile internet is huge and growing fast; what’s surprising is exactly how fast. According to a recent report, within 5 years more users will connect to the internet via mobile devices than desktop PCs. YouTube consumption on mobile devices has also grown considerably -- playbacks were up 160% in 2009 over the previous year. And we’re excited to announce that YouTube Mobile now receives more than 100 million video playbacks a day. This is roughly the number of daily playbacks that YouTube.com was streaming when we joined forces with Google in 2006.

We launched YouTube on mobile devices in 2007 with about 1,000 videos available on the mobile site (m.youtube.com). While this suddenly opened up the possibility to access videos on the go, our site, mobile browsers and the hardware had limitations that prevented the mobile experience from keeping up with YouTube on the desktop. Today, more than ever, we know that you want to be able to find and access your favorite videos wherever you are. That’s why we’ve been working hard to roll out an updated version of the mobile site.

Here's what's new about the new mobile site:

• It's really fast.
• The new user interface incorporates larger, more touch friendly elements, making it easier to access videos on the go.
• It incorporates the features and functionality you’ve come to expect from the .com site, like search query suggestions, the options to create playlists,the ability to designate “favorite,” “like,” or “unlike” videos directly from your device.
• As we make improvements to Youtube.com, you’ll see them quickly follow on our mobile site, unlike native apps which are not updated as frequently.

As the world continues to go mobile, we think this is a great improvement for users who want a more consistent YouTube across many devices, no matter where they are. We're launching in English only today, but will be rolling it out in other languages in the coming months. You can access the latest YouTube mobile site from your iPhone or Android browser. To learn more, visitm.youtube.com to check out the latest improvements and take a minute to watch this demo video:




Source Taken From:  Google Mobile Blog

YouTube Video Used To Catch Illegal Snake Handler

A YouTube video has been used as evidence in an investigation involving a licensed snake-handler accused of illegally releasing captured snakes.

Sunshine Coast snake catcher, David Dixon Jolly, 72, pleaded guilty to 62 charges concerning the illegal treatment of snakes at Maroochydore Magistrates Court yesterday after being confronted in court with clips from the online video sharing site.

The crime could cost him up to $7500 Aud in fines.

According to Australian laws, upon capturing a snake, a snake-handler should release captured snakes in a suitable habitat somewhere close to the location it was found.

The authorities became aware of Jolly's actions after seeing YouTube footage of him and two associates capturing and releasing snakes on the Sunshine Coast.

Annastacia Palazczuk, the acting climate change minister for Queensland, said: “Registered wildlife handlers with licences to capture or rehabilitate injured wildlife have a fundamental responsibility to care for native wildlife in their care and to abide by the highest standards of their industry.”