Google-owned YouTube for Android has received a new feature for bezel-less smartphones. Dubbed as pinch-to-zoom, the feature allows users to change the aspect ratio from the traditional 16:9 to 18:9. The feature was initially available for the Pixel 2 XL, and now the company is rolling out it for other Android smartphones that feature 18:9 aspect ratio.
YouTube‘s pinch-to-zoom feature is now rolling out with the latest YouTube for Android update v12.44.52. So, from now on those who have purchased full-screen smartphones like the Galaxy S8, Galaxy Note 8 or Xiaomi Mi Mix 2 will now be able to crop videos on YouTube so that it fills up the entire screen.
Earlier, it has been seen that by zooming into an 18:9 aspect ratio, some parts of the YouTube video got cropped out. The app developers have been busy trying to optimise their products to make use of the extra display space and some manufacturers even had the feature in their customized UI. But with this feature, YouTube will make sure that all smartphones with taller aspect ratio get an immersive viewing experience on YouTube.
Earlier this month, YouTube had rolled out the feature for iOS. It was so obvious as the app was optimised for the iPhone X which also comes with an edge-to-edge display with a rather odd 19.5:9 aspect ratio. The update also added support for the 1440p resolution as the iPhone X comes with a Super Retina HD (1125×2436) display.
Youtube video playing on iPhone X
It is worth mentioning here that full-screen display is one of the most sought-after trends in 2017 for the smartphone industry. Companies like Samsung, Apple, and Google came out with their premium phones featuring an edge-to-edge bezel-less display with unusual aspect ratios this year and the list is growing every passing day.
For instance, OnePlus has recently joined the full-screen display squad with its much-awaited OnePlus 5T. Other manufacturers like Xiaomi, Honor, Vivo, and LG have also launched their full-screen display devices in India. Now, this pinch-to-zoom feature from YouTube seems to be very useful in coming days as we are expecting more devices to come with a bezel-less display.
The currently available YouTube application at the Play Store bears 12.44.53 as version number, so it seems the feature seems not be rolled out yet. We can expect it with the next update in the coming week. However, those who cannot wait for the official rollout can download the YouTube for Android version v12.44.52 from APKMirror.
