Posted on June 3, 2009 by by jr

Google has released a new version of their popular video web site that attempts to bring internet video directly in to the lounge room – YouTube XL

The new product is a radical redesign of their web page interface that has been specifically designed to work with game & video consoles. It still requires HTML and Flash capability, but is squarely aimed at devices such as the Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstation 3. Depending on the capability of the target device and bandwidth available it will display HD video where possible.

Whilst the Apple TV has had this capability for a while, it appears that Google intends to compete aggressively against other similar new products that are all muscling in and attempting to carve out market share for themselves. These include the open source Boxee and recently released Hulu desktop (US). At present the layout and videos appear devoid of any advertising, however it is highly likely that once the product starts to get a following (and moves out of the usual Google “beta” phasing), targeted advertising will probably be a certainty.

YouTube XL is obviously attempting to move Google Corporation in to the lucrative home entertainment market, starting by serving up their massive collection of (free) YouTube videos. Surprisingly there is a lot of good quality content available on YouTube if you are prepared to go looking for it. It is only a short technological step from this point to being in a position to compete with full subscription and pay per view services such as those offered by cable companies,  Netflix Online (US) or our own Foxtel/Austar or Selectv satellite services. This will either spell the ultimate end of traditional cable/satellite services or they will be forced to innovate to compete.

The new Google YouTube XL is available now via the following URL: www.youtube.com/xl

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