YouTube Leanback makes watching videos even easier

The No. 1 video sharing site YouTube recently launched a new Adobe Flash-based feature aimed at making it easier for users to watch videos online. The feature is powered by a new beta service that is able to stream videos continuously.

Google has continued to try and find ways to monetize YouTube, but the site's large viewership still hasn't translated to higher profits for Google.  Finally beginning to understand it's a nuisance to search for new videos after one ends, Leanback is a continuous video play feature that is designed to be easy to use, effective, and functional.

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Image courtesy of AC-Investor

Leanback requires just a few buttons, with a focus on the arrow keys and enter key -- assuming you've already found the video you want to watch.  A mouse isn't necessary, making it an even more ideal solution for living room use.

"YouTube is all about letting you sit back, relax and be entertained," YouTube said in a blog post.  "Videos tailored to your interests play as soon as you visit the site and they play in full screen and high definition, continuously."

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The YouTube Leanback feature is currently in beta, and all visitors are welcome to try the service.

After a quick test of the service, it's fairly easy to use and returns results the same way as YouTube.  It's a full-window screen and videos shown are based on YouTube settings and preferences -- so a YouTube account is necessary -- but after messing about for a while, I think it's a service I will use in the future.  Using the arrow keys is extremely easy, though it may take some getting used to, but I was able to navigate the site immediately without too much confusion.

Google didn't say anything about YouTube Leanback being used with set-top boxes, but it's a realistic possibility it could become a streaming service in the living room.  I'm curious to see how this works when Google TV makes its entrance in the future.

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