MOD Info
Speaking of SmartTube, I believe many friends have it installed on their TVs at home. This is a very easy-to-use third-party YouTube client, specially built for smart TVs. It can watch YouTube videos in high definition and smoothly, and supports Background playback and picture-in-picture functions. SmartTube Next Beta is the test version of this software, where all new features can be experienced first.
SmartTube Next Beta Highlights
1. Taking video resources as the main body, it provides a rich and diverse video content.
2. The interface is simple and easy to operate, and you can quickly find the video you want.
3. The video playback quality is high, allowing users to enjoy a high-definition and smooth viewing experience.
SmartTube Next Beta features
Adblocking
SmartTube does not show any ad banners, preroll ads or ad intermissions. It not just tries to prevent them, it is literally programmed to be completely unable to display any ads, so YouTube cannot slip anything in. This also means you cannot allow ads or whitelist channels. Some YouTube channels include sponsored messages in their videos, these can also be skipped, see SponsorBlock below.
SponsorBlock
SmartTube includes a SponsorBlock integration. From the SponsorBlock website:
SponsorBlock is an open-source crowdsourced browser extension and open API for skipping sponsor segments in YouTube videos. [...] the extension automatically skips sponsors it knows about using a privacy preserving query system. It also supports skipping other categories, such as intros , outros and reminders to subscribe [and non-music parts in music videos].
You can select which categories you want to skip in the settings. Unlike the browser addon, in SmartTube you cannot submit new segments (TVs and TV remotes aren't great devices for such precise operations). Note that SponsorBlock is a free and voluntary project based on user submissions, so don't expect it to 100% work every time. Sometimes, sponsor segments are not yet submitted to the database, sometimes the SponsorBlock servers are offline/overloaded.
Casting
To cast videos from your phone (or other devices), you must link that device to your TV. Unlike the original YouTube app, SmartTube does not automatically show up when you are in the same wifi network. How to link your smartphone and TV:
open SmartTube and go to settings
go to "Remote control" (2nd option)
open your YouTube app on your phone, go to settings > General > watch on TV
click on connect using TV-code and enter the code from your TV
Screenshot guide
Due to technical limitations, you need to open the app on the TV before casting; SmartTube cannot automatically wake up the TV.
Picture-in-Picture (PiP)
SmartTube supports playing videos in PiP mode. This needs to be enabled under Settings > General > Background playback > Picture in picture. The video will go into PiP mode when you press home while playing a video, and also when you press back if enabled in Settings > General > Background playback (activation).
Adjust Speed
You can adjust the playback speed pressing the speed-indicator icon (gauge) in the top row of the player. This is remembered across videos. Some speeds may case frame drops, this is a known issue.
Voice Search
To enable global voice search, an additional app must be installed alongside SmartTube. This bridge app can intercept the System's attempts to open the original YouTube app and open SmartTube instead. For this to work, you must uninstall the original YouTube app. We know this sucks, but you can always reinstall it if you change your mind. The bridge app will not show up in your launcher and you cannot launch it directly; it is only used internally by the system's voice search. On some devices, you need to explicitly say "Youtube" when searching (e.g. say "youtube cute cats" instead of just "cute cats").
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