Xiaomi has introduced that it’s eradicating a well-liked characteristic which allowed customers to run YouTube movies within the background. YouTube Premium customers, who pay for ad-free streaming, can play YouTube movies over different functions in a picture-in-picture (PiP) mode or simply the audio within the background with out the video. Nonetheless, this Xiaomi characteristic allowed customers to realize the identical performance without spending a dime. This transfer comes at a time when YouTube is cracking down on a number of third-party apps and options which presumably have an effect on their paying person rely.

The agency introduced by way of a Telegram channel post that it’ll take away the Play video sound with display screen off characteristic within the Video toolbox and the Flip-off display screen characteristic within the Sport toolbox by way of over-the-air updates. Though Xiaomi doesn’t specify what compelled it to take away these standard options, the publish states that the transfer is “as a result of compliance necessities.”

Notably, the motion comes months after YouTube has been making an attempt to push extra folks in the direction of subscribing to YouTube Premium. It has tried to curb the usage of advert blockers by slowing down video playback velocity for customers with advert blockers and making skipping advertisements considerably tougher.

Xiaomi confirmed that this resolution will have an effect on all smartphones operating MIUI 12, MIUI 13, MIUI 14, and the newly launched HyperOS, together with Xiaomi 14,  Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro, and Xiaomi 12T. Notably, Xiaomi introduced the characteristic to assist video playback with out the display screen being energetic with its MIUI 12 replace in 2021.

A current report claimed that YouTube could also be rolling out PiP mode for non-Premium customers outdoors the US. However the firm has not confirmed any such strikes. Paying YouTube Premium subscribers utilizing the Xiaomi fashions affected by the native characteristic elimination, ought to nonetheless have the ability to use YouTube movies on PiP or background participant mode.