Recently, Google has been focusing on enhancing the beta version of its Messages app, which is a messaging and RCS client preinstalled on various Android devices. Notably, there are signs that the YouTube Picture-in-Picture (PiP) player could be making a return. A tipster discovered references to the player in the beta version, indicating that Google might be preparing to reintroduce this feature. Previously, the PiP feature allowed users to watch YouTube videos seamlessly within the Messages app, offering convenience for multitasking.
However, in August last year, Google removed the mini-player functionality, leading to a less user-friendly experience when sharing videos. Although link previews are often found in chat apps, this change was a setback for users who valued the ability to keep conversations going while viewing content. The recent findings by application researcher and tipster AssembleDebug suggest that the PiP feature might soon be revived in the Messages app with an upcoming update. The beta version 20250319 includes several references to YouTube, which raises optimism about the feature’s return.
The tipster managed to activate the YouTube player through a related activity toggle, but this toggle remains unavailable to the majority of users, as Google has yet to enable the feature internally. While an exact timeline for when this feature might become available is still uncertain, the groundwork has been laid for its revival. The questions surrounding its initial removal linger, prompting curiosity among users. Additionally, the Messages app is expected to receive other new features, such as a media forwarding shortcut and the ability to unsend messages, both of which aim to enhance user experience and functionality.
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