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| Photo: Collected |
Summary:
Independent developer Christian Selig has introduced Juno, a third-party YouTube viewer priced at $4.99, specifically tailored for Apple Vision Pro. This initiative comes as Google's YouTube opts out of creating a native app for Vision Pro, leaving users dependent on the Safari browser. Selig, known for the Apollo reader app for Reddit, expressed disappointment over YouTube's decision and developed Juno to provide an alternative to the browser experience. However, neither Juno nor the web version of YouTube currently supports Vision Pro's 360 and 3D video capabilities. The uncertainty remains regarding when YouTube will release a dedicated app for Vision Pro, as Apple works on contributing to W3C web standards, including WebXR, to fully integrate with Vision Pro's capabilities. Juno is positioned as an improved alternative to the browser interface, reflecting Selig's commitment to enhancing the user experience on Apple Vision Pro.
Index:
- Google's YouTube opts out of creating a native app for Apple Vision Pro, leaving users dependent on Safari.
- Independent developer Christian Selig addresses the gap with Juno, a third-party YouTube viewer for Apple Vision Pro, priced at $4.99.
- Juno is now available on the Apple Vision Pro App Store, offering an alternative to the browser experience for YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix.
- Selig expresses disappointment over YouTube's decision and cites the suboptimal experience of using YouTube through Safari on Apple Vision Pro.
- Neither Juno nor the web version of YouTube currently supports Vision Pro's 360 and 3D video capabilities.
- Apple attributes this limitation to content optimization and emphasizes its focus on delivering top-notch spatial media experiences.
- Uncertainty remains regarding when YouTube will release a dedicated app for Vision Pro, as Apple contributes to WebXR and W3C web standards.
- Juno is positioned as an improved alternative to the browser interface, leveraging Selig's experience with Apollo's code.
- Selig acknowledges the uniqueness of Google apps in diverging from iOS system UI norms.
- Juno emerges as a testament to Selig's determination to enhance the user experience on Apple Vision Pro despite the absence of an official YouTube app.
Independent Developer Introduces Juno, a Third-Party YouTube Viewer for Apple Vision Pro Amid Google's App Absence
In a notable development, Google's YouTube opts out of crafting a native app for Apple Vision Pro, leaving users reliant on the Safari browser for accessing popular streaming services like YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix on the new platform.
Addressing the gap, independent developer Christian Selig steps in with Juno, a third-party alternative YouTube viewer tailored for Apple Vision Pro. The app, priced at $4.99, is now accessible on the Apple Vision Pro App Store, providing users with an alternative to the browser experience.
Selig, known for his earlier work on the Apollo reader app for Reddit, expressed disappointment over YouTube's decision not to create a visionOS app. In a blog post, he shared his motivation behind developing Juno, citing the suboptimal experience of using YouTube through Safari on Apple Vision Pro.
Historically, YouTube and its parent company, Google, have taken considerable time to integrate new Apple features, making it uncertain when a dedicated YouTube app will be available for the Vision Pro. Meanwhile, developer Christian Selig has introduced "Juno," an alternative app for watching YouTube on the Vision Pro. Alternatively, users can access YouTube videos through the Safari browser.
It's important to note that neither Juno nor the web version of YouTube currently supports Vision Pro's capability to view 360 and 3D videos. Apple attributes this limitation to the content being optimized for devices that don't offer a high-quality spatial experience and may induce motion discomfort. Apple emphasizes its focus on delivering top-notch spatial media experiences, including spatial photos and videos, Apple Immersive Video, and 3D movies on Apple TV.
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| Photo: Collected |
The uncertainty remains regarding whether YouTube's future app will support its 3D content. Apple has hinted at ongoing efforts to support WebXR content, which might eventually enable viewing YouTube VR videos through Safari. However, the current state of WebXR does not fully capitalize on the capabilities of Apple Vision Pro and visionOS. Apple is actively contributing to W3C web standards, including WebXR, but the full integration with Vision Pro's capabilities is still in progress.
Reflecting on the development process, Selig mentioned leveraging his experience with Apollo's code and his understanding of YouTube's functionality. While Juno may not replicate a perfectly native visionOS app, Selig emphasizes its superiority over the browser interface and acknowledges the uniqueness of Google apps in diverging from iOS system UI norms.
This move follows Selig's prior venture with Apollo, which faced closure in 2023 due to new fees imposed by Reddit, rendering the operation of the reader app economically unviable. Juno emerges as a testament to Selig's ingenuity and determination to enhance the user experience on Apple Vision Pro despite the absence of an official YouTube app.